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An
Outreach Publication of the Church of Christ at
Creekwood |
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Destined
for Greatness When
it was built for an international exposition in the
19th century, the structure was called “monstrous”
by the citizens of the city, who demanded it be torn
down as soon as the exposition was over. Yet from the
moment its architect first conceived it, he took pride
in it and loyally defended it from those who wished to
destroy it. He knew it was destined for greatness.
Today it is one of the architectural wonders of the
modern world and stands as the primary landmark of In the same way we are struck by Jesus’ loyalty to another structure — the church… He established it - When asked the identity of Jesus, Peter confessed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Matthew 16:16). Jesus said in response, "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock [i.e., the fact that Jesus is the Son of God] I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).
He
purchased it - The Apostle Paul exhorted the
elders of the church at Ephesus saying,
"Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the
flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you
overseers, to shepherd the He gave Himself for it - Paul also gave instruction to husbands with Christ as their model: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her” (Ephesians 5:25). Jesus entrusted the formation of His church to an unlikely band of disciples, whom He defended, prayed for, and prepared to spread the gospel. To outsiders, they (and we) must seem like incapable blunderers. But Jesus, the Architect of the church, knew this structure was (and IS) destined for greatness! Jesus’ church is not made of iron, brick, or wood... It is composed of the SAVED – those who submit their lives to the King (Ephesians 5:23). He adds those who obey Him to the CHURCH (Acts 2:41, 47), the "Family of God" (1 Timothy 3:15). He will save and add to His church those who: believe in Him (Acts 16:30-31), repent of sin (Acts 17:30-31), confess Him before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). And one day, Jesus will take those who remain faithful to Him to a heavenly home (1 Corinthians 15:24). Have YOU obeyed Jesus? Are you a part of His church that has been destined for greatness? David A. Sargent, Minister Church of Christ at Creekwood * John Berstecher To Subscribe to "Living Water" send a blank e-mail to:
HTML version: subscribe-livingwater@lyris.dundee.net Follow this link to locate the church of Christ nearest you: www.churchzip.com Archived issues of "Living Water" can be accessed from our website at: www.creekwoodcc.org
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