June 23, 2024 - INSCRIPTIONS FROM THE HEART

by Cheryl Zamora

Church – Is it the first of last place you’d rather be?

If you’re a regular attender, the answer is a no-brainer. But for the uninitiated or those who have been burned by “church”, the answer may be too embarrassing to any good church-going person.

Regular church attendance holds significance because it allows believers to receive spiritual nourishment through worship, prayer, and the preaching of God’s Word, thus deepening one’s faith and growing spiritually. Moreover it connects believers with a community of like-minded individuals. It fosters relationships, encourages mutual support, and provides a sense of belonging. Fellowship with other believers is essential for emotional and spiritual well-being. But church attendance is not about legalism but about genuine relationship with God and fellow believers. Church must resemble the character of its Founder, Jesus Christ. During His time, synagogue-going faithful (now church going folks) flocked around Him – that’s what got Him in trouble. Jesus allowed people with shady backgrounds touch Him and became friends with enemies of the public. We have hymns and choruses with the theme: Jesus friend of sinners…man of sorrows. May the seeking ones and first-time guests checking out CEAC be drawn to Jesus!

On another note, about submission/obedience to godly leadership. Hebrews 13:17: Obey your spiritual leaders and submit to them. They watch over your souls and are accountable to God. Allow them to lead with joy, not grief, for your benefit.1 Peter 5:5: “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account”. We do this in an atmosphere and attitude of loving one another as proof of our claim that we love God.

May CEAC be all about Jesus and His agenda. So help us oh God!