The Godhead is amazing in that they work together in such a fine fashion. There is never a power struggle, they never fight, and they’re always in the correct position with one another. In other words, they love one another and seek the highest regard for one an-other. In the month of October, the elders decided to bring forth the theme, “The Work of the Church” to strengthen our fellowship, to enhance our outreach, and strengthen our spiritual security with our God. With these things in mind, we want to continue laboring for the cause of Christ, for the edification of one another and the notification to a sin filled society of Christ and His church.

How can we truly work together at 9th & Main? We can imitate God as dear children (Eph. 5.1). This requires us to be righteous, for our faith should be the product of the gospel of Christ (Rom. 1.16-17). We must pursue holiness (Heb. 12.14). No one sees the Lord without this great attribute of God. Truly if we’re going to be the light of the San Angelo community, it will and must begin with our commitment to righteousness and holiness. This should be seen in our prayer life, the way we study the scriptures and the application of the holy writ (1 Thess. 5.17; 2 Tim. 2.15). Our working together must begin with our relationship with God and His Son Jesus Christ and should reflect in how we interact and treat one another.

What are some ways we can prepare ourselves individually to be godly, spiritual and efficient workers for the Lord and His church? We must concentrate on solely pleasing the Lord in all we do. Jesus fully pleased the Father (Jn. 8.29). Paul taught the Colossians about fully pleasing God (Col. 1.9-11). This can take place when we learn to add to our faith and make our calling and election sure (2 Pet. 1.2-11). We can learn how to accept constructive criticism and improve our personal lives in Christ. Peter would call this “grow[ing] in the grace,” thus allowing us to make the spiritual connections when our brethren help us rid things that are harmful to our lives (2 Pet. 3.18). Furthermore, we can learn to simply be honest with self and brethren (Rom. 12.17). This attribute alone was important to the local work in Ephesus and we should seek to do the same here (Eph. 4.25).

As elders in the congregation, we are dedicated to offering the best example we can to you as the flock (1 Pet. 5.1-2). For this reason, we need encouragement to do what is right and constructive criticism as well. Brethren, no one is above the law of Christ in any fashion, especially the eldership (1 Tim. 5.20). We are a family and no one shines more than the other in Christ. God is glorified in the church and since we are the church, we glorify God in all we do and say (Eph. 3.20-21; Col. 3.17). We are completely determined to ensure that we maintain sound doctrine and sound living (1 Tim. 4.16). We are dedicated to exhaust every means to make sure worship is in spirit and in truth and cultivate a Christian environment that fosters spiritual growth (Jn. 4.24). We are desiring to please God in showing the true companionship and transparency necessary to develop trust and reliance upon God and His magnificent Son.

As the people of God through our joint participation in the vineyard here at 9th & Main, we want to encourage a few things to aid in our working together. Let’s not let our guards down, thus allowing our hearts to be poisoned through the deceitfulness of sin (Heb. 3.13). As young families and couples, it is important to see the need to encourage, correct and strengthen one an-other in those areas that are weak and when we are ready to give in to the Devil and his devices (Heb. 12.12-13). As singles (older or younger) we need you to practice purity and piety towards God and His Son, thus helping the congregation to have a good reputation among those who are outside.

Some ways for all of us to help in our work together is to remind one another of the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4.1-3). We must practice hospitality towards one another and make sure that every member understands and knows their worth to Christ and us (Heb. 13.2). We must seek to study and search the scriptures, taking heed of what and how we hear brethren (2 Tim. 2.15; Jn. 5.39). Friends, it is not enough to come to worship, we must make sure the things taught here are so (Acts 17.11). Let’s not be afraid nor ashamed to help one an-other be more like the One from Nazareth in speech, mind and body (1 Pet. 2.21-24).

In conclusion, friends, we must work together to bring lost souls to Christ and the fallen brethren to repentance. One thing we can say at 9th & Main: we truly have something special and the Lord is definitely being magnified to the highest. Brethren, let us never become comfort-able in our service to one another and may we ever be a shining example of Christ and Him cru-cified to our friends and loved ones. Seek first the kingdom and keep your eyes on Jesus as we grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior. Let’s keep working together, 9th & Main.