Yesterday, our pastor began his message by listing many things that give people stress. Several pointed to current events, particularly in the Middle East. He then took us to Philippians 4:6-9, giving strong encouragement that Christians can have peace in the midst of life’s storms. Instead of worrying, we can pray. Last night, my hubby took his first of several planned trips to the Middle East.
God always amazes me with His timing. This sermon was just
right for our situation. The pastor had no idea about my husband’s trip, but obviously
listened to the Holy Spirit when he planned his sermon.
God also amazes me with how He uses Spirit-filled leaders
and other Christians to be a blessing to one another. What if we had skipped
church to spend time together before the flight? We would have missed a message
heard by 400 people but seemed directly spoken to us.
After the service, our congregation gathered for our usual
Sunday brunch. With friends, we often discuss the sermon and the effect it has
on our lives. One of those friends repeated the encouragement several times. Two
who live close to us said if I need anything, call them. They will watch out
for me.
The early church was like that. They blessed each other. Their
leaders blessed them as “many signs and
wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles.” The
people esteemed these leaders and those who were Christians, resulting in “more than ever believers were added to the
Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they even carried out the sick
into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least
his shadow might fall on some of them.” (Acts 5:12–16)
Today, many congregations don’t reverence their leaders and
could take lessons from the early church in that regard. We also could take
lessons in how to care for one another and for our unchurched friends. How
often do we bring needy friends to hear messages that would heal their souls?
In those days, the believers also deeply cared for each another.
If some were caught up in some sin, they gathered together “in the name of the Lord Jesus” and as the Spirit directed, to deal
with the person “for the destruction of
the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.” (1
Corinthians 5:4–5) These were acts of deep love and unselfish concern for their
eternal well-being.
Those early Christians also had their priorities in order.
They were told to “Look carefully how you
walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the
days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the
Lord is.” They did “not get drunk
with wine” but gave more attention to being “filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with the heart, giving
thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of the Lord
Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians
5:15–21)
Even though today’s church does not always fit this
pattern, I am thankful for the people who bless each other in our congregation.
They care. They pray. They encourage. They pay attention to what God says. They
“draw near with a true heart in full
assurance of faith.” Many of them are “holding
fast to the confession of their hope without wavering” and often remind each
other that God who promises is also faithful to keep his promises. They also constantly “consider how to stir up one
another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together . . . but encouraging one another . . . .”
(Hebrews 10:19–25)
So many times, our pastor gives a message that seems perfect
for that day and perfect for our needs. I’m not anxious about my husband’s
safety and well-being on this journey. I know that he is in God’s hands, but should
fear become an issue, God will use that sermon and the encouragement of our Christian
friends to remind me that I can take my worries to Him, with thanksgiving. When
I do, the Lord will give me His perfect peace.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6–7)
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