Commit Like Jesus

I was reading an article on the internet and thought I'd share this with each of you. Feel free to copy them from this blog and paste it on your email page and send it away to whomever you feel need to see this. This is similar to the topic I taught and preached on a couple weeks ago in North Carolina, "Commit Like Jesus". This surely does apply to us all here at Fairfax as well as the rest of the churches of Christ in the world!! Personally, I believe we're in a "not-so-good-shape" as a church because some or most of us still haven't understood God's purposes for our lives at Fairfax. But don't get me wrong.. Not that am I saying it's wrong to have "weak churches", identifying weaknesses helps us work together to become stronger. But, if neglected, often it poses serious threat leading to a decline in spiritual and relational unity!

We know God has a purpose for us in Worship, Discipleship, Fellowship, Ministry (service) and Mission (evangelism). To some, we worship God by choice, depending on our priorities and plans.. To some, we follow other things instead of following the example of Jesus (discipleship). To some, fellowship isn't our thing. To some, we rather be served than serve others because we are selfish. To some, mission is often neglected because we haven't learned the simple art of evangelism through discipleship.

Why do churches have so many people on their membership rolls who give little or no evidence of Christian commitment or even conversion? Why do many churches find it difficult to motivate members to give, serve, pray, and share their faith?

The answer is simple: The members were allowed to join with no expectations placed on them. You get what you ask for!

The difference between attenders and members can be summed up with one word: commitment! Becoming a Christian means to commit yourself to Christ. It is the practice of, "one another", a commitment to a specific group of believers.

I like it when God, through Paul, mentions two different types of commitment in 2 Corinthians 8:5 "First they gave themselves to the Lord; and then, by God's will, they gave themselves to us as well." 2 Cor. 8:5 (gn)

Church, is defined as, koinonia, which means "fellowship" as "being as committed to each other as we are to Jesus Christ.” Jesus said that our love for each other was the be the mark of discipleship (John 13:33-34)..

I found this very interesting when the author made a quote regarding "American Christianity", "..that most believers can quote John 3:16 but they can’t quote 1 John 3:16 "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." Many of us have departed from the New Testament Christianity and became attached to, "American Christianity"!! So what is the New Testament Christianity?

Over 50 times in the New Testament the phrase "one another” or "each other” is used. We are commanded to love each other, pray for each other, encourage each other, admonish each other, greet each other, serve each other, teach each other, accept each other, honor each other, bear each other’s burdens, forgive each other, sing to each other, submit to each other, and be devoted to each other.

All of these commands are what membership in a local body of believers is all about! These are the responsibilities of membership.

It is extremely important that, while we're together as Christians, as a church (a body of believers), we work together in unity. There should be no divisions in the church. God hates divisions. He wants to see us grow in love together. Of course, there will be some agreements and disagreements like in every marriage covenants. A husband and wife will always either agree or disagree but they're still united! And it is extremely important that we maintain a self-controlled and compassionate attitudes. Be don't be discouraged when a relationship between one Christian and another don't go well. People may leave the church no matter what you do. We shouldn't be afraid of people leaving. People even walked away from Jesus.

So if you're committed to Jesus, here are a couple of things we need to remind ourselves of:

1. I WILL PROTECT THE UNITY OF MY CHURCH
...By acting in love toward other members
...By refusing to gossip
...By following the leaders
...By not complaining

"So let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony, and on the growth of our fellowship together." Rom. 14:19 (ph)

"Have a sincere love for your fellow believers, love one another earnestly with all your hearts." 1 Peter 1:22 (tev)

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs..." Eph. 4:29

"Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be no advantage to you." Heb. 13:17

2. I WILL SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MY CHURCH
...By praying for its growth
...By inviting the unchurched to attend
...By warmly welcoming those who visit

"To the church...we always thank God for you and pray for you constantly." 1 Thess. 1:2

"The Master said to the servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes, and urge the people there to come so my house will be full.” Luke 14:23 (ncv)

"So, warmly welcome each other into the church, just as Christ has warmly welcomed you; then God will be glorified." Rom. 15:7 (lb)

3. I WILL SERVE THE MINISTRY OF MY CHURCH
...By discovering my gifts and talents
...By being equipped to serve by my pastors
...By developing a servant's heart

"Serve one another with the particular gifts God has given each of you..." 1 Peter 4:10(Ph)

"God gave... some to be pastors and teachers to prepare God's people for works of ministry, so that the body of Christ may be built up..." Eph. 4:11-12

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ... who took on the very nature of a servant..." Phil. 2:3-4,7

4. I WILL SUPPORT THE TESTIMONY OF MY CHURCH
...By attending faithfully
...By living a godly life
...By giving regularly

"Let us not give up the habit of meeting together... but let us encourage one another." Heb. 10:25

"But whatever happens, make sure that your everyday life is worthy of the gospel of Christ." Phil. 1:27 (ph)

*most comments are in the article from the Ministry Toolbox...