The Power of the Church

TODAY WAS LEGENDARY!! I avoided a tornado warning and stayed alive while driving in LA..(The streets were super flooded, at times the water was about the lvl of my tires! and no one told me about the warning + i dont have a TV fo any news, so i feel really grateful not to have gotten hit), I got my car registered at the DMV, stayed completely dry from a thunderous storm (smart ppl are always prepared w/ umbrellas), I did my devos, had a cup of hot chocolate, had a fun argument with my GPS (which i won btw), I also did my laundry, went to the gym, played some ball, ate some awesome Chinese food, met some new Christian friends, and had a great bible study by the fireplace. And now im gonna eat a hot dog, check my farmville, and kill zombies on my iphone. And because im feeling so adventurous, i might even floss my teeth later.

The Power of the Church
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Today i learned something more about the power of the church. Transitioning into a new state has had its difficulties. But where God guides, He also provides. I'm greatly thankful to have met 2 MDiv Christian brothers and have 'em as roommates, (Ryan & Cato). I feel honored to get an education at one of the greatest Christian schools at Talbot Seminary. (I moved to LA if you didn't know) I have already met many Biola/Talbot students and they have been very warm to welcome me into their family. I have a dozen churches in the area i can check out, and plan to find a good youth ministry soon.

Today I also got to meet a guy from Hawaii named David. We had a long discussion about God, salvation, truth, the church, the Bible, and all that theology stuff. (He also shared some good insight on what it means to be poor in spirit, Matt 5) He then asked me to go to a bible study at someone's house. This house was super nice, and the people their we're even nicer. We discussed Romans 2:25-29, which is about the inward circumcision of our hearts, rather than any sort of outward expression of religion. I got to meet most of them, and it was cool to read God's Word, pray and talk about Jesus with a bunch of people I don't really know too well. Being surrounded by other Christian brothers and sisters has a huge affect on one's spiritual walk.

I learned a lot today just by listening to how the Holy Spirit has worked in other people's lives. As the days draw closer to when school starts, i cant help but feel excited. The most important thing in life is to have a relationship with Jesus, and then tell ppl about it. If you only lived once, why not spend most of your time trying to get closer to God and learn as much as you can about Him? There is absolutely nothing in this world that I need, except Christ. When you truly find God, you lack nothing, and have completely everything in one treasure!

There is absolutely nothing to worry or fear about when you know that you're completely in God's hands. (read the verses in Matthew 6 below) Trust in His plans, in His power, and in His grace. There is nothing greater than being sealed by God's salvation. Once we are declared righteous in His sight through Christ, we conquer over sin and death, and step into a beautiful love relationship that will last for eternity. Now doesn't that sound good?

The power of the church is actually really dependent on the Holy Spirit working through God's people. I find it amazing how God calls people to His holy purposes and reveals Himself personally. Perhaps one day I can find a job counseling, mentoring, leading, or shepherding a flock of His church. I can't think of anything i'd rather do. I've learned that it's extremely difficult to love, teach, or lead people if I'm not deeply rooted and abiding in Him. Life can get tough, it has many storms, but I'm glad that God leads me through it all.

Without the church their would be no accountability, no one to share in the wonders of His love, and no one to help disciple, train, rebuke, comfort, or encourage you. (and it would mean you have the entire world to evangalize) So I'm glad that the kingdom of heaven is full of God's people ready to march, stand and rejoice in His glorious Name. The church makes up the body of Christ, and we are called to be the light of the world. As a commander leads his army, or a coach his team, the church has the ability to play a part in accomplishing His perfect will. The church itself is far from perfect, but that doesn't matter, because God is perfectly righteous and holy.

Have you ever wondered how much delight and joy it brings God to watch His children laugh and grow? We are God's precious treasure, His inheritance, His royal priesthood, His ambassadors, and the people who reflect His glory in worship. And whether we acknowledge Him or not, He automatically and unconditionally loves us. All that God desires is that we come to Him. Enjoy in His pasture. Find comfort, rest and peace in His embrace. Life is like a vapor, cherish it while we can, but know that this world is only a tent, a hotel if you would. Those who are redeemed in Him will reign forever in His kingdom, and Christ will be our eternal home.

God calls His people His bride. Imagine a perfect intimate marriage commitment with God that could never be broken. But the thing is that we don't have to wait to experience this wonderful relationship. It can start right now, at this very moment. If you don't know Jesus yet, then what are you waiting for? Christ calls all who are weary, all who are lonely, and all who hunger and thirst. He will be all that remains. His love endures forever. Nothing else matters, because God is good.

I just started going through the book of Matthew, so here's some good verses i picked out.. ( I figured I'd put Jesus' words in Red, lol)

Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." -Matthew 4:4

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matt 6:25-33

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." -Matt 7:13-14

Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them saying:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
-Matt 5:1-10