Bishop Alexis A. Thomas began a series entitled, "Put God First!" The series will cover four important commitments we Christians should make. The first sermon in this series was called, "Don't Miss Your Blessing!" Bishop used Hebrews 10:23-25 and St. John 20:24 as his reference scriptures.
When we were growing up, there was no question about our schedule for Sunday. We knew exactly where we would be and what we would be doing. We were going to church and that was that! Our society has changed. I was discussing with my family this Thanksgiving, how on Sunday's and even on holidays, stores were closed, gas stations were closed, and if you forgot to get butter for your mashed potatoes you may have to ask your neighbor or family member for a stick of butter. Bishop reminisced about getting his clothes ready for Sunday on Saturday, and getting a whipping for wearing his Sunday clothes during the week. I had to chuckle when he said this. One of my favorite movies is BAPS. In one scene, James expresses his love to Mickey. He tells her all the things he desires for her. He tells her she shouldn't have to wear her "Sunday clothes on Wednesday". LOL! God wants you to have the best! He only asks you to get it his way..."But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well." Matthew 6:33 (Common English Version)
"So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching." Hebrews 10:23-25 (Message) Bishop encouraged us to attend to attendance!
He said we should show up because...
1) The Gospel is being preached...the Gospel is the good news. We are inundated with bad news everyday. We need to hear some good news! Matthew 11:5 says, "the good news was preached to the poor". What would be the best news a poor person could hear? Well, I would think it would be that they don't have to be poor any more. The Good News is that Jesus has paid the price for our salvation, healing, deliverance, and prosperity!
2) Revelation is Being Released...Jesus taught in parables. Believer's hear the parables and can understand the hidden meanings. Jesus even encouraged Peter and acknowledged that we get revelation from God, “God bless you, Simon, son of Jonah! You didn't get that answer out of books or from teachers. My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on this secret of who I really am. And now I’m going to tell you who you are, really are." Matthew 16:17 (Message)
3) Your Presence Makes a Difference...You may not think you matter, but you do! Someone is encouraged by your attendance! Someone is watching you and patterning their life after yours. They may never reveal it, but it happens. Your presence is an inspiration and a testimony to what God can do in your life and in theirs. My sister, Jacque has been battling Lupus for many years. She posted a meme on Facebook, that poked fun at the fact that some Lupus sufferers don't look sick. We are all fighting battles. When you "fight the good fight" other people can see that it is possible. Think of the power your testimony will have when others find out you didn't let anything or anyone get you down.
St. John 20:24 says, "Although Thomas the Twin was one of the twelve disciples, he wasn't with the others when Jesus appeared to them." (Common English Version)Thomas was not in attendance when Jesus appeared to the disciples. He was at home discouraged, and sad that Jesus had been killed. He couldn't believe the report of Jesus being alive. When he finally saw Jesus and touched his wounds, he believed. Jesus told him, “So, you believe because you've seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.” John 20:29 (Message)
Love and prayers, Cynthia
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