We loaded up the family today to enjoy an afternoon celebrating my nephew's graduation from high school. My kids were extra excited because cousins were coming from South Carolina that they had not seen in two years. The anticipation of cousin time was rather obvious in our family as chores were done immediately and the van was loaded and the kids were in their seats before Sarah and I said a word.
How about you? Was the anticipation to meet with the other Christians this weekend in a worship gathering obvious? If not, it should have been. Those believers who make up the local assembly that you meet with are your brothers and sisters. Listen to the Apostle Paul in his letter to a redeemed group of people in Thessalonica: “But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, therefore we wanted to come to you even I, Paul, time and again-but Satan hindered us.” What is really cool about these verses is the passion Paul had to spend time with these former idol-worshippers turned Jesus-worshippers. Satan was working extra hard to try to break up the close bond that was established in this church but he was losing!
Tonight in our Plant Team meeting we looked at these same verses and focused our attention on the importance of being a community that loves one another. We made the comparison that our love as a church should rival the love of a healthy biological family. One of the values of Restore Church is “we love the people of God, and want his love in us to attract more people for Him" (John 13:34-35; Romans 5:5).
Would you pray that as we develop a church here in Goffstown that this family of God will be one that chases after healthy “one another” New Testament living? Come to think about it, why not pray for your church too!
Praise God for a great Plant Team! God has seen fit to bring an exciting mix of people together. Pray that we would enjoy building relationships with the community.
Pray for a family that is moving to G-town this week. They are jumping in with us and close on their house Monday.
In Christ,
Landon