Review:

  • The Journey: 1-A new, or renewed attitude about our church, 2-Our church will begin to change.
  • God placed us in churches to serve, to care for others, to pray for leaders, to learn, to teach, to give, and, in some cases, to die for the sake of the gospel.
  • We are all necessary parts of the whole; we are different but we still work together.
  • Everything we say and do is based on a Biblical foundation of love.
  • I will serve. I will evangelize. I will study. I will seek to be a blessing to others.
  • I will be a unifying church member. I will not be a source of gossip or dissension.

Q: How is forgiveness related to unity in the local church? What does the Bible say about forgiving one another?

A: Forgiveness is necessary in order for the church to have unity. Unforgiving hearts, anger, and hurt, separates us from one another. Col. 3:12-13 ~ “Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive.”

Today’s Devotion: Chapter 3 – I Will Not Let My Church Be about My Preferences and Desires

The Servant Motif  Jesus said we must be last of all and servant of all. After he became a Christian, the apostle Paul declared, “I was made a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of His power” (Eph. 3:7). We will never find joy in church membership when we are constantly seeking things our way. But paradoxically, we will find the greatest joy when we choose to be last.

The Mind of Christ  Let’s read Philippians 2:5-11. What we just read is not only a description of the obedience of Christ; it is an example for us to follow.

The Third Pledge  I am a church member. I will not let my church be about my preferences and desires. I am a member in this church to serve others and to serve Christ.

Question: Show from key Bible verses the difference between church membership and country club membership from the perspective of personal preferences and desires. (You can answer this individually, or take time together as a family) Let’s be ready to share with each other next Sunday. 

Next week >>> Chapter 4 – I Will Pray for My Church Leaders

Let’s pray: Holy Spirit, we sincerely need You to stay true and committed to these pledges that we are professing. We cannot follow through without strength, wisdom, and guidance that only You can give. We desire to be obedient, and to be servants, looking to Jesus as He was the perfect example for us to follow. Show us where we need to change, and help us to make those changes so that You may be glorified, and we can be unified in the church. We lay every care, burden, and unspoken request before you today. Thank You for being faithful, and never changing, in a world that is so broken. May we be used to share the Gospel to others. And may Your Holy Spirit draw them closer to the salvation that You’ve provided for all. We love You and we praise You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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