The Family of God
Between late September and mid-October the Lord gave me some good opportunities to be close to other brothers and sisters in Christ that are also serving God in other cities of Washington and other states and countries around the globe. My involvement with Action International (a missions agency that networks with churches and individuals inside and outside the U.S.) as well as my first time with I.F.C.A. (a fellowship of pastors and churches, mainly from the West Coast) provided me with one more chance of contemplation of how great and unique at the same time is the family of God! Also, without going too far, the pleasant experiences of recently joining services during the weekend of October 14 and 15, and the worship service of last Friday’s, Good Lord! What a beautiful blending of brotherhood we have here at Evergreen!
Our local church identifies us in the deepest way possible with the concept of the body of Christ, according to 1 Corinthians 12: “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.” (v.12), “for in fact, the body is not one member but many.” (v.14), and “…now indeed there are many members, yet one body.” (v.20). Then Paul points at the congregation in Corinth and tells them in verse number 27 “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.” So, let’s be appreciative of the body of Christ that we all are at EBC, where none of us looks the same, however, with all our mix of family backgrounds, various nationalities and languages and different walks of life, we still are one in Jesus Christ and need each other, and ought to love one another, pray for one another and “…through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13).
When you are home, talk with each other and share what everyone appreciates from other members at church, friends and families that come together every week, our pastors and elders and other teachers and leaders within our congregation as well as that lady who seats two rows ahead of yours and the kids that sing out loud in the center bunch of seats towards the back. How can we pray for them? How about if we intentionally look for them this coming Sunday and say hi and maybe ask them something about their home or personal life we can pray for during the week? And do not forget your brothers and sisters from other churches and countries; remember missionary families and individuals, some you might know personally, others you have not even heard about, however, they’re also loved by our Heavenly Father and they’re facing difficulties in life, just like you are. 1 Peter 5:9 reminds us that we all need to resist Satan, our adversary, “…knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”
Pastor Joe Gutierrez
Spanish Pastor