| Churches all across our nation, indeed, across the world, ours included, have sought ways to evangelize their neighborhoods, communities and cities for many generations. Jesus’ immortal words, “go into the entire world and preach the gospel to all creation,” still ring in our ears and we do all within our, limited, power to do just that.
As we begin 2014, let me encourage each of you to take advantage of the unique situation that we find ourselves in here at Friendly Avenue. In addition to going out to spread the word of God; on any given Sunday, we have 2 to 4 new visitors in our midst, (that’s an average of 156 per year) I venture to say that these people are seeking something that is God related and they come, believing, they may find it at our church, why else would they come? I further believe that God wants to use us to supply all seekers with what they are looking for, be it an experience with God, truth, fellowship, a place to worship, a church family, or something else that is related to God. Whatever it is I believe He, via us, can and will supply their core need. However, to be used by God in this manner, we must try with all our heart to be the men and women that God wants us to be. We love God as David loved God and then we must love one another as Christ loved us. In addition, we must also resolve ourselves to pray for one another, forgive one another, live in harmony with one another and honor one another above ourselves. If strive toward these ideals, God will, then, draw to us bless us by allowing our words to penetrate the heart of our visitor’s, more importantly, I believe they will see the love of God in each of us. To do otherwise would be tantamount to being “a house divided against itself…” and we all know that “a house divided against itself cannot stand.” With that in mind, we encourage you to continue being, sincerely, hospitable, open and friendly to our visitors as well to one another. As we “Pray To Be In The Will of God” in 2014, be obedient to Him, and tell others about Him. Ask God to help you let go of your fears and apprehensions, reach out to His people, i.e., your brothers & sisters. Call them when they’re sick, send them a card, visit them in the hospital, show them that you care about them, even if you don’t feel like it, do it anyway. Do some play acting until you feel like doing it without the play acting. Pray for one another, at least once a week and I mean sincerely pray for one another, even the ones you don’t like. Commit yourself to God and His teachings and as far as it depends on you live at peace with everyone and make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. |