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“Let’s hurry up and finish the study,” said one of our ladies during small group a few weeks ago. “So we can clean the apartment for her!” she finished, bursting with excitement.
We’ve been meeting for small group in a lovely Ballston apartment for the past two years. Our “hostess with the mostess”, as we like to call her, had to leave group early that night, and the ladies couldn’t wait to serve her by giving the place a little mid-week sprucing up.
Talk about melting my heart.
Our small group went on to eagerly pick up cups and snacks, put away clean dishes, wash the dirty ones, empty the trash, wipe the counters, clean the bathroom, and fold the clothes of our…
“I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me…” (John 17:20-23 NASB)
In verse 23, the Lord Jesus prays “…that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me…” Those who are unsaved will react to our message by what they hear us say and, more importantly, do. It is imperative that we show unity and love as Christians, if that is what we want to show others…
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35 NIV84)
When someone learns that you are part of McLean Bible Church, what reaction usually follows? The most typical comment I hear notices our size — “Oh, you go to that huge church.” More to the point, what do we want people to notice, or better yet, what would Jesus want them to say? According to John, the distinguishing mark He wants men to notice is our love for one another. If we hope to impact the secular community around us with…
I’m a girl with “family issues.” I come from a family dynamic with a legacy of being pummeled by the enemy. By the grace of God I gave my heart to the Lord Jesus when I was eight years old, but I lived in a home that was far away from Christ. I kept my faith to myself in order to “keep the peace.” Though I “believed” I did not begin to chase after a relationship with Jesus and look for discipleship until I was in my late 20’s. When I began down that path, the Lord wasted no time zeroing in on my “issues.” I remember vividly sitting in my morning quiet time as the Lord clearly revealed…
“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10 NASB)
Zacchaeus, though small in stature, was guaranteed to have a large quantity of enemies throughout Jericho. He was the chief tax collector, and had, no doubt, attained much of his wealth through questionable (if not criminal) activities. Zacchaeus climbed up the tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus, and surprisingly the Lord greeted him from the base of the sycamore tree. It would seem like an odd course of action for Christ to approach the biggest sinner in the city, share a meal with him, and ultimately extend an invitation for eternal life. You might ask, why is this the man…
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16 NIV84)
Have you ever been house hunting? Here’s one ad you might have missed: “House situated in hillside town with lovely pastoral views. This single room home will accommodate any size family with plenty of space for your cows and donkeys. It only takes one candle to light up the whole…
Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. (Romans 15:7 NASB)
Thirteen years ago, I walked into a church for Wednesday night youth group for the first time after several years of walking away from my faith. When I walked into the gym I immediately was overwhelmed. “What am I doing here?” I thought to myself. “There is no way they are going to understand what I’ve been through!” As I was turning around to leave I was nearly tackled by a man named Bob who immediately introduced me to several others and invited me to play basketball. Eventually I was discipled by that very same man who accepted me that night.
I often…