Dear Church Family, Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who is promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25 NKJV "Just because I don't go to church doesn't mean I'm not a Christian," he said. I have heard that phrase or similar sentiments repeated by men and women dozens of times. They are right. You can be a Christian without going to church. You can get saved without ever stepping foot in a church building. Not all who attend regularly are saved. These are all truths. But these are all a smokescreen for the true heart of the one saying it. Jesus told the thief on the cross that on that very day he would be with Jesus in paradise. The thief did not have a chance to enter a church congregation, get baptized or even put money in the plate. Yet Jesus brought salvation to him. The key though is that the thief did not have the chance. By the time Sunday rolled around his life was called for. When I fell in love with Angela, no one had to remind me to call her or spend time with her, or to bring her gifts or to get to know her family. All these things were natural responses to my devotion to her. We talked for hours on end. We spent time together (and still do) doing mundane things. I learned more about her to please her more and more. I wanted to know what candy she liked, what fragrance, what food, what tv show. Her family became dear to me. The more I learned about her, the more I wanted to know her better. Are we truly following Christ if our relationship with Him doesn't mirror the affairs of our hearts? If I love the Lord, isn't it wrong for me to ignore Him? If I don't spend time learning more about Him, spend time with Him, bringing Him gifts and loving the ones He loves, where is my devotion? But can't I get to know Jesus without going to church? Yes, but do you? Furthermore, learning about Jesus and studying His word should compel anyone to obedience. He has commanded us to make disciples, do we do that outside of the church? He has commanded us to worship Him with Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Do we have a worship time outside of the church? He has commanded us to feed His sheep. Do we feed them outside of the church? He has commanded us to bring all our tithes and offerings to Him. Do we give unto Him outside of the church? There are many more points that can be raised, but to save on time, I simply pose a question. If you truly believe that the Creator of the universe gave all of Himself for you, how can you not respond in giving all of yourself to Him. It is not a question of salvation, but of devotion. May we bless Him, who blesses us richly. Amen. Pastor Scott PS Click here to see previous devotionals... [Home] [Welcome] [More information] [Services] [Devotional] [Previous Devotionals] [Sermons] [Special Events] [Links] © Woodhaven Baptist Church 2009 Last updated: 11 February 2009
|
A
Devotional from Pastor Scott...