This Sunday, we’ll begin a series of messages called, “The Power of One.” While I am introducing this as a “New Member’s Class” in the midst of a worship service, it’s actually quite a bit more complicated (and simple) than that. During the “class,” we will:
- look at the basics of the Christian faith;
- investigate the reasons behind church membership;
- discuss the purpose behind what we do (and don’t do) as a congregation; and
- talk about expectations that we have for our members (and why!).
You might be thinking that the only thing we’re leaving out is the kitchen sink. But wait! There’s more! I would also like to have two discussion opportunities. I’ll arrange for there to be a light dinner so that we can eat and talk. The first one will be on April 18. While all questions will be good questions, I’d like to especially focus on the Christian Reformed Church in particular – our theology, our history and our various ministries. On the sixth (and final) Sunday (May 16), I’ll again have a light lunch available after the service. This time will be more open-ended. I will do my best to answer any questions that you have about the expectations of members OR what to do next if you would like to become a member of Bethel Church or…whatever is on your mind.
I will be sending out a letter this week to those I think are considering membership at Bethel. This letter will include more details, especially about the membership process at Bethel. If you don’t receive a letter, don’t feel hurt. Just come to Bonnie or myself and we will get you a copy of the letter.
By the way, there will be a separate class available for any youth that are interested in publicly professing their faith in Jesus Christ. If you sense that you are ready to take this official step in following Jesus, please talk to Jason Ruis or Pastor Cal.
It is beautiful that there is no one picture that covers all disciples of Christ. We as disciples walk paths of teachers, plumbers, farmers, lawyers, homemakers, painters and nearly every other occupation out there in the world. Praise God! Even more beautiful is the fact that for disciples of Christ those paths converge on one destination, belief in the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior by grace alone through faith and ultimately the final and eternal desitnation, heaven. Although our lives are lived very differently from one another there is one common element – love. Without it remember we are just gonging symbols. Sometimes we really mess up and we look just like the world and act like those who do not know the love of Jesus Christ. Our talk should be to encourage, not to tear down. Do we always succeed? No, we are sinful human beings even though we are saved by grace. Our goal should be to always ‘do better next time’ and with the help of Christ and the encouragement of other disciples we can.