Church, Church, Church

www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org

Where are you as it relates to the title of this post? Do you have a church home, are you content or excited about going to church, are you church hopping, or are you tired of going to church? It’s important to know where you are, especially in the current times that we’re living in. The reason why these questions are so important to ask is because Jesus Christ is coming back again soon! And guess what sis? He’s coming back for a church without spot or wrinkle. So whether you’re searching for a church or belong to one, you need to be there!

This is such a critical, yet exciting time for the body of Christ. I don’t know if you’re aware of it yet, but there’s such a great sense of urgency emerging as the coming of the Lord draws nearer. One day He will crack the sky with great power and His angels will receive those individuals who are ready and have been anticipating His return. The only question now is…are you getting ready?

The Bible reassures us that Jesus will come back for those who are truly living for Him and enduring unto the end. First Thessalonians 4:16-18 tells us, “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the call of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, all of the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and remain with him forever. So comfort and encourage each other with these words.” This is known as the rapture of the church (for those who may not know).

It’s time to get your house in order! Whatever you need to clean up in your life, get the spiritual broom and dustpan and get to work. What this means is…allow God to cleanse you from anything that’s not like Him in this season of your life. It’s time. You’re not reading this today by chance. He is coming back for a pure and clean bride. Get yourself ready to meet Jesus.

  

If you don’t have a church home, ask the Lord to help you find one. Don’t choose one of your choice or what you think is good. Your Father knows exactly where you need to be. And if you have a church home, then stay planted where you are and grow. Stand strong until Jesus comes back. And don’t be a church hopper. Now granted, there are times when God moves people along, but caution. Do not move until the Lord says so, or you could very well miss what you need to get there. Amen!

Listen, the purpose of the church is to help us grow stronger in our walk with the Lord. It’s where we learn more about who God is and what He desires of us. It’s where God shows us how to live this Christian life. It’s a place where we worship the Lord and all of His glory, while learning how to serve others with our gifts and talents. Church is where we grow in our faith with other believers, while helping us to bear good fruit, godly character (i.e. love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control –Galations 5:22-23), because in heaven we will not be alone. So we have to practice getting along with others down here. Note: There will be no fighting, offenses, back-biting, slander, gossip, or sin up there. So we’ve got to get it right down here first (Read Ephesians 4:31-32).  

As I close this post today, know that you have a purpose even in the local church. Find your place. And if you’ve been in church a long time, be encouraged and keep pressing. Don’t give up and get tired of going to church. The Bible tells us in Galations 6:9, “And let us not be not weary in well doing: for in due season, we shall reap, if we faint not.” Jesus gave up his life for us, to make us holy and clean, and washed by the baptism and God’s word (Ephesians5:25-27). Warning…The Bible tells us in Hebrews 10:25, “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially as the day of his coming back again is drawing near.” (NLT) Be encouraged my sister and heed the warning…stay connected to the church.

Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s get ready from the Inside Out!

~Courtnaye

*Thanks for reading! I hope and pray that you’ve been enlightened from this post. Feel absolutely free to leave a comment or for questions you can email me directly at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com, and I will respond promptly. Also, tune in every Monday at 7:30am for new posts! Don’t forget to “Like” my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutWCourtnaye) and share this blog with friends, family, co-workers, or your women’s group or ministry. I’d love to stay connected and help more women grow in the Lord! Thanks again and may God be with you!