MEP - March 17, 2008

March 16 @ Crossway Community Church (Mickey Connolly)

Text: Ephesians 4:11-16

One of the many things that God has faithfully growing in me is a love and appreciation for the local church. As I think of the times over the years that I have experienced tremendous growth, they have always been tied in with significant circumstances and opportunities to hear and apply God's word in the context of our church. It started shortly after my sophomore year of high school when I started attending a Bible-believing and preaching church. Many people were used of God there to disciple and mentor me. That reality has only progressed as time has gone by. I can remember significant times of learning and spiritual challenges as a pastor preached through 1 Corinthians 12-14 and Isaiah. Hearing the message yesterday of "Why the Local Church?" was a great reminder to continually stay centered on Christ by way of the great gift of His bride. This especially rings true as we soon embark on a new church plant.

One point that particularly stood out to me was that the local church provides a place to put our commitment to God and each other (as His people) into practice. We are seeking to grow in this area as we transition to our new church in just a couple of short weeks. We look forward to God's grace to us (and being used to be that same grace to others) through approximately 150 people that will make up this new church team and to the five precious families with whom we will connect in a small group setting. We long to engage in purposeful relationships to certain specific people.

Much to thank God for in the past, present and for the future! All God's best!