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Something Amazing Can Happen

                 Over the years, I have heard lots of lessons on things like baptism, elders and church organization.  If you are just starting in faith, those are great topics.  However, mature Christians ought to “move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ” (Hebrews 6:1).   Milk is for babies, but solid food is for the mature! (Hebrews 5:13-14)  In that light, here is something solid for you to chew on.
                Is there anything amazing happening in your church?  Is it really any different from any other group to which you belong?   Ephesians 3:10 states that the “manifold wisdom of God” is to be on display in the church!  People should be able to see something Godly and different among us.  If that is not happening, we need to ask some tough questions.  Here are two to get you started.
                First, where is your trust?  Psalm 146 reminds us not to trust in our strength or in what we have or do because the Lord looks after us and he rules everything.    
                And you say, “Right!  I trust in God!”  Do you?  
                Here is a simple but clarifying question:  What if I told you that your church building could be full to overflowing with believers every Sunday, but in order to do so, you would have to give up your entire retirement savings?   Which would you choose?
                Where is your trust and security – really?
                Second question… are you willing to give up being comfortable?  Jennie Allen says, “The only exercise that draws one close to the real God and works 100% of the time is risk!  To risk is to willingly place your life in the hands of an unseen God and an unknown future”.  If we play it safe, we will have no need of God and our faith will not grow. 
                Comfort was not the goal of the first century church.  Had it been, Paul would never have gone on the missionary journeys, Stephen would not have preached himself to death (Act 7) and Timothy would have just told people what they wanted to hear (2 Timothy 4:1-5).  Our job is to be faithful, not safe!
                The church must grow up, trust God and step out in faith.  Take a chance.  Make a friend.  Reach out in love.  Let go of the earthly things that everyone else is hoarding and start storing up some spiritual treasures (Matthew 6:19-24).
                God can do amazing things (Ephesians 3:20).  Let’s join him and see what happens. 

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