Busy days at Northside
In recent days around our church family, these are just a few of the snapshots that could have been taken: a 30-something young man was baptized, accepting Christ as his Lord and Savior and starting his new life in Christ; many responded quickly to major damage to one of our family homes in Andover; we celebrated Senior Sunday, marking a milestone for 16 high school graduates and launching them on to their next chapter; and we welcomed our newest Northside staff member, moving soon to his new home in Wichita
To our new babe in Christ, 2 Cor 5.17 “if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” How can we encourage every young believer at Northside?
When storms threaten our family, 1 Th 5.11-18 “…encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing … Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (Paul may not have been speaking directly about severe weather …)
To our graduating seniors, Heb 3.1, 13. “Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus (and) … encourage one another daily“. Two very good habits to live by … keep our eyes on Jesus and encourage one another.
Whatever our life stage (youth, new career positions, etc.), Heb 4.12, 5.12 and 6.1. “For the word of God is living and active … it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit … by this time (we) ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word … solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Therefore, let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and move on to maturity …”
As we move through life, we must grow in faith and knowledge, “we need to leave the splash pool and jump into the deep end.” May God continue to bless our church family.
(Calendar note: we’re starting a new month and (perhaps) you’ve fallen behind in your daily Bible reading. Start a new habit and return to daily personal time in God’s Word.)