ESSENTIAL CHRISTIANS
Are certain Christians indispensable to the Lord’s church? Not unless you find a perfect one. According to 1 John 1:8, such Christians do not exist. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
On the other hand, virtually every congregation possesses a number of “essential Christians”. These committed saints make up the backbone of the local church, insuring that she continues to serve the Lord. Who are these “essential Christians”? The following fruits typically identify them.
Essential Christians are usually present at all church assemblies. Unless they are sick, they make it a point to attend every service. Despite the fact that they sometimes suffer inconvenience or miss other activities, they do so because they are committed to being present whenever the “doors are open” (See Heb. 10:24-25).
Essential Christians look for opportunities to serve. If volunteers are needed to lead in worship, teach or help in a Bible class, call missing members or visit sick folks, they step up and help out. They rarely wait to be asked; they search for a need and then meet it (See 1 Cor. 15:58).
Essential Christians strive to be pure. They don’t make “excuses” to justify questionable behavior. Rather, they strive to make certain that no “appearance of evil” is present in their lives (1 Thess. 5:22). Whether it involves their relationships, clothing, language, the places they go or the movies they watch, they are determined to set a Godly example for others to follow (See 1 Cor. 11:1).
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It has been said that 80% of the work of the church is done by 20% of the members. If so, “essential Christians” make up that 20%. Without them a congregation will invariably decline. Are you and I “essential Christians”?
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
Are certain Christians indispensable to the Lord’s church? Not unless you find a perfect one. According to 1 John 1:8, such Christians do not exist. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
On the other hand, virtually every congregation possesses a number of “essential Christians”. These committed saints make up the backbone of the local church, insuring that she continues to serve the Lord. Who are these “essential Christians”? The following fruits typically identify them.
Essential Christians are usually present at all church assemblies. Unless they are sick, they make it a point to attend every service. Despite the fact that they sometimes suffer inconvenience or miss other activities, they do so because they are committed to being present whenever the “doors are open” (See Heb. 10:24-25).
Essential Christians look for opportunities to serve. If volunteers are needed to lead in worship, teach or help in a Bible class, call missing members or visit sick folks, they step up and help out. They rarely wait to be asked; they search for a need and then meet it (See 1 Cor. 15:58).
Essential Christians strive to be pure. They don’t make “excuses” to justify questionable behavior. Rather, they strive to make certain that no “appearance of evil” is present in their lives (1 Thess. 5:22). Whether it involves their relationships, clothing, language, the places they go or the movies they watch, they are determined to set a Godly example for others to follow (See 1 Cor. 11:1).
********************************************************************************************************
It has been said that 80% of the work of the church is done by 20% of the members. If so, “essential Christians” make up that 20%. Without them a congregation will invariably decline. Are you and I “essential Christians”?
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
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