Calvary Wolfeboro

A recent study by Barna showed that a breakdown in trust was responsible for two devastating realities. The first is that the number one reason people give for not attending church anymore is that they don't trust church leadership. The second is even more devastating. For those who claim to have rejected belief in God completely, a lack of trust in the local church is among the top three reasons why. For those still inside the church, a breakdown in trust often manifests in more subtle ways. Some example include relationships becoming strained, ministries functioning less effectively, and the joy of the Lord lacking. Whatever the outcome of its absence, trust is clearly important. So let's consider how we can be actively involved in building up rather than breaking down the trust that is the glue holding the Body of Christ together.

A recent study by Barna showed that a breakdown in trust was responsible for two devastating realities. The first is that the number one reason people give for not attending church anymore is that they don't trust church leadership. The second is even more devastating. For those who claim to have rejected belief in God completely, a lack of trust in the local church is among the top three reasons why. For those still inside the church, a breakdown in trust often manifests in more subtle ways. Some example include relationships becoming strained, ministries functioning less effectively, and the joy of the Lord lacking. Whatever the outcome of its absence, trust is clearly important. So let's consider how we can be actively involved in building up rather than breaking down the trust that is the glue holding the Body of Christ together.

There is no greater indicator of the potential impact of a church than it’s view of God. The greater a church’s awe and wonder of God, the greater it’s impact for God. The fear of God removes the fear of man. Boldness in proclaiming and living out the Gospel is produced by an accurate understanding of God and obedience to His Lordship. This reminder is vital for any church that wants to begin or continue to grow in depth and in breadth. There are few passages in the Scripture that more perfectly describe all of this than Isaiah 40:9-31 which culminates in one of the greatest promises of the Bible, “those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and now faint.”

There is no greater indicator of the potential impact of a church than it’s view of God. The greater a church’s awe and wonder of God, the greater it’s impact for God. The fear of God removes the fear of man. Boldness in proclaiming and living out the Gospel is produced by an accurate understanding of God and obedience to His Lordship. This reminder is vital for any church that wants to begin or continue to grow in depth and in breadth. There are few passages in the Scripture that more perfectly describe all of this than Isaiah 40:9-31 which culminates in one of the greatest promises of the Bible, “those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and now faint.”

There is no greater indicator of the potential impact of a church than it’s view of God. The greater a church’s awe and wonder of God, the greater it’s impact for God. The fear of God removes the fear of man. Boldness in proclaiming and living out the Gospel is produced by an accurate understanding of God and obedience to His Lordship. This reminder is vital for any church that wants to begin or continue to grow in depth and in breadth. There are few passages in the Scripture that more perfectly describe all of this than Isaiah 40:9-31 which culminates in one of the greatest promises of the Bible, “those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and now faint.”

"Joy is the flag that flies over the castle of our hearts announcing that the king is in residence today.” These words were penned by Walter Knight to all Christians everywhere at every time. When Jesus is involved, there is joy. As we finish our study of the book of Philippians we look back over this letter that has oozed with joy and consider one more time, where is the joy? The answer shouldn’t surprise you. It’s in the Christian life.