If One Suffers, We All Suffer

Central Family,

Today I received the following FB message from a friend in London. "11/11/11 is Remembrance Day (Armistice Day) where we take time to remember those who fought in WWI and sacrificed their lives for our freedom. It was very moving to gather in the shadow of Westminster Abby observing in silence while listening to the trumpets play and Big Ben strike 11 times." 

In United States Armistice Day has become VETERANS DAY when we remember and honor our Veterans.  Today I encourage you take some time to silently REMEMBER those who have lost their lives to ensure our freedom. Did you know 33 men and women lost their lives in service to our country during October? In addition we want to HONOR our living veterans. If you know a veteran make sure you take a moment to say thank you!

It is fitting that this Sunday, November 13 is the INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH.  All over the world our brothers and sisters in Christ are being arrested, beaten and killed because of their love, devotion and witness for Jesus Christ.

Do you hear their cry?

Will you pray for them?

To better understand what is happening to members of the body of Christ I encourage you to visit www.idop.org , www.dayofprayer.org or www.persecution.com .  This Sunday we will be taking a 'love offering' to help support the Voice of the Martyrs ministry through out the world.

One of the primary metaphors in Ephesians for the Christian Community is the body of Christ.  We know that one member of our body suffers it impacts the whole body. The same is true in the body of Christ.  When members suffer around the world we all suffer.  This offering is one small but significant way to tell our persecuted brothers and sisters that we stand with them!

Lastly, in preparation for our worship this Sunday, I hope you take some time to read Ephesians 5:2-21.  Pay particular attention to verses 14 - 21.  What is our human condition? (vs. 14)  What is God's counsel? (vs. 15-17)  What are God's commands? (vs. 18)  What are the four marks of being filled with the Holy Spirit? (vs. 19-21)

There is no question in my mind that the second command in Ephesians 5:18 is one of the greatest and most desperate needs in the lives of ALL Central members!  Apart from this command everything we do is temporal and shallow!  Please pray for me as I pray for you that we will be a community filled with the Spirit!

In Christ,

Paul