God's Preachers: The Minor Prophets. Joel - Return to Me.

Minister Steve Minor discusses the importance of every member of the church playing their part in the Kingdom of God. He shares four reasons why getting involved is essential:

1. We love our God more than anything else in this world. When we love God, it naturally overflows into a desire to serve Him.

2. God expects every member to do their part. Romans 12:4-8 tells us that we are all gifts given to the church, and we should use those gifts to serve others.

3. There's too much to do for just a few of us. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few (Luke 10:2). We need your talents and abilities to help us reach the lost and build up the body of Christ.

4. Your involvement builds everybody up. When we work together, we encourage and inspire one another. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, but to stir one another up to love and good deeds.

Take some time today to prayerfully consider how you can use your gifts and abilities to serve God and His church. Talk to your pastor or another church leader about ways you can get involved. Don't wait to be asked – take the initiative and start serving today!

Jesus and his disciples preached about how the church should handle a person living a sinful life.

1. Church discipline is a command from the Lord.
2. Church discipline starts with a private, loving conversation.
3. Church discipline continues using witnesses.
4. Church discipline is completed by involving the whole congregation.

As challenging and difficult as it may be, every brother or sister who falls into sin must be disciplined if we are going to be the church Jesus built.  And if the fallen ever come back to the Lord, the Lord calls the church to FULLY forgive.

What are we here to do?  Jesus' Mission was spiritual, not physical.  His Mission was about souls.  What is the ultimate task of the church?

1. We are called to be the Pillar and Ground of Truth.
2. We are to Proclaim the Truth,
3. We are to Equip ourselves to "Go to Work" for Jesus.
4. We are Called to be Holy and Blameless.

Are you living your life as Jesus calls you to do?

Being active in church isn't enough if priorities are misplaced. Financial wealth or participation in church activities don't equate to spiritual acceptance. True dedication comes from personal involvement and prioritizing Jesus above all else.

Lukewarm Christians: Indifference and self-deception characterize lukewarm Christians. They are neither hot nor cold and are ultimately useless to God's Kingdom. The pastor outlines their characteristics and the harm they cause, urging them to become zealous and repent.

Hope for Change: Despite Jesus' disgust with lukewarmness, there is hope. He calls for action: becoming zealous and repenting. The pastor provides practical steps to achieve this, like spending time with God's word, serving the church, and prioritizing fellowship.

The sermon concludes with a challenge: everyone must fill in the blank "Starting today, I will grow in my Zeal for Jesus by..." This is a call to action for all mature Christians to recommit and prioritize their relationship with Jesus.

In summary.

True dedication comes from prioritizing Jesus above all else.
Lukewarm Christians are detrimental to the Church and need to change.
Hope for change lies in becoming zealous and repenting.
Each individual must take action to strengthen their faith.

This Christmas season, let's delve into the profound meaning of the Virgin birth, a cornerstone of Christian faith. More than just a festive detail, it holds immense theological weight.

Divine Intervention: This miraculous event wasn't a random occurrence; it was meticulously planned by God. The birth of Jesus wasn't a mere human desire, but a divine act driven by God's infinite love for humanity.

Fulfilling Prophecy: The Virgin birth wasn't an isolated incident. It was the fulfillment of prophecies foretold centuries ago, solidifying God's unwavering promises and establishing Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah.

Pre-existence and Divinity: Jesus wasn't simply a man born of woman. He pre-existed as the Word, eternally one with God. The Virgin birth allowed him to take on human form while retaining his divine essence, reconciling the seemingly impossible: fully God and fully man.

Significance for Us: This miraculous event carries immense implications for our lives. It demonstrates the depth of God's love, paving the way for our salvation through Jesus' sacrifice. It also serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness in fulfilling his promises.

Beyond the Season: While Christmas draws attention to the Virgin's birth, its significance transcends the season. It's a foundational truth that shapes our understanding of Jesus, God, and our own place in the grand story of salvation.

Embrace the Message: This Christmas, let the Virgin birth be more than a historical footnote. Reflect on its profound meaning and allow it to shape your faith. Remember, God fulfilled his purpose through Jesus, and he invites us to fulfill ours by following him daily.

Life is worth living, Because He Lives.

A faithful church, despite its size or challenges, demonstrates three key characteristics: keeping the word of Jesus, maintaining faith, and persevering through trials.

• Small but impactful: The church in Philadelphia, though small, is commended for its faithfulness. This highlights that God values loyalty and devotion regardless of size or outward success.
• Keeping the word: Holding fast to Jesus' teachings provides the foundation for a strong church. The passage from James is cited to emphasize the importance of putting faith into action.
• Maintaining faith: Facing persecution and challenges is inevitable, but denying Jesus is not an option for a faithful church. Matthew 10 is referenced to underscore the importance of confessing faith in all circumstances.
• Persevering through trials: Enduring hardships tests and strengthens faith. James 1 is quoted to explain perseverance as holding onto faith and remaining steadfast through trials.
• Blessings of faithfulness: Being faithful brings rewards and opens doors to new opportunities, protection from evil, and ultimately, the Crown of Life.

We need to reflect on our faithfulness and recommit ourselves to living by example, like the church in Philadelphia. The importance of returning to Jesus and seeking baptism is essential.

Consider what it means to be a truly faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ. We need to have unwavering faith, and perseverance, and live according to God's word, regardless of external circumstances.

Let's take a look at the condition of the church at Sardis based on Revelation 3:1-6.

Reputation vs. Reality: The church had a good reputation for being alive, but Jesus revealed their true state: dead.

Wake Up: Jesus urged the church to wake up from their spiritual slumber and strengthen their fading faith.

Repentance is the Path Back: The only way for the church to revive and avoid spiritual death is through genuine repentance.

Be the Faithful Few: Even amidst the dead church, a few faithful individuals remained dedicated to Christ.

Challenge: Encourages the congregation to be like the faithful few, staying committed to Jesus and avoiding spiritual death.

What things do you elevate in your life?  Where do you give your time?  Is it your money, your work, your holidays, your phone? Where is your heart?  Where is Jesus? #faith #hope #love #jesus #christ #wylie

The Church of Jesus Christ is the pillar and ground of truth.  Proclaim your faith, even if it's in the middle of a wicked culture. Be the light in a dark place.  #faith #hope #love #christ #jesus #wylie 

What is the center of your life?  Is it your job?  Is it politics?  Is it our government?  If Jesus is the center of your life, Jesus said you will be persecuted.  However, if you stay faithful, you will be rewarded.  #faith #love #hope #jesus #christ #wylie