Daily Devotional

Paul and Barnabas were preparing to leave Jerusalem and return to Antioch. It seems that Paul heard that false teaching had spread to the churches they had planted in Galatia. So he wrote the letter to the Galatians to reaffirm that circumcision was not necessary for salvation. Salvation is by grace through faith, not by works. And when Paul and Barnabas shared these words, the churches were strengthened, and they grew in number

“Strengthening the Church” has been the title of many Christian books and articles, the theme of many conferences, and the focus of many sermons. But do we really know what it takes?

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years that you can do to help strengthen our church.

1. Don’t leave
In my opinion, the only reason to leave a church is if it starts preaching heresy. I am amazed at some of the reasons people leave churches today. “I’m not being fed. There’s nothing for me. I don’t like the music…too loud, too soft, too contemporary, not enough hymns.” Once God leads you to a church, and you get involved in the life of that church, why would you leave? Long-term members strengthen the church. They are those who hang in there through the good times and bad. They are those who don’t let someone tick them off enough that they leave. They are those who make a difference for Christ among the Christians gathered there.

2. Be generous
Support the work of your church financially. As a young Christian, I was discipled by a pastor named Tim Gapp. One day we were discussing the topic of biblical generosity. We looked at all the pertinent Scriptures. Then I asked Tim, “How do you give to God’s work?” He said, “My tithe goes to the church where I’m being fed. And anything else I give is above and beyond that.” I took that to heart, and I have given that way ever since.

3. Obey God’s Word
Christians are to be in the world, but not of the world. In other words, we live distinct from the world by obeying God’s Word. But we live in the world among unbelievers, loving them with the love of Christ. We are winsome, which means we are attractive or appealing in appearance or character. And as God gives us favor among unbelievers, that sets us up to share the gospel. And when that opportunity presents itself, we’re prepared to share the hope we have in Christ.

4. Help others
People have needs all around us. As a church, we start by meeting the needs of those in our church family. I’ve had Christians cold call me in the office at church and say, “We are struggling to make our PG&E payment”, or “I’m about to be evicted, can you help me make my rent?” And my next question is, “Do you have a church you attend regularly?” And this Christian says, “I don’t go to church. I don’t see the need.” And I’ll say, “Well, what you are dealing with right now is one of the reasons why you need to choose a church to attend regularly. We help each other.” So be sensitive to the needs of others in our church. An elderly person needs her gutters cleaned. A person needs their oil changed and can’t afford to go to the Jiffy Lube. A person has no food in their pantry, and they’re down to their last dollar. If these and other needs are expressed by members of a group you’re a part of in our church, pray about meeting those needs, then do something about it.

5. Live in the light of the gospel
1 John 1:7 says, “but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
Stay in fellowship with other Christians. Get in a group. Get to know others, and become known by others. And not just the façade we let people see, but some of our past and current strongholds and even some of our weaknesses. Be real. Walk in the hope of the gospel knowing that without Christ, you have no hope.

If Campus Bible Church is your church, keep it that way. Don’t let anyone sidetrack you or cause you to stop coming. We need you. You need us. If you don’t have a church and you want to start attending Campus Bible Church, we’d love to have you. We are a bunch of people who love God, love each other, and have a passion for reaching others for Christ. If that appeals to you, I’ll see you Sunday!

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