>>His Heart-Our Heart-One Heart- That All Peoples May Know Him

Each day as I move along the journey God has called me to, I am reminded I am not alone as I travel. I know that there are others who are taking this journey with me. Most of all I am comforted by the fact that God is walking with us as we avail and humble ourselves to Him to be used in the planting of His church. We yield ourselves to His will as He builds a unique church to shine His light to those who might otherwise not be reached. It is a matter of obedience. We are doing His work, going His direction, in His power, led by His Spirit. We must remember, it is not about oursleves but about Him and His glory.

I love to read from the book of Acts of how the New Testament church was formed and functioned. I find encouragement in the way God helped the early Christians and early church as they navigated through history. We are reminded in Peter's sermon how they functioned as believers. Read the following verses carefully and notice several significant truths. Notice how they preached the Word of God, responded to the message, gathered together in one place, studied the Word and fellowshipped together. We have consistently been saying our methods are different but our message is the same. This concept is not new, for Jesus was keen to the methods needed but never changed His message. The early church did the same yet were devoted to the truths of the Word of God. Listen to the Words as you read them and imagine yourself in the same place with them.

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off -- for all whom the Lord our God will call." 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (NIV) Acts 2:37-47

I love seeing the five purposes lived out in scripture. Please pray as we develop as a church and live out those purposes even now.