Read Romans 14:17 and Revelation 11:18.
If God says He will destroy those who destroy the earth, how should we treat the most fantastic mechanism of all His physical creations – our bodies? When we do not feel good, we are likely to spend more time thinking about ourselves. This works contrary to godly love which expresses concern for others. Consider that therein lies one of good health's major benefits - it enables one to be better prepared to give godly love.
Read John 8:44.
Paul was gentle in his ministry to the Thessalonians. He refused to place a burden of debt, guilt or perfection on them. There is a strong drive in all of us to follow the path of least resistance, that is, to do what comes naturally. Human nature does not go down without a fight. Consider the challenge of not operating in the flesh or with worldly ways in your personal spiritual service. Give an example of how you fell short of the mark recently. Encourage one another to do better.
Read John 15:20.
The more holy we become, the greater the contrast between the world and us—and the more likely the world will seek to persecute us. When Jesus Christ, the most holy, moral, and different human being who ever lived, walked this earth, His own people killed Him. They could not tolerate His holiness. Will you draw back or plow on?
Read Matthew 5: 43-48.
The Bible links perfection with human relationships. Christ urges us to be as perfect as our Father in heaven and ties the process to how we treat each other. The Kingdom of God is about eternal, peaceful relationships. We cannot withdraw from people and still develop the necessary relationship skills, just as God never leaves us but continues to work with us. He helps us develop our relationships with Him. He is the One who works perfection in us. Would it be “easier” for God if He ignored us?
Read Malachi 1:6,7.
The altar represents the service they performed as ministers on behalf of God for the people, and the “food” is the Word of God. Have you treated your service to God with a ho-hum attitude, as if to say “This is just a job. It is simply an offering I have chosen to give. It means little”?
Read John 8:31.
This abiding or continuing in His Word requires that the disciple be continually fed, which, according to Ephesians 4:11-16, is why Christ gave the ministry as a gift to the church. The ministry’s purpose is to help perfect the saints “to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” How can you contribute to the ministry of Palermo Christian Church?
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