Beautiful church
Pure and Humble
Our thoughts,...
A faithful church is the most beautiful experience we are blessed to receive in this life, and it becomes the home of the soul, where the truth, family, forgiveness, healing, purpose, and growth flourish. Each humble to the other, like-minded in “the common salvation once and for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). We are building on what unites us, thoughtful and selfless. We work together in equality, “bearing each other's burdens” (Gal. 6:2). Discerning right from wrong, we cultivate what is decent and righteous (Titus 2:11-12). We have concern for one another. We remain in friendship and fellowship each day. Our children create together, and our teens grow like-minded. Our young adults endeavour careers for the gospel cause. Our elders and seniors are honoured as we submit to their Scriptural council. We facilitate impetus setting goals for families. We are mindful in service to our widows and single mothers. We practice benevolence and are always eager to evangelize. We are mission-minded and consistently seek opportunities to help from the little we have. We generate contacts and active studies with neighbours. We've seen God reach the faithless, renew the fallen, and reinforce the faithful. We've seen our Lord save souls and add them to His church (Acts 2:38, 41, 47). We’ve been joyful to have some of the most loving supporters who willingly give of their means to help expedite the labour. We are a faithful church created by the penmanship of the Holy Spirit. We've been blessed to witness its existence and will never look back; Christ is our King.
Sadly, corruption has been allowed to overtake and devour many congregations away from the Love of Christ. Notoriety, image, self-interest, and church politics are reasons some brethren tend to look the other way and shame themselves by supporting bold-faced liars and divisive cogitators behind the pulpit; it seems "good" for them on a resume and lectureship circuit, it generates money which is the ultimate goal-pride of power-hungry slanderers. These types are psychological manipulators, twisted deceivers who only seek their ambitious gains. They are ego-driven brutes and cunning snake oil salesmen. Such deceit is not the way of Christ, but evil workers certainly put on a good show to make us believe it is. Such devious practices are not the pattern of Love we know our Lord Jesus to command. Identify the fruit (Mt. 7:16), mark them, and avoid them at all costs (Rom. 16:17-18).
Here is the inspired model to imitate; "Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy; it does not boast; it is not proud. It does not dishonour others; it is not self-seeking; it is not easily angered; it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails." - Paul.
May we be the church Christ built, His bride pure and lovely, faithful and productive, filled with life and hope? Most assuredly.
Dear friends, be mindful of engaging due diligence when investigating the truth; learn to discern before being overtaken by cunning wolves; they masquerade as angels of light.
Your servant,
SM