Musings on church life

Today I stayed home from church with Emma and Ian. Emma had a tummy thing and stuffiness going on early Saturday morning. She is doing much better, but I tend to want to make sure before we mingle with the masses. It's been an odd illness, and thankfully mild.

I miss not being at church and worshiping with God's people, but it was nice to be able to listen to a sermon on CD by our pastor from one year ago. The sermon was taken from 1 Peter 5:1-5 and Acts 20:17-35, titled "From House to House". It was an encouraging teaching on the biblical basis for elder oversight and what God commands of both the elders and the congregation so that it happens in a way that is edifying for both. He spoke of how a farmer cares for his field in both a macro and a micro way. He will spray the entire field, but he also checks on the plants up close to make sure they are healthy and whether they are suffering from not enough water, too much sun, or disease. It's the same principle within the church. Biblical church oversight involves tender care and a desire on the part of the elders to serve and help. It is not a heavy-handed prying, but a servant-hearted coming alongside to pray for, counsel and gently lead.

I am so thankful for our church and for our pastor, elders and deacons. For the entire church body who desire to follow Christ, who genuinely care for one another and who are transparent with their struggles. For the fact that not one of us is even close to "perfect" but that we are all being sanctified and knit together. God has richly blessed us with such a healthy and loving church to be part of. He is good!