Dearly beloved of God:
As we enter the third week of 40 Days of Community, you may have noticed that the title of this weeks message is "Fellowshipping Better Together." That's sort of a self-evident, not-too-exciting title. In our society, people who fellowship too much with themselves are viewed with, shall we say, suspicion. So yes, fellowshipping is better together. But Sunday's message is more appropriately described by its sub-title "Relationship Busters - Relationship Builders."
Everybody who's a member of the human race has experienced a relational disaster or two or more. That includes you and everyone you know. Perhaps you or someone you know is still rocking and reeling from the effects of a relational disaster. Tomorrow's service is a good one to attend and to invite someone else to attend. We are going to look at 4 things that destroy relationships - things that come all too naturally to us. We will also look at 4 antidotes, things that repair and build relationships. These things do not come natural to us. Thank God, He equips us supernaturally to do what we cannot do in our fallen human state.
All 4 antidotes are found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. When we get that relationship lined up, all other relationship will fall into place. As we allow Jesus Christ to be the Lord, the manager, the boss of our lives, and as He fills us with His love, we will begin to have better relationships with other people. This is not a guarantee that everyone will "like" us, (everyone didn't like Jesus) but it will mean that we are freed up from relationship busting baggage.
If you can, come tomorrow. Invite someone. If you can't, God still has some great news for you.
Isaiah 43:18-19 (GW)
18 Forget what happened in the past, and do not dwell on events from long ago.
19 I am going to do something new. It is already happening. Don't you recognize it? I will clear a way in the desert. I will make rivers on dry land.
It starts by being right with God, and that can happen now through faith in Christ, new or renewed. God bless you.
Yours for His Purposes,
Pastor Les
