Walking Together in Prayer
| We are on a 21-day journey of prayer together. Some have chosen to spend these next 21 days or some portion of them fasting in order to hear from God more clearly. Hopefully, many are working through our 21-day devotional guide together, reading the same scripture, praying for the same things, and asking God to do great things through each one of us. Here’s a question I want to ask you to answer personally: What is the number one stronghold that is hindering your walk with Christ? A stronghold is a place where Satan has nestled in and made a home for himself. The famed preacher Dr. Adrian Rogers writes, “I know there are many Christians who have a satanic stronghold in their life. It’s harming them, wrecking their spiritual life, contaminating the life of their family and church. The devil has found an unclean place within and built a foul nest, a beachhead, a stronghold there. And he uses that stronghold to war against God and His work.” Does this sound like something going on in your soul? Is there a stronghold in your life that is preventing your walk with Christ from moving forward? The answer to this question will give you clear direction on what you need to be praying for over the rest of these days together. In these early days of our praying and fasting, identify what is in the way of Christ being exalted over all in your life. We must have no other thing before God. If you’re going to live fully for Christ, then there must not be any stronghold where Satan has his way. The power to destroy strongholds does not come from ourselves but rests in God alone. He desires to deliver us from them. The Lord says in Isaiah 58:6, “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? (ESV) Paul writes to the Church in Corinth in 2 Corinthians 10:4, “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. (ESV).” Prayer, Fasting, and Scripture are some of the “weapons of divine power” Paul speaks of. This is why we are praying, fasting, and feasting on God’s Word because we believe God can destroy the satanic strongholds and clear the way for our spiritual life. I know there is much need in our faith family right now. Needs for healing, deliverance, and salvation; marriage needs, family needs, and community needs. Take time after reading this email to cry out to God for the needs of our church. Ask God to deliver those in need right now from temptation and sinful habits. Ask God to heal the sick, save the lost, mend the broken, or bring a family back together. Let’s pray more passionately and more dependently than we’ve ever prayed in these 21 days together. As you continue, here are three ways you can grow right now: If you already know the sin that is holding you back, confess it to God, repent and then resist the devil’s temptation to sin again. If you feel alone in your sin or afraid of facing what you need to face. Don’t be afraid! We are on this journey together. Let us know how we can pray for you. Send me a note or prayer request, and our pastors will pray for you. Listen to Dr. Rogers’ full sermon titled, “How to Break Satan’s Strongholds in Your Life” here. |
Join a Community Group
| Have you been meaning to join a community group and just have not taken the step? Have you struggled to find a group that’s a good fit for you? Are you new to Christ Community and wanting to find community? Community Group Connect is for you! Starting this Sunday, our community groups will be stationed in the lobby before and after each service so you can connect with the leaders and find a group that works for you. Community Group Connect will take place for the next three Sundays (Jan. 12, 19, and 26), so take advantage of this opportunity to build a deep community with your church family. Please reach out to Pastor Matt if you have any questions! |
Faithfulness to God in all Things
| As many of you heard this past Sunday, I’m currently away resting and spending some alone time with God. I’m praying and seeking the Lord diligently as we move forward with our mission of making gospel-centered disciples among all people for the glory of God. God has not hidden his mission or purpose for us. Rather, he’s revealed it so we all might know what we are to spend our lives doing. Therefore, I want to ask God to do more through the people of Christ Community than we could possibly think or ask. I’m personally asking God for the following 3 things for Christ Community.Godly unity with each other and passionate unity around our mission. Spiritual revival in our church that leads to spiritual awakening in our community Spiritual growth that leads many who are on the fringes of our church, maybe just attenders, to see the need to take their next steps in their commitment to our church. That might be to join with us in membership, join a community group, begin serving, or begin giving financially. As I am away, I have much confidence in the faithful brothers the Lord has brought to our team who are preaching in my stead. Don’t miss this Sunday as Pastor Matt will be preaching the story of Ananias and Sapphira from Acts 5:1-16. I look forward to being back with you next Sunday, January 19. Not all pastors have a church who loves us the way you do, and we are so thankful. Please know that I miss you and I’m praying for you. Pastor Ronnie |