Am I doing my part?

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Oncefallen

Oncefallen

Idiot in Chief
Staff member
#1
Jan 15, 2011
6,031
3,267
113
#1
In one of the other threads we got a little off topic talking about the church not fulfilling it's duty to God and it's members, and of course it got me thinking (thanks Jullianna). Throughout the New Testament, both in Christ's teaching, and in the letters we see a recurring theme of the church being active in good works. Not that works save us, but they should come naturally out of obedience to God.

People in the church look to their church for weekly services, activities for their children, support in their time of need, etc, but it seems that churches are always having to search for people to fill volunteer positions to keep those ministries functioning. All too many people when they hear about people who are sick, or on some other need in their community, they think to themselves that it's the church's job to take care of it without beginning to think that THEY are the church.

I've heard so many people complain (not necessarily here) that their church isn't doing different types of ministry, yet they never begin to think that maybe God has put that burden on their heart for a reason. Maybe THEY should begin that work, rather than complain that no one else has.Sure, not everyone has the gifting for some types of ministry, but we all are gifted in some way. Recent years have seen a growing number of pastors and other leaders dropping out of the ministry because of burn out and frustration with the lack of help from those within the church.

We, as singles, tend to have a lot more available time to involve ourselves in ministry and service than those with families. Even the apostle Paul took the time to point out the benefits of being single in regards to our walk with God. (no I'm not suggesting permanent singleness) We should be seeking God as to what He would have us do to serve Him in our churches and communities. Not for our glory, but His.






 
Oncefallen

Oncefallen

Idiot in Chief
Staff member
#2
Jan 15, 2011
6,031
3,267
113
#2
If We Are The Body lyrics
Songwriters: Hall, Mark;

It's crowded in a worship today
As she slips in
Trying to fade into the faces
The girls' teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know

But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?

And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them
There is a way? There is a way?

A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat
And quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgmental glances tell him that his chances
Are better out on the road

But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?

And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them
There is a way?

But Jesus paid much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come
And we are the body of Christ

But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?

And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them
There is a way?

If we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?

And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them
There is a way? As Jesus is the way
 
L

Lucy68

Senior Member
#3
Jan 21, 2011
2,538
22
0
#3
Great post, Oncefallen! Since I was baptized in my 30's , I've attended several churches and it is a sad fact that there's only a small percentage of the congregation participating in the church's ministry.

You're right, everyone has some type of gift to offer. Everyone should find some way to help the church do what it's trying to do....be the hands and feet of Christ.

I think people with families should also do something...like teach children's classes. That's what I did when my children were little...whatever they were doing, I helped with. I felt obligated to do so. It was fun and meaningful.

I love that song...it always makes me cry but it's so true :)
 
J

Jullianna

Guest
#4
#4
Oncefallen said:
If We Are The Body lyrics
Songwriters: Hall, Mark;

It's crowded in a worship today
As she slips in
Trying to fade into the faces
The girls' teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know

But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?

And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them
There is a way? There is a way?

A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat
And quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgmental glances tell him that his chances
Are better out on the road

But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?

And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them
There is a way?

But Jesus paid much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come
And we are the body of Christ

But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?

And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them
There is a way?

If we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?

And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them
There is a way? As Jesus is the way
Click to expand...
Loved this song the moment I first heard it :)
 
J

Jullianna

Guest
#5
#5
I agree, Lucy. The same people do Sunday School/VBS, clean the church, send encouraging cards/make calls, visit the sick/elderly, mow the grass, serve on the prayer chain, type up the bulletins, assist with the praise team, work on the website, do the fund raisers/bake sales, lead Bible studies, minister to others after service, etc....etc...., until they are so bogged down they aren't spending enough quiet time with the Lord and begin to struggle...and no one is there to hold their arms up like this:

EXODUS 17: 12 Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. 13 As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle.

We are supposed to be a family. The Body of Christ. Whether a mouth, an ear or a fingernail, there's something we should be doing. We ALL have been given talents, we need to find out what they are and use them. There's a parable or two about that...

:) Keep this in mind tho:

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtDoQUQuQBQ[/video]
 
Oncefallen

Oncefallen

Idiot in Chief
Staff member
#6
Jan 15, 2011
6,031
3,267
113
#6
Wow, I haven't heard that song in years. Good stuff. :)
 
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