Manly Minute - November 24th

HOLIDAYS OR HOSTILE-DAYS

by Sean Griffith

My favorite time of year is upon us as we gives thanks during Thanksgiving, and celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas morning.  And as if that were not enough holiday celebration, we follow it up with New Year’s Eve!  With all this fun and cheer comes extended time with family and friends.  For some, this can be a challenge depending on the family dynamics.  Along these lines I bring a Godly reminder and encouragements from Hebrews.  

“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord”.  Heb. 12:14

In order for us to live in peace with “all” men (women and children included), we must “make every effort”.  As you come together, let us be the peacemakers and an example of how we ought to love one another, especially those who need extra grace!  Decide now, and again the morning of, and again the moment before people arrive at your door or you at theirs, that you will make every effort to live in peace because it honors the Lord!  Below are a few reminder verses that we would all be wise to take a moment to ponder. 

Prov 15:1

A gentle answer turns away wrath ,

but a harsh word stirs up anger. 

Prov 15:18

18 A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension,

but a patient man calms a quarrel. 

James 1:26

26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue , he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.

James 3:9-11

9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.   10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 

And finally, Jesus says in Matt 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers , for they will be called sons of God.”   As sons of God, let us live up to the name we have been given and love as the Lord has abundantly loved us!  Happy Thanksgiving Godly Manly Men! 

Corporate Maturity

CORPORATE MATURITY
By: Sean Griffith
Corporate Maturity is the idea of everyone in the church growing in their spiritual journey.  Everyone may grow at a different pace, but by the grace of God, we ought to all (corporately) be moving forward in faith!

MATURITY MARKERS

Financial: Celebration
For the month of October, we can celebrate as we met our budget for the first time!  Sure, it helped to have 5 Sundays in a month; however, it was only possible to meet this budget through everyone giving!  Why this excites me?  It isn’t about the money, but about people's spiritual growth.  One of the last things to let go of as we follow Jesus is our finances!  In order for us to be established and rooted in this community permanently, we need a community financially committed to supporting this work.  Last month was a positive marker that we are growing.  NOTE: Giving finances doesn't necessarilly make us more spiritual; however, it usually accompanies spiritual growth.

Serving: Our first sign of growth
We knew we were heading toward corporate maturity when we saw 80% or more of the people serving in some area at least once a month (versus 20% serving too many areas)!  Our desire is to NOT overburden any individual or family in hopes that they have time to minister outside of the church to family, friends, and neighbors.  Keep up the great work!

Sharing: The next step toward corporate maturity
As much as it is wonderful to see people giving of time and money, it is essential that sharing your life and sharing Jesus with others is also an integral part of your journey.  The primary way people come to know Jesus is through someone they know, not the pastors.  A sure sign of a healthy and vibrant church is seeing people coming to Christ primarily through the corporate body!  We look forward to hearing the testimonies of how God is using EVERYONE in the body!  Did you hear that...EVERYONE!  If you have air in your lungs you qualify as person called to share with others what Jesus did for you!

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden." Matt 5:14