Hey Gang,
Well, I'm praying that this is going to be a Happy New Year for each one of you in 2011.
This Sunday we begin a 5-week series entitled "The Roads Less Traveled" you remember the poem by Robert Frost - "Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I --- I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." Our new series introduces 5-Spiritual Roads (Disciplines) less traveled, but if taken and practiced they promise to make all the difference in our spiritual growth, walk with God, and fruitfulness in God's kingdom. The 5-Spiritual Disciplines are: Community, Humility, Service, Sacrifice, and Meditation.
This week's lesson is entitled: A Lifestyle of Community. Paul will explain to us in Ephesians 4 what the foundation, purpose and characteristics of community are all about. Now, give a little thought this week to who your models might be for following Christ? Who are you watching and learning from? Here's a tougher question: Are you an example or model for someone else?
In today's world, people desperately need examples or models who can show us how to love our spouse and make a marriage last; how to relate to our kids; how to do business with integrity; and how to handle conflict like Jesus would. These are all lessons we learn from others. These are all lessons we learn from community. Now maybe you feel like your religion is a private matter and you shouldn't have to share it with anyone or maybe you think, "What is the big deal with being with others in church? Why can't I just be a Christian on my own?" Well, we will talk about that because you see, when we come to Christ, we become part of His body - the church. The church is not an afterthought so we'd have something to do on Sundays. It's not an activity to prove what good people we are. The church is vital to people as we interact in loving community.
I hope that you have a blessed rest of the week and year - hope to see you Sunday!
In His Love,
David & Susan
