One of the most important things in church to mobilize people for evangelism outreach and proclaim God’s name in our faith, is the fact that we ourselves have to experience the goodness of the Lord and the flourishing result of walking with God first and foremost. If we don’t, we then have nothing to proclaim to the world. If we don’t experience the reality of the transcendent God in our own lives, experience the love of community towards one another, there is little hope of a message to the world outside. While we brag about the glorious future that is coming we must take care of what we experienced God’s word now in life.

Any transactions or divisions or disagreements in church must be put to rest ASAP as per Paul’s warnings and exhortations in the epistles.

Romans 16: 17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.

While it is most important shepherds look for the lost sheep, and to reconcile any misgivings in church, the onus lies on the leadership to resolve and having said that, move on. If we can’t move on, the whole church is stuck. The church that is the very bride of Christ. And the faith that we are profoundly passionate about will come to a grind. Not knowing how to proclaim the faith that we have been so profoundly impacted by the richness of the grace of God which God lavished upon us in Christ Jesus. It will be such a shame. No dry bone can serve the Lord! And that needs prayer, determination, submission and humility to the Holy Spirit’s leading and guidance.

Having said that, by going through some trials in lives individually and the church as a whole, we must all submit ourselves to the authority of God’s word. This eventually, if we overcome the trials as a church, we will emerge stronger and more beautiful. This is going to be so pleasing to the Lord , encouraging to the body of Christ in a local church, and will be a really uplifting process.

The Bible says honor one another and preferring one another.

Romans 12:  ⁹ Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Loving one another and honoring one another comes hand in hand with serving the Lord. No one can really truthfully serve the Lord in honor, without also loving and honoring one another.

The Bible also says people’s lives will be changed by feeding the sheep God’s word.

John 21: 15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

Seriously my point here is that without feeding the people God’s word, people won’t grow spiritually, and it will be even harder to overcome trials, grudges and be humble towards one another. Only the Word of God in the anointing of God will break the yoke, renew our minds and be transformed.

Romans 12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Our minds must be renewed daily, so we can truly be transformed. Only the transformation of the hearts can bring forth revival.

Amen