Acts 2:46-47
So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
What do I want for Vineyard ReCovery Church?
To see people get physically, mentally, and spiritually healthy in their relationship with God.
To see all of us develop a deeper love and appreciation for who God is.
I want to see us grow to the point that we truly can love ourselves despite our past destruction.
I want us to learn to love others..........
Those who are a part of VRC.....
And those who may come through our doors for the first time. Simply love them with the Love God has shown to us.
We should be the most loving people on the face of the earth...
John 13:34-35
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
I truly believe that "church" as we know it, is going to have to change if it's going to survive. We've played at church long enough. It is truly going to have to become a sanctuary for those who are looking for God and family.
I've nothing against programs in church....
Such are designed to meet certain needs that people have....
But if we don't get the "love" part down, all the programs in the world aren't going to make a dent in the number of people who are falling through the cracks....
Jesus never said, "By their programs you will know that they are My disciples."
He said that His love in us being poured out on others is the defining mark of a true church. It has to be more than lip service and a hand shake. It has to be an investment of those who make up the community of believers in the church into the lives of each other and those who may be there for the first time.
I want us (VRC) to understand that the we are to burn with a divine love that cannot be kept or hidden. It is a love that has to be expressed. Such love is the real life found in the kingdom of God.
I love the verses from Acts that I posted in the opening comments.
There was an investment into the lives of each other in the first church.
A daily breaking of bread and sharing of food.
Why can't this be the norm for today?
I am not one who is anti-technology. I actually see it as a means to further be connected with others. But we cannot rely solely on social media. We need that face to face investment in each others lives. Time spent over a cup of coffee sharing what's going on in our lives. Developing the intimacy that comes from friendship where one can say to another..."I need prayer. I am really struggling with giving up today." Such actions and behavior is the fertile ground from which God will grow His church.
Community is built from the heart. It is a discovery of a need to be connected with others who also burn with a passion to know Christ better. We find the greatest value by being connected with God through Christ. From that place of relationship, we find the value of being connected with each other.
Life isn't found in the church...
By that, I mean the structure with it's programs and model that we present as the way we think church should be done.
Life is birthed in the structure...
Life is conceived in the hearts of those who are connected with God.
In many ways, the structure is the incubator that protects the life that is being born. I know many who spend their entire time and energy, not to mention their money, on keeping the structure going. Thinking that if the structure is built a certain way, then life will come. I don't think it really works that way.
Our goal at Vineyard ReCovery is to simply let God have His way in each of us.
We are a people who have been called to minister to a "Sin/specific" problem that has manifested in the lives of people who are trapped in addiction. A problem that they see themselves as being defined by what they have done in their past. The see themselves as having no value whatsoever.
We, as a fellowship, have been called and given the purpose of loving these people so that the Kingdom rule of God will be manifested in their lives. Such an act on God's part will move them into a new journey of following Him.
In some regards, Vineyard ReCovery Church is still a babe.
We've only been meeting 27 months. We're still learning how to be a community. We're still learning about each others.
If you're looking for a safe place to check out this whole "God" thing...then come and join us on Saturday nights / 7 p.m.
We are located downtown Gadsden on Broad Street / between 4th and 5th streets.
Hope to see you!
God on you..
mb
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