"A Part Of...." - 11/13/13 - Acts 14:21-28, Galatians 1:1-3:23

^"After proclaiming the Message in Derbe and establishing a strong core of disciples, they retraced their steps to Lystra, then Iconium, and then Antioch, putting muscle and sinew in the lives of the disciples, urging them to stick with what they had begun to believe and not quit, making it clear to them that it wouldn’t be easy: “Anyone signing up for the kingdom of God has to go through plenty of hard times.” (Acts 14:21-22)

"Then they settled down for a long, leisurely visit with the disciples." (Acts 14:28)

There are some who claim they haven't a need to attend church regularly as they worship God where they are.  They believe while in nature, at a sports event, home in their living room watching a TV evangelist, away from the Body of Christ, aka The Church, they are able to worship Him. 

I agree with them, that we are able to worship Christ in every step we take, if we choose to.  Unfortunately, there are so many distractions satan presents to us, taking our focus off of Him.  Even while in church, our minds will wander away from Him. We are to be on constant guard against all things which will try to tear our focus off of our ABBA. 

His Family, Prayer, Scripture, Singing Praises,  Teachings, all of these are tools He has given us to fight with.  I love all of these, but one of my favorites are His Disciples. 

My "brothers and sisters"

 

We are blessed with a Bible based church, revolving totally around our Abba.  There aren't many Sundays we are not in attendance for both Sunday School and Worship.  We don't attend to earn the "attendance medal" (no, they don't hand those out), but because it is a place where we are learning more and more about being ABBA's follower.  His Disciple. 

Over the years, there are many members who have become more than just casual acquaintances.  Even though we are all "family" through Him, these are ones who have become immediate family.   This didn't happen because of the internet, not attending church, not involving ourselves with community events.  It happened because ABBA placed persons in our lives and we gave of ourselves to build a relationship.  Some of these persons have been for a season or seasons, and some have been in our lives throughout the years. 

We are told as Christ followers, walking through the world will bring about trials and tribulations.   It will be a very hard journey at times.  But, one of the best promises about this, we will not be alone.  Not only did ABBA send us a Helper, The Holy Spirit, He provides us with each other.  There will be times we will build each other up, stand beside and love, and even fail each other.  Being mere humans, expect the worst at times.  Thankfully, He is bigger, in control, and His Glory will prevail through all things! 

For the past six years, there aren't many Wednesday nights that are missed in getting together with our Bible Study group.  Even though we aren't the "original" group that started, it multiplied into two, we are still a strong family unit.  Each of us have come to "need" this night to "fill up", encourage, be in a safe place, to be "settled down for a long, leisurely visit with the disciples." 

On your journey "in" Him, I am praying you have found yourself a place "in" His Family.  How He puts things in perspective through others.  There is nothing new under the sun, what we struggle with, have fought through, going through, others have too.  I have found the ones He puts into my life are hand chosen by Him.  He knows our hearts, better than we do, and will provide exactly who we need.  Those that are "in" Him are His vessels, not only to lead the lost to Him, but also to be our "strong core of disciples, putting muscle and sinew in the lives of each other, urging them to stick with what they had begun to believe and not quit."

It takes investment of time, commitment, growing of trust, to become more than casual with each other. 

Don't miss out on one of His best promises - the blessings of being an involved part of His Family.