Have A Full Heart part 3 of 4 by Keith Cook
Here are some "Helps for Following Christ".
"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:25
This week we have been studying How to Have A Full Heart". You can grow as a Christian by doing the following things on a regular basis! While these four expressions of a Full Heart are vital they are not all God has for you to do. But they are a great foundation.
We have looked at the first two expressions of a full heart, Prayer and Bible Study. Today let us examine the third, Fellowship.
3. Fellowship at a Local Church - When you become a Christian you also become a part of the "Body of Christ," which is called "the Church".
Faithfulness to a local church helps you:
a. Develop your spiritual gifts.
"For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness." Romans 12:4-8
b. Worship and Praise the Lord.
"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." John 4:24
c. Learn what the Bible really teaches.
"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." Ephesians 4:11-16
d. Be encouraged and helped by other believers.
"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:24,25
Deciding to be faithful to a local church takes real commitment. In today's world of instant everything and "What is in it for me" philosophy, it is hard to see a church as an institution that actually needs you. But the local church does need you.
Do not neglect being with God's people on a regular basis. Many people get in trouble in life because they have no authorities in their lives and they have do not have a system of checks and balances. A local church, pastor, or prayer partner can help you make a real impact with your life and help you stay the course in representing Christ to the nations.
Yes there are many hypocrites at many churches but there are also many saints, Godly people who love God and are trying to follow His leading. Forgive those who have wronged you and go back to church. God will bless you as you bless Him in praise, worship, giving, sharing, and in growing at a local church.
Tomorrow we will look at the final area of a full heart, Sharing Your Faith!
Daily Prayer Focus: Take time to fellowship with another believer in Christ today. Take a few extra minutes to talk with, pray with, or study with another Christian. Why not call and encourage a Christian minister today. Let them know how much they mean to you, and pray for them specifically.
On The Go Prayer Focus: On The Go's "Adopt An Evangelist" program. This program provides funding and support for various missions and evangelists around the world.
Thank you for taking the time to pray for this important division of On The Go Ministries. For more information on any our ministries here at On The Go, you may send your questions to info@onthego.org.
On The Go Daily Devotion for December 9, 2012
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2002, 2012 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
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