Sunday, November 20, 2005

Sunday morning, November 20, Messiah Baptist Church gathered again at the Stone Chapel. Maël D. taught us from God's Word from 1 Corinthians 9:1-18. In this passage, Paul illustrates 1 Corinthians 8, where he teaches believers to give up their rights for the sake of others. In 1 Cor. 9:1-18, Paul reminds the Corinthians that while he had the right to receive compensation for his work among them, he did not exercise this right. Instead, he chose to work without compensation in order that he would not hinder the work of the gospel among them.

The pastors of Messiah Baptist have also elected not to exercise this right. God has provided jobs for each of our pastors, so they have asked the church not to pay them. This not only frees the church to participate in other service opportunities, but it is an example to the body: one does not have to be paid to serve God. All believers are ministers (servants), and God calls all believers to "full-time ministry."

After our morning meeting, we gathered at the home of David and Debbie F. to celebrate the Lord's Supper. We share the bread and cup at least monthly as part of a meal which is then followed by corporate prayer and further fellowship.

Our next Lord's Supper/Fellowship will be on December 11.

Next Sunday, November 27, Stan M. will be teaching us from 1 Corinthians 9:19-27.