Going To Church.htm

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***I wanted to thank those in the Liveprayer family who were led to help Feed the Children in their Afghanistan relief effort. Larry Jones has done a wonderful job over many years serving God in this way, and I am thankful that we were able to play a small role in this current project. May the hearts of those who are fed, one day come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior because of the seeds that have been planted.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL SUNDAY DECEMBER 23, 2001
(Hebrews 10:25)

Let us not neglect our church meetings, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near.

Going to church. This weekend is one of the two times a year almost everyone who even professes a belief in God makes it to church. The other is of course Easter Sunday. I thought that would give me an opportunity today to address something that I deal with daily in prayer requests I receive here at Liveprayer.Com, and that is how important it is to go to church. Let me make this point perfectly clear up front. Going to church and belonging to a local body of believers IS NOT AN OPTION. Read today's scripture verse from Hebrews. This is God telling you NOT to stop meeting together. Even in the early church this had become a problem. Never forget my friend, the church is NOT a man-made idea, it is a God-made idea. This was another way God provided for His children to remain strong, and live productive victorious lives. Trust me, over my years in ministry I have heard every rationale for not going to church and the only one that is valid is when you are physically unable. Sleeping in does not count as physically unable by the way. Not going to church is living in rebellion to God's will for your life.

The reason God has made this part of our life with Him is because to stay on track, there are many basic things we MUST do. We MUST pray, read the Bible every day. We must be part of a local fellowship because it is in that fellowship we are spiritually fed and nurtured. It is in that fellowship we make friends with other believers. It is in that fellowship that we usually find ways to serve the Lord. It is in that fellowship that we grow spiritually. Before you say it, let me. There is, never has been, and never will be a perfect church simply because it is made up of imperfect people, from the pastor on down. That is a fact. For those of you looking for a church home, the best advice I can give you is pray, find a place where the Word of God is preached in an uncompromising way, find a place that is not operating in contradiction to the Word of God. You will have to pray about doctrinal issues that are in contention and let the Holy Spirit guide you.

Having done in-depth study on the denominational differences, there are really no major tenants in dispute among the major Christian churches. And find a place where you feel you can grow spiritually as well as serve the Lord. I have found after preaching in over 500 churches of every denomination, that the key is the shepherd, the pastor. I have so much respect for those God has called as pastors. I honestly prayed that God would never call me to pastor. It is one of the most difficult jobs in the Kingdom. However, it is important to find a true shepherd as in John chapter 10.

I am praying today that this Christmas you will come under great conviction about becoming part of a local fellowship if you are not already. It is important to your life and relationship with God. You can and will never grow spiritually mature without this being part of your life. It is impossible. It is also a reason many are struggling in their life. You are out there alone and make an easy target for the enemy. There is safety in numbers. As I normally do, I am going to let you pray about this. One thing I realized early in my ministry. I cannot force someone to do something. God didn't make us that way. He gave us the freewill to make our own decisions. My job is to tell you what the Word says, what God wants from your life, and how you can become all that He has raised you up to be. Like in everything, there are basics. Without doing the basics, it just doesn't work. Going to church, being part of a local fellowship is one of the basics and critical to your spiritual health. I am praying in earnest that this message is finding fertile ground in the hearts that need to hear these words today. What better time to make that commitment than at the time when most will be attending church this Sunday. Make it a part of your life not just on Christmas an Easter, but part of each day.

I love you deeply and for those traveling, am praying for traveling mercies to be with you. Also, as the year is ending, pray about making a gift this weekend to Liveprayer.Com. We survive on the prayers and support of God's people and could use your help. Pray about how you can help today. You can use a major credit card on a secure server we have on our website at www.liveprayer.com/donations.html or mail your gift to:
Liveprayer
6660 46th Avenue North
St. Petersburg, Florida 33709
All gifts to Liveprayer are 100% tax deductible.

I love you, am praying for you, and trusting God that those who are not a part of a local church, will make that commitment this Christmas. Remember, it is not an option, but something God requires. Be richly blessed today.

In His love and service,
Your friend and brother in Christ,
Bill Keller

If I can help you in any way you can contact me through my personal email at bkeller@liveprayer.com.

***I am excited to let you know that the Liveprayer Daily Devotional is now available via audio each day. Simply go to http://www.liveprayer.com/DailyDevotionalAudio.html. Click on "Search by Category", then locate DAILY DEVOTIONAL. I want to thank Ed Morando for making this service available for FREE to Liveprayer.com.

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