I am amazed at how well our Heavenly Father knows us. He knows the inclinations of our hearts and he knows what we need before (and better) than we do. Paul said it like this…
14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out… 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! -Romans 7:14-18; 24-25Our Father in Heaven has laid out paths for us to walk as we journey in faith. One of the critical paths to follow as we walk with Jesus is the path that we walk together. Jesus knew the value of togetherness. He deployed his disciples for ministry in pairs (Luke 10); he often limited his closest connections to three disciples for teaching and relationship-building often (Mark 5, Mark 14); For most of his ministry, Jesus gathered with his small group of disciples to build into them (Matthew 9). The early Church in Acts gathered and from their togetherness a movement of the Holy Spirit was born!
God knows our inclinations to NOT gather for the sake of spiritual growth.
· We don’t think we have time
· We believe we are fine walking the path alone
· We don’t know if we can find the right people
· We may think we have the right people in our lives already
But, our good Dad in Heaven knows what we need better than we do. Jesus saves us from what we believe or think and points us toward the heart and desires of God! We need to be together so that we may pray, encourage, learn, lead, and challenge one another to take deeper steps of trust along the path to full life in Jesus. We were created for this. Jesus modeled this for us.
White Oak… this is the season to step into authenticity and community. Get into a group with other believers (or invite non-believers into a group with you and other Jesus-followers).
Fall Life Groups are open for sign-ups! Click here to check them out!
We need more groups added so that we may connect more people into authentic community with others. Will you consider leading a group for couples, men, women, anyone? Please email Kent at kodor@thewocc.com to get more information.
We don’t want to waste a season where we or others miss connecting together as we journey further down the path of faith! When you see the opportunity to join, lead, or gather… say “YES!” Together, we move!
Gathering with you and because of Him,
Nathan Hinkle
One more thing: Please be praying for our brothers and sisters in the country of Myanmar. One of our mission partners of the Myanmar Bible Institute shares with us that the country is being hit hard by COVID-19. Many are sick. More than 100 pastors have died from COVID. The situation medically and politically is dire for the people. Please lift your voices in prayer so that together we may ask and trust God to pour out his comfort, peace, protection, and healing. We know that His Church will prevail in Myanmar!