Christianity is not a religion of individuals.
Throughout scripture God makes
relationship with Him and others a
priority for those who belong to Him.
And while God has bestowed upon
each of us great gifts, they are not for self-promotion
but for His glory.
God’s gifts in us are designed to reflect his goodness
in our lives. And His reflection is contagious. Others
will see God’s genius operating in you and will
want God’s grace to manifest in their lives as well. 1
Corinthians 12:14 says: For in fact the body is not one
member but many. And verse 18 says: But now God
has set the members, each one of them, in the body
just as He pleased. God not only gave you a gift, He
gave a specific function and place for it to be used.
That’s where membership comes in. Antioch provides
many opportunities to glorify God with your gift. But
with these opportunities there is protocol. Ministry
participation requires preparation. The Growth
Track classes not only let you see our values, but
they prepare you for the wonderful work God has
planned for you. Ephesians 2:10 says: For we are
God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ
Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for
us long ago.
We belong to something life changing! As God has
changed our lives, He wants to use us to change
the lives of others. Have you ever considered how
awesome it is to know God has chosen you? And
He wants all parts of the body of Christ working in
harmony, fully using their gifts to glorify God. There
may be organizations or groups that didn’t accept
you, but God not only welcomes you but makes you
his representative! What a blessing!
Membership truly has its privileges. Begin completing
your membership at Antioch today and begin the
great work of our great God. We’re blessed to be
saved by Jesus. But we continue to be blessed when
we serve Him.
The Blessing
of Belonging
22
Written By Kevin Toomer, Minister of
Intake and Congregational Care