First Facts July 5, 2015.indd
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FIRST FACTS I Will Be a Unifying Church Member As promised here is the pledge from Sunday’s sermon: “I will seek to be a source of unity in my church. I know there are no perfect pastors, staff or other church members. But neither am I. I will not be a source of gossip or dissension. One of the greatest contributions I can make is to do all I can, in God’s power, to help keep the church in unity for the sake of the Gospel.” Paul calls us to be a unified Church and Jesus tells us that we will be known by our love for one another. As mentioned in my sermon yesterday there are two easy ways to build unity and to show our love; stop gossiping and begin to forgive. It’s really that easy. Gossip tears apart the bonds that we work so hard to make and it doesn’t matter if the gossip is about you or not. One unfortunate side effect of gossip is that we begin to lose faith in everyone around us wondering what they have said about us or when will they say something about us. As stated in our book, I Am a Church Member, gossip is the number one way to destroy the body of Christ and it is also the most preventable. I know that gossip and rumors have contributed a great deal to my family’s desire to leave Woodward and I can promise you that it has hurt others throughout the years. How do we stop it? By striving for the truth in everything we do and by refusing to participate in spreading stories. Once gossip has been stopped is when we must begin to forgive. After the source of pain has been removed it takes time to heal and that healing begins when we forgive those who have hurt us. As I said yesterday I have forgiven those who have hurt my family over the past year because it is the only way we will find peace as we move into new ministries. I invite you to also forgive those who have hurt you and begin working together in ministry, forming new bonds of unity to carry into the future. Out topic next week is “I Will Not Let My Church Be about My Preferences and Desires” and our scripture focus will be Mark 9:33-35. If you have not purchased a copy of I am a Church Member I invite you to find one on Amazon or through a friend so we can continue this journey together.
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FIRST FACTS I Will Be a Unifying Church Member As promised here is the pledge from Sunday’s sermon: “I will seek to be a source of unity in my church. I know there are no perfect pastors, staff or other church members. But neither am I. I will not be a source of gossip or dissension. One of the greatest contributions I can make is to do all I can, in God’s power, to help keep the church in unity for the sake of the Gospel.” Paul calls us to be a unified Church and Jesus tells us that we will be known by our love for one another. As mentioned in my sermon yesterday there are two easy ways to build unity and to show our love; stop gossiping and begin to forgive. It’s really that easy. Gossip tears apart the bonds that we work so hard to make and it doesn’t matter if the gossip is about you or not. One unfortunate side effect of gossip is that we begin to lose faith in everyone around us wondering what they have said about us or when will they say something about us. As stated in our book, I Am a Church Member, gossip is the number one way to destroy the body of Christ and it is also the most preventable. I know that gossip and rumors have contributed a great deal to my family’s desire to leave Woodward and I can promise you that it has hurt others throughout the years. How do we stop it? By striving for the truth in everything we do and by refusing to participate in spreading stories. Once gossip has been stopped is when we must begin to forgive. After the source of pain has been removed it takes time to heal and that healing begins when we forgive those who have hurt us. As I said yesterday I have forgiven those who have hurt my family over the past year because it is the only way we will find peace as we move into new ministries. I invite you to also forgive those who have hurt you and begin working together in ministry, forming new bonds of unity to carry into the future. Out topic next week is “I Will Not Let My Church Be about My Preferences and Desires” and our scripture focus will be Mark 9:33-35. If you have not purchased a copy of I am a Church Member I invite you to find one on Amazon or through a friend so we can continue this journey together.
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