Message from Pastor Leo

May 15, 2008

     You know, the majority of people that go to a Sunday morning church service are only observers.  All they do is watch.  Oh sure, they sing and listen to the message but they never get involved either in the workings of the church or in the lives of those sitting in the seats around them.  If the service was broadcast on TV, they could have done as much in their own living room.  These folks think someone else is supposed to be the Sunday school teacher, someone else is supposed to set up the equipment, someone else is supposed to write the tithe checks, be a greeter, work in the nursery.  The majority of people that come to church on a Sunday morning never get involved, never volunteer, never give of their time or finances or resources.  Many even arrive just in time for the first song and bolt for the door during the closing song just so they don’t have to be involved in the lives of others.

     The early church did things differently.  Acts chapters 2 and 3 tell us that the believers met together constantly – not just on Sundays.  They met together throughout the week for teaching and for prayer.  They met in homes for the Lord’s Supper.  They shared meals with great joy and generosity.  They shared their resources and possessions.  They were involved in each other’s lives.  They lived their lives together.

     You see, we were created as relational beings.  God created us to be first in a relationship with Him, then in relationships with our family, and then in relationships with those around us.  How should these relationships with others play out in the church?

     Hebrews 10:25 says “let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do.”  If we’re not together, we can’t have a relationship.  The verse goes on to remind us that when we do get together, we are to encourage one another.  This message is repeated throughout the scriptures:  “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11   “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4   

     Live life with your fellow believers.  Partner with them serving in the body.  Make a difference in someone’s life.  Get involved in the lives of your neighbors.  Love your neighbors as yourself.  And read your Bible.  That’s where you’ll find all these ideas and directions.  Read your Bible and ask God to direct your life. 

May the Lord Jesus Christ Be Magnified!

Pastor Leo A. Giovinetti