This will be great.

I wanted to tell you what happened in the congregation where I worship.

Several years ago, the crowds were large and the times were exciting. I didn’t attend there then, but a good friend shared with my husband and I what was happening.

Along came a man (our friend) who started teaching about the whole Gospel of the Kingdom of God. The lessons were hard to hear. People started leaving. He spoke on giving up all, esteeming others better than yourself, turning the other cheek, not judging, but loving, counting the cost, etc., etc.

We began attending here three years ago.

The teaching became focused on Heb. 13:13 – “Hence, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach”. People kept leaving. It was too hard.

Lately, God gave us the opportunity to move our meeting time so another, larger congregation could meet at the “normal” time on Sunday Morning. They are a Russian speaking people and are quite appreciative since they had outgrown their own building. We have been greatly blessed by this alliance.

The Lord is continuing to bring us opportunity to be used by Him. It is hard to feel like you are alone for the most part, but we know He is still stretching us so that we will be worthy to bear His reproach.

All this to say, I think people are not willing to give up the world when it comes right down to it. They want to rule themselves instead of giving the throne to Him so He may rule through them.