January 5, 2025 -- Philippians 1:8 -- The Love of Jesus and Participation in Church

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

For God is my witness how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:8 ESV
 
What is the most important indicator of a growing and vital Christian? According to David Guretzki, President of Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, “Personal prayer and Bible reading are vital, but the top predictor of growth in the faith is…regular church attendance.” He goes on to explain “Going to church requires an intentional act of leaving home in anticipation of hearing from God’s Word. It’s praying and hearing others pray, even if we’ve neglected to do so in days prior…going to church is a way to walk against the grain of society. A way to do something different from what everyone else is doing” (Faith Today, January/February 2025, Volume 43, No. 1, page 16).
 
Paul’s word to the Philippians shows that being part of a congregation makes you part of a people who love one another so deeply that missing them creates a longing to see those people again. Gathering with God’s people deepens our love for Jesus and that in turn deepens our love for the people who also love Him. It is the affection of Christ Jesus that governs all our interactions as we gather with God’s people.
 
Today is Sunday. If you haven’t already decided to do so, I urge you to go to church. Meet with God and meet with His people. Be prepared for the Spirit of God to increase your connection with Jesus Christ. Be open to the fact that the Body of Believers will awaken in you a holy desire to know God better.
 
O God our Father, ever so faithful in love toward Your people; by Your Spirit stir us up so that we are prepared to go to church. With the affection of Jesus Christ increase our love for You. Strengthen among us the love that comes from Jesus Christ and is directed outward to other believers. Jesus demonstrated His love toward You, Father by His obedience in His earthly life, and His love was approved effective for us by His cleansing His sacrifice on the cross. Love that is guarded in us by His Spirit. Love that is kept secure for us in heaven because of Jesus’ resurrection and then His ascension to the place of power at the right hand of our Glorious Father. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/ojHxW3zMGyU?si=4awCj9dRo_c2kNOg Behold, What Manner of Love
 

Copyright © 2025 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.