According to the Bible all of humanity is divided into only two spiritual categories. You are either a saint or you are an “aint”. You are either a saved, born again, follower of Jesus Christ or you are not.
Matthew 12:30 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.
Matthew 25:32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.
Pause to Ponder– Are you a saint or are you an “aint”? Have you ever trusted in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins? If not, why not?
If you would like to know more about salvation, please follow this link:
If you have trusted Christ today, please let me know at pastor@missionchurchlex.org
I would love to pray with you and send you some discipleship materials to help you grow spiritually.
Additionally, once you become a saint (a professing Christian) you are to unite yourself with a local church and become a committed covenant member with other Christians and under the authority of Biblical leadership.
Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Romans 12:4-5 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.
Pause to Ponder– Are you a faithful and active member of a local church? Would you like to know more about how to become a Covenant Member of The Mission Church of Lexington?
If you would like to know more about church membership, please follow this link:
If you would like to discuss church membership, please let me know at pastor@missionchurchlex.org
I would love to pray with you and send you some materials.
Just as all of humanity is divided into only two spiritual categories, members of a church can basically be divided into two categories, church pillars and church caterpillars. Some church members stand spiritually tall and strong while others… well not so much… If you were to honestly evaluate yourself and your church membership, do you think you would be a pillar or a caterpillar? If you are not sure or want to know how to be a strong church member, please continue reading!
In “Are you a Church Pillar or a Caterpillar? (Part 1)” we discussed 3 points, and, in this post, we will discuss 3 more. (You can find all “Find Your Why with Pastor D” blog posts archives at missionchurchlex.org)
1- Church Pillars are church members who attend faithfully
2- Church Pillars are church members who encourage intentionally
3- Church Pillars are church members who forgive willingly
4- Church Pillars Are Church Members Who Pray Continually
It is our duty and our delight as Christians and as Covenant Church members to pray for and with each other. As a church we can do more than pray after we pray but we cannot do more than pray until we pray. When a Christian or a church doesn’t pray it reveals one of two hidden attitudes… either we or ignorant or we are arrogant… either we are unaware of the power of prayer, we simply don’t realize that when we pray that God of the universe hears our intercessions and petitions, or we simply don’t think we need to involve God in our lives, choices, and decisions. When we pray as individuals and as a church, we are demonstrating our dependance upon the Lord.
Martin Luther once said, “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.”
Church Pillars are prayer warriors. The beautiful thing is that every Christian can be a prayer warrior regardless of their age and stage in life! Every born-again believer can live a committed life of communication with God. The Mission Church of Lexington is full of prayer warriors, and they are such a tremendous blessing!
1 Samuel 12:23 Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.
Matthew 21:12-13 Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 13 And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’
Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing,
Pause to Ponder– Are you willing to be a church Pillar by being a church member who prays continually? The Mission Church provides some excellent opportunities for your consideration and participation:
- We conduct Unceasing Prayer every 2nd Friday of the month. This is a 12-hour focused prayer time beginning at 10am and ending at 10pm. We start and end with a virtual Zoom Prayer Meeting and we provide 30-minute time slots for you to commit to throughout the day. You are provided a helpful prayer guide and can pray from wherever you are during your designated time slot.
- We also conduct Vertical Prayer Gatherings. These take place on the last Sunday evening of every month that has 5 weeks in it. You really don’t want to miss these powerful worship and prayer experiences!
- We help teach effective prayer at The Mission Church of Lexington by using a simple prayer method called A.C.T.S which stands for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. If you would like to know more about any of these prayer resources, please contact me at pastor@missionchurchlex.org.
5- Church Pillars Are Church Members Who Serve diligently
At The Mission Church of Lexington, we believe, and we teach that “every member is a missionary and every member is a minster”. This means that every Christian should be active in the work of reaching the lost and building the saved for the Glory of God.
Church life and ministry is not to be a spectator sport… church life and ministry is to be participated in by all. If we only sit and soak, we will soon sour and stink! The reality is, you need the church, and the church needs you. God has given every Christian experiences, abilities, and spiritual gifts to serve in and through the local church for the evangelism of the lost, the edification of the saved, and the exultation of God!
It has been observed that far too many churches are like a basketball game. There are many “fans” sitting comfortably in the seats simply watching the activity on the court. They celebrate when the team is playing well and boo when they are not. They are there for their own comfort and enjoyment therefore if that comfort and enjoyment is ever hindered…. Well, they will just leave or complain. While there is a team on the court that is working hard, trying their best, and working toward a goal, attempting to win. The players are learning and growing… and often exhausted but exhilarated! A church Pillar gets out of the stands into the game. They don’t have to be the “star” player (there are no stars or celebrities in ministry, only servants), but they find their role on the team, and they are playing to honor the team owner which we know is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
John 12:26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.
Ephesians 4:11-12 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.
1 Peter 4:10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Pause to Ponder– Are you willing to be a church Pillar by being a church member who serves diligently? The Mission Church of Lexington offers Core Class #2: “Find your S.H.A.P.E.” During this training you will learn to discover, develop, and deploy your Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experience. We also provide many Mission Leadership Teams for your involvement (Mission Kids, Mission Students, Mission Worship, Community Compassion, Congregational Care, Hospitality and Fellowship, and many more!). If you would like to know more about any of these opportunities, please contact me at pastor@missionchurchlex.org.
6- Church Pillars Are Church Members Who Give Generously
Hudson Taylor was a great missionary from years past, one of his most profound quotes was, “God’s work done God’s way will never lack God’s supply.” The Gospel is free but getting it out to the world certainly is not. Church Pillars understand this reality, so they give generously to God through the church for the work of Gospel and Kingdom expansion.
At The Mission Church of Lexington, we believe that every time the Bible is preached it demands a response. We cannot remain neutral… When we hear God’s Truth, we either have to respond in obedience or in disobedience. Therefore, we end every sermon with a “Time of Response.” This a specific time given for those in attendance to trust in Jesus, to begin a conversation about following the Lord in Believer’s Baptism, to explore the possibility of Covenant Church membership, to recommit/rededicate their life, or simply to be counseled and prayed for. In addition to the “Time of Response” following the sermon, we conclude each worship service with a time of “Worship Through Stewardship.” This is also a very real and tangible way in which those in attendance can response to what God is doing in their heart, soul, and mind.
Stewardship may not be a familiar term to you, but it simply means “one who manages the possessions of another”. The Mission Church of Lexington teaches 3T Stewardship as a matter of discipleship. Every Christian is to be a good steward of their Time, Talent, and Treasure. A church Pillar embraces these Biblical Truths. All of our time, everything we can do, and every bit of our resources belongs to God, and we are accountable to Him for how we use them!
At The Mission Church of Lexington, we teach the principle of the tithe and offerings. The tithe is the first 10% of a person/families’ income, while offerings are what is given above and beyond that. The tithe determines a Christian’s obedience to God. We tithe whether we “feel” like it or not… we tithe because we want to be faithful and obedient to God’s will and Word while offerings (above and beyond the tithe) determines a Christians sensitivity to God. This is when it really gets fun! Looking and listening for the Lord to show us how he wants us to invest His resources, which he has temporarily placed in our care, for the plans and purposes that brings Him the most glory and produces the greatest good for others. Church Pillars understand these Biblical principles and precepts.
Malachi 3:10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.
1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.
2 Corinthians 9:7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
Pause to Ponder– Are you willing to be a church Pillar by being a church member who gives generously? How are you using your 3T Stewardship (Time, Talent, and Treasure)? If you would like to discuss stewardship more fully please contact me at pastor@missionchurchlex.org.
If this blog post has grabbed your curiosity and you would like to know more, please pursue any/all of the below options:
1- Contact me at pastor@missionchurchlex.org
2- Check out our church website Misisonchurchlex.org
3- Visit us for Community Celebration and Worship every Sunday at 9am and 11am (Facebook livestreaming available at 9am) and Mission Groups each Wednesday at 6:30pm. We are located at 3288 Beaver Creek Drive Lexington, KY 40515.
4- Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/missionchurch.lex
5- Continue to read this weekly blog- “Find your Why with Pastor D”