The Blessings of the Church

Trying to pray and I kept bursting into tears, and not just over Family Radio. Going back to my old church Sunday just reminded me of how much God used them to help and bless me during the 1-2 years I was there. I understand now why He dragged me into that church kicking and screaming and how they helped lay the foundation of Jesus Christ in my life that I still have today. "For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ" -1 Corinthians 3:11 (NASB). That is firm bedrock.

They discipled me (a huge help to a baby Christian), helped me when I had no money for groceries, and gave me worship, fellowship, and good teaching week after week. I came to believe in the Bible as God's inerrant and infallible word while I was there. All this is a huge blessing I could never repay. They were so good to me, and God was so good to use them. I broke down in tears.

Then I thought of my current church and all the good they have done in the 12 years I have been there. They have seen me through some pretty dark times, and have stood by me through it all. They even seem to like me, even if I can't fathom that. Yesterday I spent a restful Sabbath in worship and fellowship, ending with a movie night. Over the years I have been there they have been so good to me, and God has used them to show me His goodness. I broke down in tears again - I have received so many undeserved gifts. I can't get through a single day without sinning, yet over and over God has blessed me. How can I do anything other than cry?

If you've read this far, great. Because here's the other thing that I kept thinking of all weekend - all the Campingites (former or current) who are missing out on this great blessing! Living in community is not always easy, but it is something God calls every Christian to, and He uses it to bless us in ways we will never experience as long ranger Christians.

Please, my Campingite friends, don't miss out on this great blessing that God wants to give you - His church! And thank You God for all the blessings You have used both these churches to bestow. You are good.