TURNING POINT TUESDAY: ARE YOU ROLLING SOLO? ACCOUNTABILITY LEADS TO A TRUE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.

Hello and a BIG SHOUT OUT to everyone reading this blog. I have really missed talking with you and I am so thankful for your continued support and encouragement! What is the first thing that comes to mind when looking at the picture of the little girl on the left? Do you think it is normal or okay for this child to stand in the road by herself? Of course the answer is Absolutely NO! However, this scenario is very familiar in our relationship with God because many of God’s people prefer to stand alone avoiding the company of others. I promised to work my way through the 15 Hindrances to having a true relationship with God (again God gave me these hindrances so add as many as you want to the list). I want to thank one of the supporters of this blog again for challenging me to deal with the reasons why people Love God, but do not feel they have a True Relationship with Him. Before we dig into the complete message really take a self assessment and ask yourself, “Are you Rolling Solo?”

This blog will touch on #2 ACCOUNTABILITY, which is defined as the responsibility to someone or some activity. When I discuss Accountability I am referring to your responsibility to the Body of Christ (Church) and its responsibility to you. Are you only accountable to yourself or are you accountable to the Body of Christ? I know this blog might be uncomfortable for some to read, but don't forget I am only speaking the Truth in Love (not judging only encouraging you and myself to be all God has called us to be). With that said, I refuse to ignore the habitual disobedience of Believers in neglecting church attendance and thinking it unnecessary to become members of churches. These are the same people that claim to be saved and Love God, go around quoting scriptures, wear huge crosses around their necks, believe that God answers prayer, ask God to cover their families, but still refuse to attend and become members of local churches (go figure). We often times wonder why we are distant from God and drowning in a whirlwind of emotions: depression, irritability, lack of peace, hurt, anxiety, anger, and bitterness to name a few. The lack of closeness with the True and Living God could be a direct result of not being planting amongst a local group of believers, which is vital to God’s Universal Church (all believers in the world). The local church is defined as the assembling of those who profess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. The Bible is very clear that Believers should come together as brothers and sisters in Christ. Hebrews 10:24-25 Amplified: Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together (as believers), as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching.
You will most likely agree that it is the responsibility of parents to take care of their children. It only makes sense that children look for support and guidance from the very ones that physically brought them into the world. The little girl in the picture could get kidnapped, hit by a car, starve to death if she remains all alone by herself (Rolling Solo). On the other hand if her parents rescue her she could be nurtured, guided, and protected until she is old enough to support herself. The point I am getting at is we are all God’s CHILDREN no matter how old we are. The Church is vital in making sure we receive Guidance, Training, and Nurturing in the Lord. When we do not attend church we make the FLESH STRONG and the SPIRIT WEAK. The one you decide to feed is the one that will win, so take a stand with me to FEED THE SPIRIT! Somebody right now is thinking you ARE ALL THAT because you have a Bible and you occasionally watch Sermons on T.V. I too have a Bible and watch Christian Services on T.V., but this should not replace my involvement in the local church. When people attempt to connect with God, without anyone else in the picture they are missing God’s Plans for their lives. We can’t say, “God you are my everything but I do not want anything to do with people.” Why? Because we must obey the Great Commandments which can be summed up in Mark 12: 30-31 Amplified: And you shall love the Lord your God out of and with your whole heart and out of and with all your soul (your life) and out of and with all your mind (your faculty of thought and your moral understanding) and out of and with all your strength. This is the first and principal commandment. The second is like it and is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these. Loving and Fellowshipping with people is key to being in Right Relationship with God. With this said it takes more than attending and becoming a member of a local church. We must build meaningful relationships with others and serve Jesus Christ by utilizing the Gifts and Talents he has placed within us. Jesus is the Head of the Church and believers are called to fulfill His purpose within the Body of Christ. Ephesians 1:22-23 Amplified: And He has put all things under his feet and has appointed Him the universal and supreme Head of the church (a headship exercised through-out the church). Which is His body, the fullness of Him Who fills all in all (for in that body lives the full measure of Him Who makes everything everywhere with Himself). There is NO WAY to Grow in our relationship with God without receiving proper training. The Church is for Believers and the Building up of the Saints to do the work of the ministry and win the lost (edification read 1 Corinthians 14:26). Of course it is a blessing to have unbelievers come to church and get born again. However, if the lost never steps foot in a church how will they Hear the Gospel unless we take it to them. The Great Commission doesn't instruct us to sit comfortably in church and wait for the unsaved to join us. Instead we are instructed Go and make disciples of all nations! How can we expect to be strong in the Lord and instruct others to do the same if we do not have any EXPERIENCE in this area? I do not know anyone who would feel comfortable having a Doctor perform surgery without any training! Doctors go to medical school and then enter into a Residency Program to receive in Depth training by a Supervising Physician. Residency can vary from 3-5 years depending on the physicians specialty (Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Dermatology, and the list goes on). The bottom line is in order to sharpen our skills we need training in our Christian Walk and the Church is the place where we receive training. We will face various trials and tribulations in our lifetime, but if we are equipped to handle the trials we can give God the Glory and help our brothers and sisters along the way!

Ephesians for 4:11-12 Amplified: And His gifts were (varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us) some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers. His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), (that they should do) the work of ministering toward building up Christ’s body (the church).

In Closing if you are reading this blog and you are not accountable to a local body of believers (Church), I encourage you to start your search now. Pray for God to reveal the right church for you and your family. It is important that the church has a Bible teaching Pastor that is after God's heart and will feed you with knowledge and understanding (this is scripture Jeremiah 3:15). Really feel out the culture of the church to ensure it sits right with your spirit. Be very sensitive to God's Presence and allow him to Confirm if it is a good fit. Location, types of ministry, opportunities to use your gifts, and Worship all play critical roles in choosing the right church. However don't forget until Jesus Comes back you will not find a perfect local church. I have a friend that tells people, “If you find a perfect church leave because you will mess it up!” Funny but True.


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Love and Blessings to you all,


Determined Events Sent To Ignite a New You!