1.We are faith-filled, constantly learning, not scared-risk taking BELIEVERS. We’ll never insult God with small thinking or by wanting to just stay comfortable. We will follow the Voice of the Holy Spirit.
2.We are all about the KINGDOM! Praying, investing in missions,other churches and ministries in the U.S.. The local church is the STILL the hope of the world and we know we can accomplish more together than apart.
3.We are spiritual contributors not spiritual consumers. The church does not exist just for us. We are the church and we are to be Jesus with flesh on.
4.We guar·an·tee an atmosphere of Love, Acceptance and Forgiveness.We refuse to live life offended, critical or judgemental. We operate in an environment of Grace. No need to hide your faults, we all have scars.
5. You will not be embarressed to invite your friends. We will serve with our best effort and highest quality in areas of music and teaching. We don't thrive to impress, but transform lives.
6.We will lead the way with generosity. We believe it is more blessed to give than to receive. When we love the least, lost and lonely people of our community, we are loving like Jesus.
7.We will laugh hard, Praise Loud and use our God given gifts of creativity. Nothing is more fun than serving God with people you love! We believe it is a sin for church to be boring or sux.
8 .We will be known for what we are for, not what we’re against. There are already enough jerks in the world.
9. We will create a culture of Honor. We search out the good in people and celebrate who they are without tripping over who they are not yet. NO PERFECT PEOPLE ALLOWED.
10. We refuse to become a Social or Country club. You don't have to be rich, white or old to be used by God or feel like you fit in.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Has your church become the K-Mart of your city?
Last night i went to one of my most dread full places. K-Mart. I don;t know about yours but ours is a less than desirable experience. Here are some traits i noticed about our K-Mart that i also see in some churches and if we are not careful could lead to a downward spin.
1.Our K-Mart has a depressing vibe. no door greeters like walmart ( they stole that idea straight from the church). No energy. You will never catch a college aged kid in Kmart. All the college kids go to walmart and target. The toy dept. was hopping 20 yrs ago, now hardly no kids in the entire store.I can remember several stores having deli counters.
2. Employee Unhappiness- most of the employees looked like this was the last place they wanted to be. No one cheerful, very understaffed - saw less than 6 workers for a huge store.You never see the same employee twice because when you go back, they have already moved onto a better job. Churches often hire low quality, bad attitude people with the excuse that is all they can afford.
3.Dirty floors and bathroom- Its easier to sneak into the local jail than trying to find the restroom. Remember the God awful- please buzz me in so I can pee. Most public areas like churches, stores and even schools need to be updated every 10 years or so. Ever seen some 30 yr old shag carpet in church.
4. Merchandise out of date- Have seen many of the boxes have dust all on them because they have set on the shelf for years. If an item in walmart doesn't sell, they discount it or throw it away. How many times do we see old junk laying around our churches. We are still funding old programs that don't work.
5. No long range vision- the main business decision between walmart and Kmart that may tell of the quality of leadership. Walmart now buys land and build its own stores. Our Kmart has leased its present location for @ 30 years. Many stores are now in the abandoned bad parts of town. Many neighborhood churches built in the 70s are now stuck in declining value and appearance neighborhoods.
6. Blame Game- too often churches that were successful in the 70s, 80s, keep doing what worked then and now that their program is no longer working, they accuse other churches of being seeker sensitive sellouts. wonder if Kmart hates walmart and target instead of looking at how they can improve their stores, customer service, appeal to younger shoppers.
7. low quality merchandise.- the electronics dept. and sport dept. are one step above flea market brands. Churches use the excuse of low funds to bless low effort. We have seen some jacked up sound booths and churches using 30 yr.old sound equipment.
Many pastors can go to a hopping church and just say i want to copy and duplicate everything and hijack someone else's vision with out knowing the why behind the how.God has given the church commandments and commissions yet He gives unique visions and qualities.
1.Our K-Mart has a depressing vibe. no door greeters like walmart ( they stole that idea straight from the church). No energy. You will never catch a college aged kid in Kmart. All the college kids go to walmart and target. The toy dept. was hopping 20 yrs ago, now hardly no kids in the entire store.I can remember several stores having deli counters.
2. Employee Unhappiness- most of the employees looked like this was the last place they wanted to be. No one cheerful, very understaffed - saw less than 6 workers for a huge store.You never see the same employee twice because when you go back, they have already moved onto a better job. Churches often hire low quality, bad attitude people with the excuse that is all they can afford.
3.Dirty floors and bathroom- Its easier to sneak into the local jail than trying to find the restroom. Remember the God awful- please buzz me in so I can pee. Most public areas like churches, stores and even schools need to be updated every 10 years or so. Ever seen some 30 yr old shag carpet in church.
4. Merchandise out of date- Have seen many of the boxes have dust all on them because they have set on the shelf for years. If an item in walmart doesn't sell, they discount it or throw it away. How many times do we see old junk laying around our churches. We are still funding old programs that don't work.
5. No long range vision- the main business decision between walmart and Kmart that may tell of the quality of leadership. Walmart now buys land and build its own stores. Our Kmart has leased its present location for @ 30 years. Many stores are now in the abandoned bad parts of town. Many neighborhood churches built in the 70s are now stuck in declining value and appearance neighborhoods.
6. Blame Game- too often churches that were successful in the 70s, 80s, keep doing what worked then and now that their program is no longer working, they accuse other churches of being seeker sensitive sellouts. wonder if Kmart hates walmart and target instead of looking at how they can improve their stores, customer service, appeal to younger shoppers.
7. low quality merchandise.- the electronics dept. and sport dept. are one step above flea market brands. Churches use the excuse of low funds to bless low effort. We have seen some jacked up sound booths and churches using 30 yr.old sound equipment.
Many pastors can go to a hopping church and just say i want to copy and duplicate everything and hijack someone else's vision with out knowing the why behind the how.God has given the church commandments and commissions yet He gives unique visions and qualities.
Friday, April 1, 2011
5 Prophecies for Restoration
March 31, 2011 at 11:27pm
I wanted to write down several "messages of Prophecies" we have received recently in order to help establish a guide for prayer and to encourage all believers, not just those who attend @rcauburn that we serve a God who still speaks.
In the Christian New Testament, prophecy is referred to as one of the Spiritual gifts given by the indwelling Holy Spirit. From this, many Christians believe that the gift of prophecy is the supernatural ability to receive and convey a message from God Jesus Christ. The purpose of the message may be to "edify, exhort and comfort" the members of the Church or warn of coming change or danger. Such messages typically involve divine inspiration, interpretation, or revelation of conditioned events to come.In this context, not all prophecies contain predictions about the future. The Apostle Paul also teaches in First Corinthians that prophecy is for the benefit of the whole Church and not just the individual exercising the gift.[1 Cor. 14:22] the task of prophetic (christian) ministry is to nurture, nourish and evoke a consciousness and perception alternative to the reality we see in the flesh of the dominant culture around us.While a word given does not always make it automatic, but it is Gods way of coming into agreement with men. As in "if u will be faithful to my commands- this will be your reward." Pentecostals believe prophecy and certain other gifts are once again being given to Christians. The Charismatic Movement, which began to move into mainline denominations, also accepts Spiritual gifts like "speaking in tongues" and new forms of prophecy.
Many evangelical churches make room for prophecy, but it is generally accepted that all prophecy should be tested against Scripture to determine if God is truly its Source (since Holy Scripture warns about false Christs who would rise up to deceive many)act 1:8 but you shall receive power after the holy spirit
If you have never seen a prophetic word given in person, I encourage you to go to my youtube page http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5yyg2ivNjE&feature=related to see and hear the prophecy concerning the birth of our daughter.
Recently while in service with Pastor Darlene Bishop, Judy Jacobs we recieved a few words.
1. Nicoles singing ministry would be revived and while she may have seemed forgotten about and no longer using that ministry as much outside of rcauburn it would be brought back.
2. Restoration church would find favor with people of influence who would financially invest the Kingdom. It seemed as though its people that are not presently attending rcauburn and when they first attend they may be stand offish or skeptical but would be moved by the move of the Holy Spirit, their heart and life changed and would be generous in helping us reach a new level of fullfilling Gods call and vision for Rc to help the hurting, encourage families, strengthen marriages, invest in other churchplants and missions.
3. Was a word to encourage us to step out in faith and whatever we are believing for (the desire to see our church grow, reach more people, obtain a new building) that He would be our bottom.( He has got our backside,lol.) That we would not fail.
4. I received a 2nd conformation of a word given before we started Rc that the ministry would be known for physical healings taking place.
5. Lastly, we received a word (before we started the church) that revival would come to Rc much like "a bag of popcorn" by a minister in South Carolina. That although it has a time before anything happens, we would start to see a few miracles happen and in a short burst we would experience an explosion of miracles.
This is only to brag on the goodnes of God, not man.It is in no way intended to elevate Rc as special. All churches have a destiny and God desires to move in all churches. Many times the leadership of a church knows about certain words given concerning the future of the church, but we keep them to ourselves out of embarresment or fear that they may not come to pass. This is just a way to acknowledge the present day move of God and declare and decree that we desire His will for Rc to come to pass.
I wanted to write down several "messages of Prophecies" we have received recently in order to help establish a guide for prayer and to encourage all believers, not just those who attend @rcauburn that we serve a God who still speaks.
In the Christian New Testament, prophecy is referred to as one of the Spiritual gifts given by the indwelling Holy Spirit. From this, many Christians believe that the gift of prophecy is the supernatural ability to receive and convey a message from God Jesus Christ. The purpose of the message may be to "edify, exhort and comfort" the members of the Church or warn of coming change or danger. Such messages typically involve divine inspiration, interpretation, or revelation of conditioned events to come.In this context, not all prophecies contain predictions about the future. The Apostle Paul also teaches in First Corinthians that prophecy is for the benefit of the whole Church and not just the individual exercising the gift.[1 Cor. 14:22] the task of prophetic (christian) ministry is to nurture, nourish and evoke a consciousness and perception alternative to the reality we see in the flesh of the dominant culture around us.While a word given does not always make it automatic, but it is Gods way of coming into agreement with men. As in "if u will be faithful to my commands- this will be your reward." Pentecostals believe prophecy and certain other gifts are once again being given to Christians. The Charismatic Movement, which began to move into mainline denominations, also accepts Spiritual gifts like "speaking in tongues" and new forms of prophecy.
Many evangelical churches make room for prophecy, but it is generally accepted that all prophecy should be tested against Scripture to determine if God is truly its Source (since Holy Scripture warns about false Christs who would rise up to deceive many)act 1:8 but you shall receive power after the holy spirit
If you have never seen a prophetic word given in person, I encourage you to go to my youtube page http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5yyg2ivNjE&feature=related to see and hear the prophecy concerning the birth of our daughter.
Recently while in service with Pastor Darlene Bishop, Judy Jacobs we recieved a few words.
1. Nicoles singing ministry would be revived and while she may have seemed forgotten about and no longer using that ministry as much outside of rcauburn it would be brought back.
2. Restoration church would find favor with people of influence who would financially invest the Kingdom. It seemed as though its people that are not presently attending rcauburn and when they first attend they may be stand offish or skeptical but would be moved by the move of the Holy Spirit, their heart and life changed and would be generous in helping us reach a new level of fullfilling Gods call and vision for Rc to help the hurting, encourage families, strengthen marriages, invest in other churchplants and missions.
3. Was a word to encourage us to step out in faith and whatever we are believing for (the desire to see our church grow, reach more people, obtain a new building) that He would be our bottom.( He has got our backside,lol.) That we would not fail.
4. I received a 2nd conformation of a word given before we started Rc that the ministry would be known for physical healings taking place.
5. Lastly, we received a word (before we started the church) that revival would come to Rc much like "a bag of popcorn" by a minister in South Carolina. That although it has a time before anything happens, we would start to see a few miracles happen and in a short burst we would experience an explosion of miracles.
This is only to brag on the goodnes of God, not man.It is in no way intended to elevate Rc as special. All churches have a destiny and God desires to move in all churches. Many times the leadership of a church knows about certain words given concerning the future of the church, but we keep them to ourselves out of embarresment or fear that they may not come to pass. This is just a way to acknowledge the present day move of God and declare and decree that we desire His will for Rc to come to pass.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Does the American Church have a labor union mentality?
Every church wants to be used by God, we want to be part of his work on earth, we want to be His hand extended. We want our churches to grow and experience revival among our cities. Yet we want it on our terms. We want God to bless us in familiar ways that are comfortable, in our comfort and gifting zone, no risk, so we can feel in complete control. We certainly don't want God to come in a way we don't understand or anyway that may embarrasses us. We also want maximum reward for the minimum effort. We want earth shaking revival but we are only willing to pray when its convenient and certainly don't ask us to fast ( isn't that only for spiritual fanatics). We only want to stay in service for no more than 75 minutes and Sunday nights and anything on a weeknight is out of the question( you know we have a social life to maintain and kids to turn into local sports heroes). We don't mind working for a few years but we want to continue to reap the benefits up to 30 years after our last serving the community outreach. We also want to be the only church in our area that gets to be used by God. Once in contract no other ministries or church plants are allowed in "our territory". Certainly God would never use another denomination than ours because we have a long history on being in charge.
o.k. no one is really foolish enough to admit this in public or out loud but we just rehearse it over in our mind. Can we really wonder why so few churches have any power in the name of the Lord?
o.k. no one is really foolish enough to admit this in public or out loud but we just rehearse it over in our mind. Can we really wonder why so few churches have any power in the name of the Lord?
money and churches
We at Restoration church are extremely blessed even though we are only 3 years old. It may be due to me being a frugile leader but mostly due to the geneoristy and spiritual maturity of our people. We started with nothing, no money and have never had any outside support from any denomination or church. Actually we started out of Nicoles and I's savings account and bought supplies, sound and ( my dad paid the church first month rent). 3 years later, we have a building which we remodeled (nearly $50k paid in cash) and God has blessed us so much more than we could have ever expected. All this during a recession while most churches are struggling.
USA Today: For 1st time since recession churches report drop in giving.
If you read this morning's USA Today, you saw our research on the front page-- the recession has caught up with America's churches. We released a story here and you can find the full details here.
Although the National Bureau of Economic Research has determined that the recession is over, a new LifeWay Research study is showing that after a moderate impact for two years, the recession is now significantly impacting local churches with 79% reporting the economy is hurting their ministries.
Scott McConnell explained, "Because many members give in direct proportion to their income, Protestant churches may be more impacted by unemployment and Social Security than the stock market. Until unemployment turns around, Protestant churches may continue to struggle financially."
But the report also revealed encouraging developments as well. Forty-nine percent of the churches surveyed reported that volunteering in the community has increased in the past year in comparison to previous years, and 47 percent of churches are spending more money to help the needy.(lifeway research)
Some of the most asked questions that I hear from pastors are asked around the subjects of budgeting, margin, saving, and when and how to make large purchases. (buildings, staff, etc.) I have to say that while studying the Bible this morning I was convicted on some of the teachings that I read concerning margin, saving, borrowing, and yes even co-signing or being a guarantor for others. My tendency at times when I read convicting scriptures is to pass it off as just a different time or to think that those principles just don’t work in today’s culture. So I want to share what God’s word has to say about these things and pray that you will allow God to speak to you through them. And yes, these apply to CHURCHES and PERSONAL FINANCES.
1.) SAVINGS and MARGIN – Proverbs 21:20 says “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling but a foolish man devours it.” likewise 1 Corinthians 16:2 says “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.” These verses are as clear as you can get. God’s word tells us to set aside money for saving and to create margin in our budget! I am amazed at pastors that have a “spend it all” mentality and call it faith.
2. Plan Before you Spend - One of the biggest questions on the minds of church planting pastors is this. “When should we build or buy?” Can you believe that the answer to that question is found in scripture? Contrary to Hollywood, build it and they will come, is not a wise mentality. Debt can handcuff you and your church. I’ve seen it happen.
Proverbs 24:27 says “Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, after that build your house.”
Luke 14:28-30 I must say that the overall context of this passage is about the “cost of discipleship” but the example that Jesus gave is insightful into Jesus’ perspective on spending. “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, “this man began to build and was not able to finish” WOW! I have personally seen churches who have done this very thing, began and couldn’t finish!
3.) Debt – Proverbs 22:7 “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” Romans 13:8 “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law” Don’t get mad at me, I’m just telling you what it says!
Also read Proverbs 22:26-27 and Proverbs 6:1-5 concerning putting up personal property as security for debt (If you are a pastor considering this, PLEASE READ THIS FIRST) and being a guarantor or co-signer.
(thechangegroup)
.
USA Today: For 1st time since recession churches report drop in giving.
If you read this morning's USA Today, you saw our research on the front page-- the recession has caught up with America's churches. We released a story here and you can find the full details here.
Although the National Bureau of Economic Research has determined that the recession is over, a new LifeWay Research study is showing that after a moderate impact for two years, the recession is now significantly impacting local churches with 79% reporting the economy is hurting their ministries.
Scott McConnell explained, "Because many members give in direct proportion to their income, Protestant churches may be more impacted by unemployment and Social Security than the stock market. Until unemployment turns around, Protestant churches may continue to struggle financially."
But the report also revealed encouraging developments as well. Forty-nine percent of the churches surveyed reported that volunteering in the community has increased in the past year in comparison to previous years, and 47 percent of churches are spending more money to help the needy.(lifeway research)
Some of the most asked questions that I hear from pastors are asked around the subjects of budgeting, margin, saving, and when and how to make large purchases. (buildings, staff, etc.) I have to say that while studying the Bible this morning I was convicted on some of the teachings that I read concerning margin, saving, borrowing, and yes even co-signing or being a guarantor for others. My tendency at times when I read convicting scriptures is to pass it off as just a different time or to think that those principles just don’t work in today’s culture. So I want to share what God’s word has to say about these things and pray that you will allow God to speak to you through them. And yes, these apply to CHURCHES and PERSONAL FINANCES.
1.) SAVINGS and MARGIN – Proverbs 21:20 says “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling but a foolish man devours it.” likewise 1 Corinthians 16:2 says “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.” These verses are as clear as you can get. God’s word tells us to set aside money for saving and to create margin in our budget! I am amazed at pastors that have a “spend it all” mentality and call it faith.
2. Plan Before you Spend - One of the biggest questions on the minds of church planting pastors is this. “When should we build or buy?” Can you believe that the answer to that question is found in scripture? Contrary to Hollywood, build it and they will come, is not a wise mentality. Debt can handcuff you and your church. I’ve seen it happen.
Proverbs 24:27 says “Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, after that build your house.”
Luke 14:28-30 I must say that the overall context of this passage is about the “cost of discipleship” but the example that Jesus gave is insightful into Jesus’ perspective on spending. “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, “this man began to build and was not able to finish” WOW! I have personally seen churches who have done this very thing, began and couldn’t finish!
3.) Debt – Proverbs 22:7 “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” Romans 13:8 “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law” Don’t get mad at me, I’m just telling you what it says!
Also read Proverbs 22:26-27 and Proverbs 6:1-5 concerning putting up personal property as security for debt (If you are a pastor considering this, PLEASE READ THIS FIRST) and being a guarantor or co-signer.
(thechangegroup)
.
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.what is faith? simply believing what God has said in his word. we have problems believing for big things. because we have little faith. how do increase your faith? faith is like an ability, which grows through experience, practice, commitment and sacrifice. like building muscles. it grows when we survive victories and defeats. its not like the flu, but i do think being around faith filled people it will give you hope.
when you need faith to trust God for big things, fasting is a great way to develop it.
when you fast and pray , you should expect miracles to follow.
9 practical results for people who fast
Isaiah 58:6-8 (New King James Version)
6 “ Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the heavy burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Here are 9 different fast by 9 different people for 9 different reasons that produced 9 different results
1.to loose the bonds of wickedness- was the disciples fast to break addiction and sins.
2 to undo the heavy burdens- was the Ezra fast to solve problems.
3. to let the oppressed go free- was the Samuel fast for evangelism and revival.
4. to break every yoke- was the Elijah fast to break discouragement and burnout.
5. to share your bread with the hungry- was the Widow's fast to supply physical treatment and financial health for the poor.
6. your light shall break forth- was the Paul fast for insight and decision making.
7. your healing shall spring forth speedily- was the Daniel fast for health and healing.
8. your righteousness shall go before you- was the John the Baptist fast for influence and testimony.
9. the glory of the lord shall be your rear guard- was the Ester fast for spiritual warfare and protection.
when you need faith to trust God for big things, fasting is a great way to develop it.
when you fast and pray , you should expect miracles to follow.
9 practical results for people who fast
Isaiah 58:6-8 (New King James Version)
6 “ Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the heavy burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Here are 9 different fast by 9 different people for 9 different reasons that produced 9 different results
1.to loose the bonds of wickedness- was the disciples fast to break addiction and sins.
2 to undo the heavy burdens- was the Ezra fast to solve problems.
3. to let the oppressed go free- was the Samuel fast for evangelism and revival.
4. to break every yoke- was the Elijah fast to break discouragement and burnout.
5. to share your bread with the hungry- was the Widow's fast to supply physical treatment and financial health for the poor.
6. your light shall break forth- was the Paul fast for insight and decision making.
7. your healing shall spring forth speedily- was the Daniel fast for health and healing.
8. your righteousness shall go before you- was the John the Baptist fast for influence and testimony.
9. the glory of the lord shall be your rear guard- was the Ester fast for spiritual warfare and protection.
is the gym full of hypocrites?
I have gone to the same gym for 3 years with much the same people/ I've noticed 80% have stayed the same, 10% have gotten better in shape, 10% have gotten oddly more out of shape ( even though they have still been trying and faithful to show up). I've ever seen some of these fitness nuts out at a local rest. stuffing their face.Yet i have never heard anyone say that the local gym is full of hypocrites. They desire and pursue one thing and at other times openly struggle making decisions that support the wishes and work they put in.
Isn't the same with church? most faithful attenders stay the same, a few change for the better, and oddly some can even grow further away from God and make worst decisions. (even though they show up) funny thing is we never accuse a gym of being full of hypocrites because we saw some of them buffeting at cicis. We know and realize that at the gym people get out of it what they put in to it. Same at church. When we come to a point in which when realize we need to have a healthy spiritual change. We give our best effort , try to make some lifestyle changes and realize that the 2 hours a week we spend at church can not void out the other 24times 7 hours we may spend pleasing our flesh. It is easier to cut out 500 calories from your daily diet than trying to exercise 500 calories off every day. I mean who of us really goes to the gym on Saturday or Sunday. Most of us are only Monday at 5:30 type of gym goers anyway.Yet We never avoid a certain gym because we know 1 hypocrite that goes there. Yet the devil will us that to keep us from church for long periods of time.
My heart is for anyone that has been hurt or disappointed by church is that instead of distancing from the church my prayer is that they one day will give church another chance. My prayer is that restoration could one day be used as the last church people try before they give up on god and his church.
Isn't the same with church? most faithful attenders stay the same, a few change for the better, and oddly some can even grow further away from God and make worst decisions. (even though they show up) funny thing is we never accuse a gym of being full of hypocrites because we saw some of them buffeting at cicis. We know and realize that at the gym people get out of it what they put in to it. Same at church. When we come to a point in which when realize we need to have a healthy spiritual change. We give our best effort , try to make some lifestyle changes and realize that the 2 hours a week we spend at church can not void out the other 24times 7 hours we may spend pleasing our flesh. It is easier to cut out 500 calories from your daily diet than trying to exercise 500 calories off every day. I mean who of us really goes to the gym on Saturday or Sunday. Most of us are only Monday at 5:30 type of gym goers anyway.Yet We never avoid a certain gym because we know 1 hypocrite that goes there. Yet the devil will us that to keep us from church for long periods of time.
My heart is for anyone that has been hurt or disappointed by church is that instead of distancing from the church my prayer is that they one day will give church another chance. My prayer is that restoration could one day be used as the last church people try before they give up on god and his church.
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