Hungry for the word

Before my first opportunity to preach for the congregation here, I was a bit nervous. I received a letter of encouragement from one of the members which basically said "don't worry, we won't eat you, you'll do great" something like that anyways. In that statement a beautiful truth is shown about Christ's church and it's members. That is this. We are here to encourage one another, and to help one another in each ones walk of faith. Brothers and sisters in Christ are here to help each other along in their spiritual journeys, and not hinder. If I in my sermon had attempted said something that was false, or made some erroneous error, I would have been corrected, and shown a better way. This would have been done in a spirit of brotherly love. I had nothing to fear! The worst thing that could have happened would have been that I made a mistake, and was corrected. That is not a bad thing at all! I want and need guidance from more experienced Christians as often as they see fit! It is a blessing to know that I am with a group of Christians who love and respect God's word enough to let others know when they do not handle Christ's word accurately. As a young man, I have a lot to learn, as we all do. "Don't worry we won't eat you!" We are here to help others along not hurt or injure them!

Now I am going to talk about repentance. So often times we are scared to admit to others when we have forsaken the Lord. A person who sins might think, "If I tell them of my mistake, I am going to get eaten up. People will look at me funny. People will look down on me." For whatever reason, we sometimes fear our brothers and sisters when it comes to our weaknesses, or our sins. We need to learn to help out our brothers and sisters who have weaknesses. And why should someone not feel inferior because of their weaknesses? EVERYONE HAS THEM! Even the apostle Paul had weaknesses! Even the apostle Peter made mistakes, Even Barnabas, the son of encouragement, got carried away by hypocrisy! If you are caught up in a weakness do not fear the people who desire to help you on your way! As Christians, we need to be patient and understanding with each other, and when we are weak, we need to pray to God, and not be scared to talk with a brother or sister in Christ about our problems! Remember! "We won't eat you!"

Nathan Quinn

Galatians 6:9-10 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Acts 11:22-24 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

Thessalonians I 5:11-15 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

Titus 2:6-8 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

Galatians 2:11-13 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.