The Church Is …

From time to time, I can sit in a bible class, and I hear the teacher say something like this, “The church doesn’t …” and some attribute or action follows that statement that scripture says the church should be involved in. Here is what I know to be true, the church is what Christ says it is, and the church does what Christ says it does. The real question is, am I a part of the church that Christ is describing? Am I a part of The Bride of Christ? Luke 6:43-44 "No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes or grapes from briers.” NIV What I want to encourage you to do is be a part of the church. Don’t look for opportunities to criticize The Bride of Christ; look for ways to make her shine in a fallen world. Share with those in need. Encourage the fallen and discouraged. Share the mercy and grace of Christ. Please don’t wait for somebody else to do it. Don’t wait for a ministry to be organized. You can start today being the light in your dark world. The church IS making a difference. Are you a part of that church? In Him J. Tom Washburn

This Is Hard

The call to discipleship is total and complete. You can’t try it out by dipping your toes and giving it a whirl. Discipleship requires everything, all or nothing. Jesus said: “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matt 10:37-39 NIV) The reason behind this kind of commitment is that anything less than total and unwavering commitment leaves little areas of our life under the control of the enemy. It requires constant attention and daily correction. We must be willing to admit our failings and trust in His leadership. The path will be difficult at times, but He is ahead of you, beside you, and in you, clearing the way and giving you strength. Are you ready to take your toes out of the water and take the plunge? The blessings are too numerous to count, and the peace you will find is unimaginable. So, make up your mind today to trust God and take the plunge. He is waiting to welcome you with open arms. In Him J. Tom Washburn