The Meaning of Membership?

Is "the Church" a human organization? Or is "the Church" God's? Right now, I believe many people have not really given this question the thought it requires. Why am I a member of God's Church? And as a member what is my relationship to other members? Depending on you draw your picture of understanding and how you answer these questions you will end up with different ideas about what "the Church" is and what your responsibility is to "the Church" and the other members of this reality we call "the Church".

How can a piece of fruit grow if there are no branches? How can a leaf feed the tree if there is not a stem? Is "the Church" an organism where membership is a vital, life-giving connection or is it a dead institution where membership provides no tangible resource?

I believe sin leads many to believe they can live spiritually and remain connected to their Savior without the life-giving connections provided by God's Church. Brothers and sisters this gathering of God's people which happens each Saturday, Sunday and Monday provides us with more than we know. Please do not neglect it.

Blessings & Peace,

Pastor John

Hebrews 13:20-21

Pride and the Rich

    Author Steven K. Scott in a book titled, "The Richest Man Who Ever Lived" said,"In proverbs 28:11, Solomon tells us that a rich man thinks that because he's rich he's wise, and therefore ceases to hold on to the spirit of a learner.  The poor man, on the other hand, realizes his need for more understanding and wisdom, and actively searches for it."

    Christians are call by Jesus to "abide in His word."  In other words, we continue to study God's Word not because we have arrived at knowledge but because we realize that we need more understanding and more wisdom.