Taking Jesus Home

We have been studying the gospel of Mark at church. Our pastor likes to teach the bible verse by verse on Sundays. Yesterday we were in Mark 1: 29-31. Pastor Steve likes to do what he calls "rabbit chasing" most Sundays before he gets into the meat of his lesson for that day. During the lesson, he talked about how we as Christians should take Jesus home with us from church on Sunday. So often, we go to church, feel renewed and then just as quickly start the week not always reflecting the fruits of the spirit. He encoraged us to take Jesus home so that each day He would be with us in each of our jobs, conversations, recreational activities etc. His first "rabbit" that he chased dealt with the way everyone lived back in bible times. Most people lived in very close quarters with extended family. This was common. In this way, people were always surrounded by beleivers that they could share their highs and lows of life, while always seeing Jesus as perfector of their faith and situation. He emphasized how very important a "church family" was to one's faith and growth in Christ. This sometimes serves as ones extended family when they move out of town and do not have immediate family nearby. This was very ironic that he preached on this one of the last few Sundays we will be at First Baptist Opelika. John and I have felt that FBCO has strengthened our faith and been the place where we have found our best friends to share the highs and lows. It also reminded me of the importance of going to church-without going you often feel disconnected from those who should feel like your family. Church is such an integral part of growth in our relationship in the Lord. It is a weekly reminder of how good God is, even when we think our lives couldn't get much worse. I am so thankful for my church family and know that the Lord will be faithful to us in making a new "church family" when we move.