The purpose of the church assembling together for the regular worship service is not for evangelism. The church is a gathering or assembly of believers who do not need to be evangelized. The purpose of the church meeting together is to edify the saints, equip them for service, and to bring them to maturity (Eph.4:13-15). The early church met together and “continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). They met together to worship God, and to minister to one another, thus building up the Body of Christ. When saints are taught and trained, then they will be brought to the “fullness of Christ” (Eph.4:13).
J. Delany

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The Rosebud

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#1 · April 8, 2003, 12:24 pm

Posted by: bigguyhereagain <bigguyhereagain@...>

<>< The Rosebud ><>
 
A young, new preacher was walking with an older, more seasoned preacher in the garden one day.
 
Feeling a bit insecure about what God had for him to do, he was asking the older preacher for some advice.
 
The older preacher walked up to a rosebush and handed the young preacher a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing off any petals.
 
The young preacher looked in disbelief at the older preacher and was trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with his wanting to know the will of God for his life and ministry. But because of his great respect for the older preacher, he proceeded to try to unfold the rose, while keeping every petal intact.
It wasn't long before he realized how impossible this was to do.
 
Noticing the younger preacher's inability to unfold the rosebud without tearing it, the older preacher began to recite the following poem...
 
It is only a tiny rosebud,
A flower of God's design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.
 
The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I.
GOD opens this flower so sweetly,
Then in my hands they die.
 
If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This flower of God's design,
Then how can I have the wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?
 
So I'll trust in Him for leading
Each moment of my day.
I will look to him for His guidance
Each step of the pilgrim way.
 
The pathway that lies before me,
Only my Heavenly Father knows.
I'll trust Him to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose.
 
 

<>< + <>< + <>< + <>< + <>< + <>< + <>< + <>< +<>< + <><
 

<>< A Purpose ><>

We all have some kind of purpose on this earth,
It's not to hurt people or tell them their worth.
Everyone was put here with an equal chance,
Take a look around you, take a good long glance.
Some were meant to heal, and some to teach,
Some are used to build, and some to reach.
You may not know your purpose just yet,
God will tell you, when he knows you are set.
Don't rush your fate, it has already been planned.
And God will always be there to lend a helping hand.
You will go through times that are really rough,
But you will always have someone, when the going gets tough.
Don't judge others, for when you do,
There is always someone else, judging you.
Think about things before they are said,
Say your prayers before going off to bed.
Take time just to sit, and observe all things,
A flower and it's petals, or a bird and it's wings.
For when you just look at what is around,
A new aspect on life could be what you have found.
Live for today, live one day at a time.
Live for yourself, and for God, that's no crime.
For when you do all these things to make your life great,
You will find your own way to the pearly white gate.

 
Have a Blessed Day
Dave and Barbara
 

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