The Church

Ephesians 2:19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, 2:20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 2:21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 2:22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Thank you for those who were praying for Amy yesterday. The tests were taken; now waiting for the results. We are just praying that God will take care of everything in Jesus name! It's been a busy week. We've had a lot going on. Sprinklers broken at the church and hopefully fixed. (Thanks Larry, Larry, Danny, and Kevin.) Praying for a young boy, Brody...Not sure if we can pay the bills at the end of the month. Lots of spiritual warfare happening...In the midst a young couple gave their hearts to Christ last Sunday...The scripture we are looking at this Sunday in Ephesians means so much.  It means we are a part of something big, each of us are a part of the body. Paul here talks about Jesus being the chief cornerstone. Cornerstone of what?  The church..."In him the building (us) is being joined together and rises up to become a holy temple." Peter also described this process

“As you come to him, the living Stone - rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him - you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:4, 5 (NIV)

It’s interesting that Peter, just like Paul has done in this passage, uses passive verbs to describe this process. In other words, we can’t make ourselves into a building. It is Jesus who is doing all the work. Peter and Paul also use a present tense verb to describe the process – the NIV very accurately gives the sense that this is a continuing process – “we are being built” into a spiritual temple. What does that mean for you and me? It means that God is building a incredible church, all of us together doing the work making this a place were many will come and worship and serve. That's why we need you.

The big thing on my heart today and I've been seeking God over is this: How do we make it financially moving forward ? We have many who give faithfully every month to support the work that goes on through our ministries. But what about those of you who don't? I know God doesn't need our money...ect. I have heard all the reasons for not giving. But when I look at the word of God it says something totally different. Paul tells us in Corinthians to give and give cheerfully. For the mission of the church to continue we need those of you who call CFW home to become a part of the faithful who make the ministry happen. I hope you will ask God how you can help. This Sunday we will be taking an extra offering to help offset this months shortfall. Please be a part of the amazing solution as we continue to move forward Loving God and Loving People! Questions on how you can help? Give me a call. You are loved...