And the Lord Added to the Church

We praise the Lord for His work and grace in Luke, Chelsea Mae and Chelsea’s lives. Last week we gathered (again) at Carl’s place, heard their confession of faith in Christ, baptized Luke and Chelsea Mae (Chelsea had been baptized before) and received them into the church.  We gave them the “right hand of fellowship” as the Scriptures exemplifies. They are now part of this body of believers. As I stated before, now the work begins! We have received them in on a three fold basis.  One, we as they confess our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Second, we will love them as they us.  And third, we as they are willing to be taught, have oversight and be accountable to this church.
With that in mind, it crossed my mind on a practice that we may want to begin towards all those who come into this church.  It is for all of us to make it a point to invite that one or ones into our home for a meal and time with us.  Wouldn’t that not be a good way to start?  That means every member here would make it a point to invite Luke, Chelsea Mae and Chelsea over for an evening.  What simpler way is there to express interest, love and foster increased fellowship than this?!  So let’s do this.  I realize some make it a point to have the brethren in their homes (read the tract In Each Others Homes) or to be in their homes.  This then puts the initiative in our laps.  And that goes for single people also.  You don’t have to be married to show hospitality and love towards the brethren.  Brethren, more than once over the years I have met people show have been in churches for years, and have yet to be in each other’s homes.  Even in our home we can do a better job.  It is somewhat expected that a pastor would have folk in their home.  Well, that is fine and sets an example.  But, I repeat, let us allow reach out in this simple way.  And use the time with them to get to know them, beginning the developing and deepening of our fellowship with each other in a way that will continue until we go to be with the Lord.