Have you ever heard a statement similar to this? “Well, I would love to be able to go to church, but it's hard for me to do when I see all the hypocrites there.”
While you may have not heard those exact words, you've probably heard a variation of some kind and perhaps wondered a bit if you were being accused of being a hypocrite. None of us want to be considered in such a way, yet this is the impression often left in the wake of such a statement.
Jesus valued the church greatly, and in fact calls it his Bride! We know also that He's coming one day for a Bride without spot or wrinkle, but we also realize there's still a lot of spots to be removed, and wrinkles to iron!
Love makes ALL the difference! We've perhaps heard that many times, yet I wanted to take a few moments to share this reminder with you that it truly does make ALL the difference, especially when it's the love of God being referred to! I believe today if we are ever going to share God's love with those around us, we first need to experience it in our own lives.
As I was reading various scriptures having to do with the love God has for us, I came across the following which was actually a prayer the Apostle Paul was offering to God on behalf of the church at Ephesus while he was in prison for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We are always in a position within the church of having a need for more people to minister to others. Whether it be a present ministry we have, or a ministry that is yet to begin. Our desire is that each and every believer within the body find a place to serve and be a blessing to others.
As the ministry of Christ continued throughout the Gospels that he had very little time or patience for those who were using religion to advance their own self-righteousness and profit.
You have seen the tragic news headlines of brothers and sisters in Christ going through what seems to be, at least to us, unprecedented persecution around the world.
This persecution goes far beyond anything we may face, but people are paying the highest price to stay true to Christ, even if it means the loss of their own lives, and in many cases, the loss of the lives of their family members.
I wanted to take a few moments to send this letter to let you know that as the Pastor of (NAME OF CHURCH) am praying for you as you go through this difficult time in your life.
Without a doubt, during times like this I've had in my own life, I have turned to the Word of God for encouragement for my soul, and the Lord has come through in a great way time after time!
