Warm Feelings

God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord. Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. (Ephesians 3:10-12, NLT)

I'm continually struck by the fact that God wants to use the church. In fact, the church was a part of God's plan all along.

It's a good reminder that to nurture the church, to develop the church, to perpetuate the church is our responsibility...and it is done through our work together. (which is the topic next week.)

But the other reality is that when we do work together as the church, we experience God!

You are probably asking, "What does that mean?"

Jesus said, "they will know you are my followers because you have love for one another."

I'm sure you've felt the good feelings of doing good works. You know, that warm, tingling feeling that moves down through your body that comes from helping someone in need; or performing an act that makes a difference to someone; or eating chocolate! These don't even have to be life-changing things, but simple acts of kindness, love, and forgiveness that lead to good feelings.  That is the very presence of God! And if you are like me, you want these good feelings as often as possible. (so I keep chocolate in my office most of the time!)

So, to experience God, we act like Christ to others...

...and when others act like Christ to us...

...and the place that happens the best is in the Church...

...wherever 2 or 3 are gathered in Christ's name.

Peace ><>
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