It’s Already Paid For

We live in a world where more and more people feel entitled. We all want free things, but the truth is that nothing comes without a cost. By grace, through faith, we have been saved. But Jesus had to pay for our salvation with His life in order for us to enjoy an abundant life. 

Christ already paid the price for our freedom, but many people continue to live in bondage, bad habits, sickness, worry, poverty, and do not live up to their full potential. Christians are not exempt from problems; however, God has promised to deliver us from our troubles. As we celebrate Good Friday and Easter, let us look at what Jesus’ death did for us.

1. Jesus paid for our salvation. Jesus, who had no sin, endured excruciating pain and agony to free us of our sins. He endured a crown of thorns that was twisted into a circle and thrust upon his head. His hands and feet were nailed to the cross. He hung there for hours with blood and water dripping out of his body. Jesus endured such a brutal crucifixion in order to buy our freedom from eternal hell. God loves us so much that He sacrificed His only Son (John 3:16). Now salvation is available to us for free.

2. Jesus bought our healing. Before his crucifixion, Jesus’ body was torn to pieces. The Roman soldiers dragged him through the city, tied him up to a pole, and flogged him 39 times. Scourging was usually done by two Roman soldiers–one on each side of the victim. It involved a short, lead-tipped whip, fitted with balls of metal with protruding metal fragments or pieces of bone, two or three ox-hide leather thongs, or ropes connected to a handle. Flogging was executed with great zeal. Each scouring would quickly remove skin and chunks of flesh. The whip itself traveled so quickly that it generated a small sonic boom. Jesus endured inhumane torture so that we can be free of sicknesses and disease. Each whipping represented 39 major diseases of His time.

3. Jesus took our shame. Jesus took our shame. They put a purple robe on him and struck his head with a staff. He fell on his knees again and again, barely able to walk. They punched him, spit on him, pulled his beard, mocked him, and questioned His divinity. The Roman soldiers cast lots for his clothes. Even so, Jesus took the blame and shame for us. He endured lonely nights and temptation so that we can be overcomers. He gave himself no reputation so that we could live on his.

Libraries filled with books can be written about Jesus’ pain and suffering, but I want to focus on the good part. Jesus, the Son of God, who had the power to call legions of angels to exterminate his enemies, willingly gave himself up for us. He suffered so that we can enjoy life to the fullest. He became captive so that we can live free. His body was torn into pieces so that we can be healed by his stripes.

Although Jesus died a painful death, he did not stay dead. The grave could not hold him. Three days later, the Holy Spirit raised Jesus up. He was seen by his disciples and hundreds of his faithful followers, before ascending into heaven.

What does it all mean?

God has forgiven our sins and blotted them out forever. We do not have to spend eternity in hell anymore. All our sins—past, present, and future—have been paid for. We can now live under his righteousness. We have been qualified to access the throne of the Father from whom all blessings, forgiveness, and mercy flow. Jesus died so that we can live without lack, fear, torment, or spiritual darkness. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him” (Romans 5:8-9).

Jesus took our infirmities upon himself. That means he carried our terrible diseases. We do not have to live in pain, wondering if God wants to heal us. Do not worry or wonder! Healing is a part of your inheritance. You do not have to linger in pain. Viruses and diseases cannot penetrate you. You have a force field of protection. Your health insurance coverage is from out of this world! By his stripes, you are healed (Isaiah 53:5).

This Easter, let us live worthy of His love and suffering for us. Let us surrender our lives to Christ. Let us express our gratitude. Jesus went through hell to give us heaven on earth. Can we give him our love, respect, and adoration? He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. There is no other way to the Father except through His Son. He is hanging on the Cross anymore. Jesus now sits at the right hand of the Father with a scepter of power and authority. He is slow to anger and full of mercy. Jesus is smiling and looking at you right now with great compassion. He has a great plan for your life. Let us give him our highest praise, glory, and honor! Hallelujah! Christ has risen. Happy and a blessed Easter!

“He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again’” (Luke 24:6-7 NIV).

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Focus on the Eternal

So much of our time, energy, and plans focus on material things. From birth, we are programmed to grab, get, and gather. I am all for abundant living; however, we should never lose focus on the eternal perspective in pursuit of happiness!

When you study the Scriptures, you will find that Jesus made great effort to improve people’s quality of life. However, after meeting their material needs, He always pointed them towards eternity in heaven. I believe God is doing the same thing today. He wants us to enjoy life but to never sidetrack and lose sight of our eternal purpose.

Recent news of the premature death of basketball superstar, Kobe Bryant, shocked the world. I do not know too much about his beliefs or values, nor am I knowledgeable of basketball. What I do know is that Kobe Bryant had worldwide influence.

I, too, am distraught by the sudden demise of such a great athlete at the age of only 41. I am saddened to think of the family he left behind. Please pray for them! The news of the accident forced me to acknowledge the shortness and fragility of life. It has provoked me to reconsider my priorities and live with an eternal perspective that glorifies God. Kobe Bryant’s hard work, talent, and achievements gained him respect, wealth, and influence. Unfortunately, his life was cut short and he left it all behind.

In Mark chapter 10, a man runs up to Jesus and kneels before Him saying, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus tells him to keep God’s commandments to which the young man replies, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.” Then Jesus looks at him with love and says, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” At these words the man was saddened and walked away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.

Many people misinterpret this passage. See, God is not against people having a good life or nice things. The problem is when the goods own you. God wants you to have a life of peace, joy, prosperity, health, and abundance. The Bible says, “Remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18 NIV). We know that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father in heaven (James 1:17). Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

Is God against material success? No, of course not, but our vision is skewed if our success takes the focus away from eternity. God is not against wealth, fame, influence, or affluence; in fact, these are His blessings. Do not get so caught up in the gifts that you forget the gift-Giver! Use what you have to honor God in everything you do.

Life is a vapor. The time we occupy here on earth is miniscule compared to eternity. If we are only focused on the here and now, then we are going to miss out on eternity. Shall we not then focus more on the eternal and less on what is temporary?

In Gladiator, Maximus, the roman general, quotes Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor, and says, “What we do in this life, echoes in eternity!” I love this statement because it is so true for us believers. What we do now affects eternity!

So what can we do to live a life with eternal perspective? Start with your own belief system. Is it in alignment with God’s? Pay attention to who you have in your life—your family, friends, and loved ones! They sacrifice the most for you. Are you expressing gratitude and appreciation towards them? Do not just assume that they know; instead, keep reminding them how much you love them. When it comes to material possessions, enjoy what you have but be generous to invest in the eternal also.

Denzel Washington once said, “You'll never see a U-Haul behind a hearse. ... Now, I've been blessed to make hundreds of millions of dollars in my life. I can't take it with me, and neither can you. It's not how much you have but what you do with what you have.”

Friend, let us enjoy the life God has given us, but let us also have an eternal perspective. For the unseen is more real than the seen.

“While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18 NKJV)

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China Mission Trip Report - Rt. Col. Leif Wilson

My short-term mission trip to China with Build International Ministries (BIM) was certainly the most spiritually significant and meaningful experience I’ve enjoyed in a number of years. Let me convey briefly how subject trip impacted and impacts my walk with the Lord and how it has changed my life.

While I am a Spirit-filled Christian, unfortunately my background and culture (my flesh) has produced a suspicious, critical, and prideful spirit toward people (even Brothers and Sister’s in the Lord) and organizations; particularly some "Christian/Non-Profit" organizations. I lead off with this because my life has been truly changed by my witness that "Build International Ministries" is a genuine "love your neighbor as yourself" Christian organization; one that can be trusted to put whatever donations they receive into building the Glorious and Triumphant Church of our Lord Jesus Christ and ministering to members in particular within the Body of Christ. After this trip, the witness to my spirit by the Holy Spirit is that Sandy and Neil Anderson are truly men of integrity and honesty with a love for the lost and hurting that puts me to shame. My life has been changed by the affirmation that there are good men and women in the ministry, that BIM is wisely proclaiming the Gospel with it’s financial resources, and that the China Church, my Brothers and Sisters in China, are genuine Christians putting the love of Christ and Service to Him FIRST place in their lives. 　

The "underground and persecuted" Body of Christ in China is alive and vibrant with the Love of God and Christ AND the anointing and Power of the Holy Spirit! Unlike America with "envy and strife" caused by factions and wayward "Christian" denominations, the Body of Christ in China, with it’s hundreds of thousands of "underground" Churches, is 95% Spirit filled! And by that I mean most every Christian I met in China "had received power after that the Holy Spirit had come upon them" (Acts 1:8), was fervent in Worship, devoted and effectual in prayer (Wow; can those pastors and congregants pray), and constantly putting the love and service to others BEFORE themselves. How refreshing to see the members of the Body of Christ in China truly walking in Love and Service.　

Let me highlight several other more notable observations. 　

The food was outstanding. As one who likes "different tastes" the meals were outstanding in flavor, content, and variety.　

The Hotel accommodations were more than adequate. Bathroom facilities outside the hotels however are far from Western standards.　

It’s difficult to generalize, but to me, China is a very modern country with "bullet trains" traveling 180mph, subways, cars, trucks, and buses, vast "freeways" and boulevards in the cities, and enormous apartment complexes and skyscrapers. Rural areas host multitudinous single-family homes with electricity, internal water (wells), garden plots, and "outhouse" bathroom facilities. In my opinion, very different than "third world countries" where the rural areas lack electricity, water, and septic systems. 　

I never felt threatened or in physical danger in China. The "persecutions" to the China Church members, Pastors, and Support organizations is that of tight Governmental oversight and monitoring to keep Christian gatherings small (less than 50) and free from outside agitators. The Governmental oversight and monitoring is different in various parts of the country depending on local rules, leadership and personalities of pastors and officials. The primary threat to support organization members and visitors would be loss of the 10 year visa which would clearly negate outside organizations ability to support and serve the Chinese Churches. It was probably different years ago, but as a Christian visitor, I never felt or perceived any physical danger during the trip. Of course, Psalm 91 and 121 was my REAL shield and protection.　

My personal spiritual growth and recognition of the Holy Spirit’s guidance was greatly enhanced. We had the opportunity to personally minister the Word and encouragement at every one of the 12-13 Churches we visited. And, in every meeting, we had the opportunity to pray individually with any and all in attendance. The teaching opportunity required me to spend significant time early in the mornings with the Lord to get the lesson He wanted to give. And then, giving the message through an interpreter was another opportunity for growth. Sandy was of great help in evaluating our performance and the big-picture significance and value. I learned many personal lessons in the Spirit from this experience that will change my life for the better forever! 　

In conclusion, I really believe it was the Lord’s perfect will for me to go with Build International Ministries to China. And, that the express purpose of the Holy Spirit’s orchestration for my attendance was for me to give personal encouragement and teaching to the Church in China. What an awesome opportunity! But, as I’m sure anyone who would undertake a similar trip would attest, the trip and associations/relationships with the Chinese pastors, worship leaders, congregants, and BIM officials in China ministered in many, many life changing ways more to me, than I ever could to them. What a wonderful blessing the whole trip was and continues to be.

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God Wants to Bless You

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever" (Psalm 23:6 ESV).

Today many people are confused about God’s plan for their lives. When life gets tough, we feel a million miles away from God and we tend to think that He’s forgotten us. However, just the opposite is true. God is closest to you when you’re going through your worst!

If we want to live a life of peace, pleasure, and prosperity, we have to change the way we view our Heavenly Father. Many of us have a distorted view of God because we were taught differently or our earthly fathers were very little like our Heavenly Father. No matter what your view has been in the past, you must know that God wants to bless you because you’re His child!

The one and only plan God has for you is to give you life and abundance.

Jesus said, "The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life" (John 10:10 NLT). The enemy is the thief. Unfortunately, too many Christians get God and devil mixed up in their roles. They go through a trial and blame God for their troubles. A sickness keeps lingering on and we think God is trying to teach us something with this sickness.

Friend, God is good all the way. Until we believe and accept it, we’ll never rise to our full potential. God doesn’t have the capacity to do evil. By nature, He can only do good.

Proverbs 10:22 says, "The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it." God is our closest ally for a good life. He wants us to be happy, content, fulfilled, and satisfied. He wants us to be healthy and prosperous in our body, mind, and soul.

One reason people miss out on God’s blessings is because their mouth doesn’t line up with their heart. When they read a message like this their faith rises but as soon as they face opposition, they begin to spill out all the negative things. We say things like — I’m broke. I’ll never get well. I’m going to be stuck in this job forever.

Here’s the key. You’ll never have what you constantly complain about.

If you want to be blessed, you have to agree with God and call yourself blessed. If you want health, say, "I’m strong and healthy." When you lack, say, "I’m rich." When we agree with God, we set a powerful force in motion. Angels begin to deliver the goods that belong to us.

When you are blessed, it is important to realize that you didn’t get here on your own. The scripture says, "Remember the LORD your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful" (Deuteronomy 8:18 NLT). The purpose of blessing is to be a blessing. God has already blessed us with much. If you have a family, you’re blessed. If you’re healthy, you’re blessed. If you have work, you’re blessed. And don’t forget all that God has saved and delivered you from. The spiritual blessings are unlimited in Jesus Christ.

Friend, God is the father and you’re His child. God has blessed you and the blessing always overrides the curse. Change your image of God. Speak words according to God’s Word and always be a blessing to those whom God brings in your path. If you do these basics, I pray and declare that God’s blessings will overtake you like never before.

Every day, make this confession with me: I’m blessed and highly favored. I’m blessed coming in; I’m blessed going out. I’m blessed when I’m in the city; I’m blessed when I’m in the country. I’m the head and not the tail. I’ll lend and not borrow. Great shall be my peace and my children will be mighty in the land. I’m blessed to be a blessing to the world! Friend, if you believe and agree with God every day, you’ll go to new victories you’ve never imagined.

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Don’t Shoot the Wounded

People do unpredictable things. We say, “What were you thinking?” We have all done some things we’re not very proud of. When people make a blunder, it is easy to point fingers and judge but the right thing to do is to forgive, love, and restore them.

Recently, I got a call from a friend informing me how Billy Graham’s grandson had succumbed to some indiscretion. He wasn’t just informing but reminding me to show mercy. I agreed.

That’s exactly the attitude of Jesus. The Bible says, “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world” (John 3:17 NIV).

Once, an adulterous woman was brought to Jesus. The religious fanatics of the day threw her at the feet of Jesus claiming that they had caught her in the act. What a religious duty to look through the keyhole! I always wonder why they didn’t catch the man.

I see the dust rise. This young woman had gone astray. It could have been your daughter, my daughter. Jesus was the only person qualified to judge her but He wouldn’t. He said, “Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!"

If you want to be like Jesus, quit throwing stones at people!

Celebrity or not we’re all under the clutches of sin. By the way, there’s no celebrity Christian or VIP sinner in God’s eyes. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

As long as we’re here on earth, none of us are immune to sin. Let's not judge people simply because their sin is different than ours. God doesn’t see any difference.

Some say, “But these are leaders in a position of influence and authority!” So what? If we’ve not prayed for a person to walk uprightly before God, we have no right to judge them.

Whenever I’m tempted to point fingers at others, I’m reminded of the terrible mistakes I’ve made over the course of my life. I sinned deliberately. I knew better. But against all good judgment, I failed. How grateful I am for God’s mercy and people’s forgiveness.

9-year-old Kim Phuc suffered terrible burns by the napalm bomb dropped into her village during the Vietnam War. As she ran for her life, naked, photographer Nick Ut shot a picture of her that decorated the covers of every magazine and newspaper in the U.S. Phuc spent more than a year in hospitals. After dozens of reconstructive surgeries, Kim survived. Now 52, she lives just outside Toronto, a wife, mother and the subject of the iconic picture in 1972.

Kim could not find peace. She wanted to disappear. She even wished for death. She thought if she died she wouldn't have to suffer mentally, physically, and emotionally. She began to seek answers, studying different religious texts. At 19, she became a Christian, and she credits her faith for helping her embrace life again.

"When I became Christian, I have a wonderful connection -- the relationship between me, and Jesus, and God. And from that point," she says, "I learned to forgive."

Clearly, if anyone should have difficulty forgiving, it would be Kim. But she allowed God’s forgiveness and mercy to flow towards her assailants. What was humanly impossible was made possible through God.

Let us not be so quick to judge. Let us not drag people through the mud when they make a grave mistake. Christian army is the only army that kills its wounded. Where is the compassion? Beware! We too are susceptible to fall into temptation. Instead of pointing fingers, let us pray, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Don’t shoot the wounded. Let us show mercy and restore the fallen!

“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted” (Galatians 6:1 NIV).

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You Can Impact the World

Most of us cannot comprehend doing anything to change the world. Yet God wants all of us to be a world changer. We may feel insignificant on our own but when we allow God to work in and through us, we can impact the world!

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Do the thing and you’ll have the power.” Most of our problems are between our own two eyes. We think we cannot do anything big so we do nothing. The key is to do what you can and then allow God to do what you can’t. The Bible says that God will bless the work of our hands (Deuteronomy 2:7). Today, I want to stir you up to become a world changer.

In order to support the family, my father had to quit school when he was in seventh grade. He was a Christian man but he was very limited in his environment. For generations, his family lived in poverty and lack. When my mother passed away, leaving him with four young boys, all he could do was to pray. He struggled through most of his life until we all came to know Christ.

Many years went by without any sign of my father’s prayers being answered. At one point he lost touch with me and two of my brothers for several years. However, my father never stopped praying for his sons to serve God. Long story short, today not only are all of his sons, but over two dozen other family members are serving the Lord. I say it humbly but together we’ve ministered in over 150 nations, touching millions of lives. What was once an impossible dream of my earthly father was made possible by our Heavenly Father. My Dad is around 85 years old now. Next month, we’re going to celebrate his life while he is still with us. He is a prime example of how you can change the world through prayer!

Today, you may live in a limited environment. You think that everybody else is more talented than you. You look at yourself and think that you have nothing to give. Some of you feel like you’ve wasted your time in the world and now you’re too old to do anything big for God. This may be how you feel but this is not true. God is not finished with you. If God didn’t have a plan and a purpose for your life, you wouldn’t be here. Your greatest days on earth are still out in front of you. He wants you to impact the world with your time, talents, and treasures.

In 2 Kings 5, there’s a story of a man named Naaman who was a commander in the king’s army. He was a valiant man but he had leprosy. Naaman’s wife had a slave girl from Israel to help her around the house. When this young girl heard about Naaman’s plight, she told his wife about Prophet Elijah in Samaria. She suggested that if Naaman would go and meet Elijah, his leprosy will be healed. Through a long string of events, at the instruction of the Prophet, Naaman dipped in the River Jordan and his skin was cured like a young boy. Consider how it all started. God used a slave girl working in the kitchen to perform a mighty miracle. If a slave girl can start a miracle-working power of God, imagine what God can do through you!

On October 23rd, we’re leaving for another mission trip to India. Our goal is to touch 30,000 people in three weeks. It takes only $1 to reach one person! People are waiting in anticipation for the Good News. We’ll lift Jesus in worship in front of thousands. We will encourage, and minister to the poor and persecuted Christians. Like my father, you can impact the world through your prayers. Some of you can support this mission trip. Others of you can share this information with friends and on social media and empower others to action. President Ronald Reagan said, “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”

Friend, your influence has a great impact. Today, I urge you to attempt something big for God. It doesn’t have to be anything big but do something. Anita Roddick, the founder of the Body Shop said, “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.” Don’t minimize your involvement in world missions. Pray. Give. Go. In the hands of our big God, our small act of service can turn into something great. Together, we can change the world!

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent” (Romans 10:14-15 NIV).

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7 Reasons Why People Leave Church

 

People leave church for various reasons. Pastors, if you’re easily discouraged by people leaving then you have not fully understood your calling. Members leaving church is an occupational hazard. Stay-at-home Christians, you’re better off with imperfect believers than by yourself. The first one to leave the bunch gets eaten!

 

I find it amusing that while people from around the world are willing to put their lives on the line to be a Christian, believers in the West are leaving the church and even abandoning their faith. After talking to countless Christians and pastors, I’ve found a few common reasons why people leave their church. Today, my intention is not to criticize anyone but to shed some light and hopefully bring some understanding and reconciliation.

 

1. Lack of vision. Allow me to paraphrase the famous Gettysburg speech by Abraham Lincoln, “This church, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that church of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” Many pastors have the attitude that, “If you come to my church, you have to support my vision.” Just because you walk into a shop doesn’t mean you should be forced to buy any of their products. Likewise, a church should open its door to serve the people and not other way around. When people feel that they’re loved, valued and appreciated, they’ll bend over backwards to support the vision of their leader. Build people and they’ll build your organization.

 

2. Leadership. Every great leader knows leadership without relationship is futile. When a church is birthed, there’s a great sense of bonding. Because it’s usually small in number, the quality of relationship and the communication between the leader and member is strong. As the church grows, that bonding starts to deteriorate. Members begin to feel unloved, uncared-for, and disillusioned. I say this respectfully but many leaders are narcissists. Hard to admit but I was! Unless we deal with our insecurity and become servant leaders by shifting the glory from ourselves to God and the people we serve, they will eventually leave us. Jesus said, “Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant” (Mark 10:43 NAS).

 

3. Doctrine. It’s amazing how many leaders are willing to lose everything for their doctrine. They cut down others to exalt themselves. Truth is none of us have it all. God reveals Himself to us in different ways. When we exalt our doctrines higher than our Lord’s love for people, we’re creating division. You don’t have to change your doctrine but be secure and mature enough to accept other people’s opinions as well. People don’t care how much you know unless they know how much you care.

 

4. Pressure to perform. When a new family joins the church, they’re heartily welcomed, celebrated, and held in highest regards. After a few months, the honeymoon is over and the welcome wears off. Now they’re haunted every week to be there more, volunteer, and bring their tithes and offerings. Morality cannot be legislated and charity cannot be forced. We should teach people that 100% of everything belongs to God. Why are we so obsessed with the 10%? When members feel loved, valued, and connected, they’ll give much more than the legal requirement. Jesus said, “Feed my sheep,” not beat them! People do more of what you brag about and less of what you nag about. Appreciate, recognize, and honor people for what they do.

 

5. Community. 86% people come to church because of a relationship. In the heart of every human being there’s a desire to belong. Starting from the pastor, when the culture of the church is community, it will continue to thrive. People drag their family to church fighting traffic, they give their time, talent, and treasures year after year but never get a personal visit, phone call, or even a thank you from their leader. When people feel they belong, they stay together. Promote community through your reaching out!

 

6. Lack of integrity. None of us are perfect. We all make mistakes. Whether it is a moral failure, an embezzlement of funds, or drowning in building debt, the congregation wants to know the truth and honesty. People are far more willing to forgive, forget, and move forward when we’re transparent than when we try to hide and cover up. We’re all professional sinners. Forgiveness, grace, and greatness belong to those who humble themselves, acknowledge their mistakes, and make themselves accountable. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).

 

7. Offense. We all come from various backgrounds and baggage. Not all members are spiritually on the same level. Most churches often fail to teach interpersonal relationships. When we propagate a consumer Christianity, people will be shallow and easily offended. Teach people how to overlook an offense and forgive quickly.

 

Friend, if you’ve left the church for one or more of these reasons, I have good news for you. God loves you just the way you are and wherever you are. People may have disappointed you but Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you. However, you can’t love God and avoid going to His House. Did you know Jesus went to church every Sunday? “And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day…” (Luke 4:16 ESV). If it was necessary for our Lord, don’t you think it’s good for us? While there’s no perfect church, God wants you to be part of His family. Take some time to think. You’re not only depriving yourself but you’re keeping your brothers and sisters from experiencing Christ’s riches and glory in and through you. Love God. Love people. Love God’s House. We love you. We miss you. We want you back!

 

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25 NLT).

 

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