I'm participating in Lisa-Jo's meme, 5 minute Friday. She chooses a word and we have 5 minutes to write our thoughts. No back tracking or fancying it up, just 5 minutes of writing our heart. Would you like to join us? Link up at Lisa-Jo Baker: tales from a Gypsy Mama
JOIN
Maybe it is because I've been a church secretary for 16 years, but my first thought upon seeing the word "join" is in conjunction with joining the church.
Uniting with a body of believers is a big deal. Of course, when we accept Christ as our personal Savior, we become a part of the church universal - that great body of believers for whom Christ is one day returning. I believe we are also called to join a group of local believers.
I think we are meant to do life with one another. There is a reason Hebrews 10:25 is in the bible.
"And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works, not staying away from our worship meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25 HCSB
It's important for our growth to bond with other believers. We hold each other accountable, pray for one another, exhort one another, and be as family. When one hurts, we all hurt. When one rejoices, we all rejoice. When one has a need, we use our resources to reach out to help.
One of my churches has a covenant form to sign when joining the church.
A covenant is a sacred promise.
This covenant states that we support the church with our prayers, our finances and our attendance. One other thing is listed - covenanting to support the church with our actions. Always lifting up the church with our words by speaking well of the pastor and of the leadership.
STOP
Hi Jerralea! I'm visiting from 5 Minute Fridays! I work at a church as well, and my mind went to church when I thought of "join" (although that's not exactly what I wrote about). I think it's so true that we are to join our local body of church and support each other there. Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend!
ReplyDelete-Hannah, www.simplyaddcoffee.com
Oh yes, we were both thinking the same thing when we saw the word JOIN. I also used that same verse of Scripture. Too many people think they can go it alone. I do not believe we were ever meant to live the Christian life alone. We are a body of believers and we need each other. I have received so much encouragement and love from my church family. And I also have to add that I've loved getting to know many Christian bloggers from all over the world.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by Heart Choices today.
Blessings and love,
Debbie