Monday, April 30, 2007

"The ecclesia--what is the truth about it? It is the ecclesia of Christ; it is the family of God; it is the assembly of the saints; it is the congregation of those who are called, blood-sprinkled, and chosen; it is the church of the firstborn; it is the place of fellowship; it is the body of Christ; it is the Temple of God. That is the truth about the ecclesia. How do we walk in the light of that truth? Do we love the ecclesia? Are we concerned to keep it pure and true? Is it the centre of our life? Do we give it top priority? Is our contact with the regular, faithful and supportive? Are we sad when it is criticised, knocked and despised? Think of the truth about the family. It is a family in the truest sense of the word. They are not just called your brethren and sisters -- they are your brethren and sisters. Since the flesh is subservient to the spirit, the spiritual affinity of the family of God is at least as important as your natural family. That is the truth about the family of God. How do we walk in the light of the truth? Are we interested? Do we care? Is there a loving anxiety for the welfare of God's other children? Would we consider being as generous to them as we are to our own children? What limitation do we put upon our pastoral work? Walking in the Truth means living in such a way as to make these things a reality every day."
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"What can we do for the ecclesia?
-Attend meetings, listen attentively, participate with joy in singing, prepare carefully for any participation
-Willingly take part in providing refreshments and in maintaining the meeting place
-Thoughtfully communicate with others by conversation, phone and letter edifying others by our faith, joy and peace
-Show hospitality, care for the sick, share our possessions, talents, homes and resources with those who are in need
-Instruct our children and those of others
-Spread the word of truth to friends and in ecclesial efforts
-Use special abilities in writing, art or clear thinking for exposition and communication of the word of God
-In a kindly manner, benefit others by our experience and wisdom"

"Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God." -Romans 15:5-7

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