The Message

Excellent questions by Pastor James Bell!

——

“What would this church become if everyone contributed the way I do?”

Would the church be friendlier?

Would guests be welcomed?

Would children be discipled?

Would lonely people be noticed?

Would ministries be strengthened?

Would burdens be shared?

Would prayer increase?

Would encouragement multiply?

Would the pastors be refreshed?

Would the church be healthier?

That question is uncomfortable because it turns the conversation inward.

It is easy to talk about what “the church” should do.

It is harder to remember that, we are the church.

There is no mysterious group of people somewhere else who are supposed to create community for us.

The church becomes loving as its people practice love.

The church becomes welcoming as its people welcome.

The church becomes generous as its people give.

The church becomes deep as its people pursue maturity.

The church becomes faithful as its people remain faithful.

At some point, the community we are looking for will require the contribution we have been withholding.

Genesis 18:19
"For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.”