A JOYFUL CHURCH (1 OF 5)
by Jerry Watts
Scripture: Nehemiah 8:10, Galatians 5:22, Psalms 51:1-19
This content is part of a series.
A Joyful Church (1 of 5)
Series: A J.E.S.U.S. Church
Jerry Watts
Nehemiah 8:10 / Galatians 5:22 / Psalms 51
This morning, let's begin with a couple of rhetorical questions (we may meet in a different format at a later time to answer these important questions, but today I ask them rhetorically): What do you dream for this church family? Does your DREAM for this church cause you to pray?
A Caveat: If you ever hear your pastor refer to this church as ''OUR CHURCH'', you will know that I have made a slip up and you are free to bring it to my attention. Why? Because of my deep conviction that any church, if it is a real-gospel-spiritual-church, is not ''OURS'', it's HIS. If we, even anecdotally, refer to it as OURS because- somehow, we, as human beings, find a way to make our words become fact. Neither you nor I want to hijack our Lord's church. (Now, back to the 2 questions).
If you have no hopes and dreams for God's church, what does that say? Jesus was forever discipling, commissioning, and sending people out because the Father had given Him that assignment. Then Jesus passed the assignment on to us. (John 20:21).
Last week, the Deacon's and I had a brief, but very insightful discussion about this very thing and it was good.
The one word that surfaced in that group was ''Home''. Think about that. (Buble - Veterans) Home is the place you are so comfortable that you are at peace, it's like a haven. Additionally, home is where you learn, grow, love, have fun, and even leave for a while to do whatever it is you do.
Consider this with me, as I think the men and I did last week; How good, no how great would it be that would someone, anyone, walked in the door, because of the atmosphere and environment, they felt at home and never wanted to leave because here, they find what they need, they find a joyful and welcoming people, they find the presence of the Holy Spirit of God, and they find a J.E.S.U.S church.
For the next five weeks, we are goi ...
Series: A J.E.S.U.S. Church
Jerry Watts
Nehemiah 8:10 / Galatians 5:22 / Psalms 51
This morning, let's begin with a couple of rhetorical questions (we may meet in a different format at a later time to answer these important questions, but today I ask them rhetorically): What do you dream for this church family? Does your DREAM for this church cause you to pray?
A Caveat: If you ever hear your pastor refer to this church as ''OUR CHURCH'', you will know that I have made a slip up and you are free to bring it to my attention. Why? Because of my deep conviction that any church, if it is a real-gospel-spiritual-church, is not ''OURS'', it's HIS. If we, even anecdotally, refer to it as OURS because- somehow, we, as human beings, find a way to make our words become fact. Neither you nor I want to hijack our Lord's church. (Now, back to the 2 questions).
If you have no hopes and dreams for God's church, what does that say? Jesus was forever discipling, commissioning, and sending people out because the Father had given Him that assignment. Then Jesus passed the assignment on to us. (John 20:21).
Last week, the Deacon's and I had a brief, but very insightful discussion about this very thing and it was good.
The one word that surfaced in that group was ''Home''. Think about that. (Buble - Veterans) Home is the place you are so comfortable that you are at peace, it's like a haven. Additionally, home is where you learn, grow, love, have fun, and even leave for a while to do whatever it is you do.
Consider this with me, as I think the men and I did last week; How good, no how great would it be that would someone, anyone, walked in the door, because of the atmosphere and environment, they felt at home and never wanted to leave because here, they find what they need, they find a joyful and welcoming people, they find the presence of the Holy Spirit of God, and they find a J.E.S.U.S church.
For the next five weeks, we are goi ...
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