Word for the day "Perspective on the Church"
Ezekiel 44:15-16 (MSG) “But the Levitical priests who descend from Zadok, who faithfully took care of my Sanctuary when everyone else went off and left me, are going to come into my presence and serve me. They are going to carry out the priestly work of offering the solemn sacrifices of worship. Decree of God, the Master. They’re the only ones permitted to enter my Sanctuary. They’re the only ones to approach my table and serve me, accompanying me in my work.
Many times, what you’re looking for in life starts with you.
Maybe you are looking for a church that will teach your children on Sunday mornings. Or perhaps you are looking for true fellowship.
Maybe you are hungry for good praise and worship. Or you’re trying to meet some other deep need in your life.
What are you are looking for in a Church? Did you know it starts with you?
If one wants a better home, then he must be a better family member. If one wants a better, then he must be a better citizen. Anything is only as good as the total sum of its parts.
If all the parts that make up the whole are good and reliable then the whole itself is good and dependable.
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Therefore, if one wants a better Church then they must be a better church member.
The congregation that grows is the congregation that is truly concerned with the spiritual welfare of others.
It is the congregation that will show her love for others by showing them the many and wonderful blessings that are in Jesus our Lord.
When we read the Bible, we can find some interesting insights on the Church and our relationship.
Let me give you this word about God’s true Church: The Bible in today’s reading says you have been appointed as a royal priest unto the Lord.
That’s right: you are to be a shepherd, a minister, a priest. And the true Church is to originate in your home.
Have you come to the realization of this true message today? The Bible says every believer has been called to a godly Zadok priesthood.
"But the priests the Levites, the sons of Zadok, that kept the charge of my sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from me, they shall come near to me to minister unto me, and they shall stand before me to offer unto me the fat and the blood, saith the Lord God: they shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table, to minister unto me, and they shall keep my charge" (Ezekiel 44:15-16).
You do not have to go to Bible school or have an ordination paper hanging on your wall in order to be part of God’s royal priesthood.
Everyone who has been washed in the blood of Jesus has been raised up as a priest unto the Lord.
Loving and honoring the Lord should begin in your home and extend to the Church, so whether you grew up this way or not, I trust today’s message has given you some food for thought.
Point to ponder
I grew up in a family that observed that we are “Levites” (Ezekiel 44:15-16). My grandfather Dr. W.O. Girtman believed that the verse in (Hebrews 10:24-25) commanding Christians not to forsake corporate assembly was meant for families as well.
Therefore, we were not to miss the family assignment of going before the Lord in the submission of our lives.
My grandfather happily took on the role of priest and shepherd in our family and his home.
But what about you? Have you searched your heart about being a priest to your family and home today? The time to begin building a better church is now.
Brethren, become one and be joined together in the same mind, the same judgment, and the same purpose (I Corinthians 1:10).
Hand in hand, let each of us together march to the glory land!
Special thanks!
Our Leadership team is especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of January 2019 by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. David Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Cynthia George, Ms. Rita Mcguffin, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Mrs. Cynthia Waiters-Artis, Mr. William Jones, Mrs. Lola Moore, Ms. Ollie Tipton, Mrs. Leslie Whitehead, Ms. Darlene Simmons, Mr. Robert Western, Mrs. Krizel Mendoza, and Ms. Gertrude Scott.
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Kingdom Blessings,Pastor James Baker, Jr.