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From
the desk of Pastor Ron...
The Believer’s Identification with Christ – Part
7
The conflict with our flesh is not ours, but the Holy Spirit’s.
Last week we talked about the conflict with our old nature
(our flesh). Galatians 5:17 says, “
The Holy Spirit is the only one who can give us victory in
this conflict with the flesh. Romans 8:2 states, “For
the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me
free from the law of sin and death.” It is the power
of the Holy Spirit in the divine nature that makes us free
from the old nature. To have sin on our lives, when we have
the Person in us that raised Christ from the dead, is a contradiction – a
proof that we are not yielded to the Spirit. Romans 8:11 says, “But
if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwells
in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken
your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwells in you.” And
Romans 8:13 states, “For if ye live after the flesh,
ye shall die; but if you live through the Spirit do not mortify
the deeds of the body and ye shall live.” We must understand
our position in Christ. When we cease trying in our own strength
and allow the Spirit to overcome, we will have the victory.
To be continued...
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CHARACTER FIRST!
an in-depth look at the monthly Character Trait
with LCC Character Pastor Eric Carr
May 2007
BOLDNESS
Boldness is welcoming any suffering that comes from doing what is right because
it will produce a greater power of love.
Dear Friends,
As many of us know, standing up for our beliefs can sometimes lead to persecution
by others. As Christians, we have to answer this question: "Is it
more important to please man or to please God? Do we want to receive man's
blessings above our desire to receive God's blessing?" When we put life
into this perspective, hopefully we realize we may have to make bold decisions
which may cause temporary suffering but will lead to eternal love.
The blessings that God desires to give to us far outweigh anything man could
ever offer. Be bold in your faith and live with God's unconditional
love at the center of your being.
"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro
throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose
heart is perfect towards Him." Daniel 11:32
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 WHAT
COULD YOU DO TO ENCOURAGE YOUR PASTOR? Part 2
“I am strengthened by members who
work for harmony within the church.”
Harmony begins with each member being in a right relationship with the Lord. It is strengthened by a friendly smile and a word of encouragement whenever Christians meet together. It is guarded and protected when members refuse to spread gossip. And if broken, it is restored when Christians ask forgiveness when they have been wrong.
“With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” Ephesians 4:2-3.
“I am grateful when members offer special assistance prior to a major church event.”
Often a person whom the pastor was counting on finds that he is unable to carry out a responsibility due to sickness, conflicting responsibilities, or the need for further assistance.
One pastor stated, “Whenever a person calls before a major event, I can always think of several things he could do to help me out.”
“I am thankful for members who honor the Lord in their finances and give in obedience to His direction.”
True giving occurs when members dedicate the ownership of all they have to the Lord and live in harmony with His principles for financial freedom. One of these principles involves laying in store as God prospered us during the past week. (See II Corinthians 9:7.)
A wise pastor knows that those who sow generously will reap generously and those who sow sparingly will reap sparingly. (See II Corinthians 9:6.) He is also aware that whatever is given to the ministry of the Lord constitutes eternal treasures which are laid up for the giver in heaven. (See Matthew 6:19-21.)
“I am challenged by members who have an effective witness in the community and who are leading others to Christ.”
A healthy church is not only growing by those who receive Christ during the services
but by those who are witnessed to during the week. Pastors are overjoyed when
they see members bring to the church those to whom they have witnessed during
the week. This is what took place in the early church, “. .
And the Lord added
to the church daily such as should be saved” Acts 2:47.
Based on these ideas, can you say that you are participating in the action described
in Ephesians 4:16? “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted
by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the
measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself
in love.” |
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