Sunday July 30, 2023
Theme: “Characteristics of Christian Community Growth” Text: Joshua 24:19-27
19. Joshua said to the people, You will not have the strength to serve the LORD, for he is a holy God, he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions and your sins. 20. When you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, he will return to do you evil, and he will consume you after having done you good. 21. The people said to Joshua: No! for we will serve the Lord. 22. Joshua said to the people, You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the LORD to serve him. They answered: We are witnesses of it. 23. Put away therefore the foreign gods which are among you, and turn your hearts unto the LORD, the God of Israel. 24. And the people said to Joshua, We will serve the LORD our God, and we will obey his voice. 25. Joshua made a covenant that day with the people, and gave them statutes and ordinances in Shechem. 26. Joshua wrote these things in the book of the law of God. He took a large stone and set it there under the oak tree that was in the place dedicated to the Lord. 27. And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words which the LORD hath spoken unto us; it will serve as a witness against you, so that you will not be unfaithful to your God.
Let's remember:
A community that thirsts and hungers to serve God does not hesitate to choose to follow him whatever the cost. Despite the weaknesses of the flesh and the ups and downs of daily life that can distance us from the will of God; it is very important to determine to follow God. Yes, our God smites evildoers, idolaters and all who live in sin; however, we also know that it is God who gives us the strength to follow him and who confirms our steps. We know that his Word is a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path. How can we not rely on Him to pick us up from our falls? It is crucial not to hesitate to make the choice to serve God because whoever does not choose to serve God, implicitly chooses to serve the devil. We know that God is the help that never fails in distress. To be part of a growing community, one must begin by choosing to serve God; we must first learn to consecrate our whole heart to the service of God. To serve God is to show loyalty to him; it is to live for God; practice his Word; it is taking the time to evangelize. Serving God is the main activity of every Christian community that experiences growth. Within such communities, the faithful choose not to turn away from their covenant made with God; they preserve it from all degradation. They take care to keep their commitments made before the face of God. Their hearts are witnesses to this covenant, this commitment to serve God remains their leitmotif. Excellent Sunday. Amen Alain Louz.-
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