January 1, 2016

“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” Genesis 12:2-3

There is no perfect church. But there are healthy churches and a healthy church is as close to perfect as a church can be this side of eternity. A healthy church is a representation of God’s dream and desire for the Promised Land He wanted for His people.

In this great promise accompanying God’s covenant with Abraham (which is a wonderful promise to claim for 2016) we can see the components of a healthy church. It is:

1) A Place to Believe

2) A Place to Belong

3) A Place to Bless

When you allow God to use you to create a place where it is easy to believe the truths and promises of God’s Word that is a blessing; to you and to others!

When you allow God to use you to develop the unity of a community where new people find ready acceptance you are blessing others with the blessing of belonging!

A healthy church is a place of blessing because people can be loved to life in a healthy church.

When I refer to “blessing” I am talking about the favor of God. When God is pleased with the mission, the motives and the ministry of a local church – THAT is a blessing!

Living in a covenant relationship with God through faith in Christ, THAT is a blessing!

Sharing the covenant relationship in fellowship with other like-minded Christ followers in the unity of a local church – THAT’S a blessing!

Welcoming others into the fellowship and introducing them to this covenant relationship with Christ – THAT’S a blessing!

My life has been blessed by knowing Christ as my Savior and passionately pursuing God’s favor upon my life.

My life has been further blessed by allowing God to use me in developing local church fellowships where others are blessed.

Perhaps the greatest blessing of my life has been introducing others into this blessing of knowing Christ.

I can’t imagine my life without His blessing! I don’t even want to.

I am blessed by the prospect of God’s continued blessing on FredWes in 2016!

I am blessed by the thought of sharing that journey with you!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!