August 2019

From The Pastor's Desk

1 Peter 5:5, …and all of you, clothe yourselves
with humility toward one another… (nasb)
 
The church, the body of Jesus Christ, is a conglomeration of relationships. Those relationships need to be strong and healthy for at least two reasons. First, it is through strong relationships that we build up one another, provide strength and support for each other in our individual relationship with God so that we glorify God both personally and together (Heb. 3:13; 10:24-25; 12:12-13). Second, it is in these strong, healthy relationships that we give witness to the world that we are Jesus’ disciples. Because Jesus’ disciples obey His command to love one another (Jn. 13:34-35).
 
For these two reasons, let us consider the importance of humility. I can’t build up and strengthen another if I’m only concerned with my own priorities. And, true love is, fundamentally, selfless; whereas pride is, fundamentally, selfish. Therefore, strong and healthy relationships are driven by humility.
 
The Holy Spirit says it this way in Philippians 2:3-5,
 
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, (nasb).
 
Our mission as a local fellowship of Believers is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. What that looks like when we are doing it is that we will become a multigenerational community of Jesus followers. If we’re going to blend the various ages of people (multigenerational) into a strong, healthy church, then we have to do better than merely treating each other as equals. We must “regard one another as more important” than our self. And we only do that when we have “humility of mind”. Why is humility so important, you ask? Because the passage in First Peter 5 goes on to say, “…for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” We desperately need God’s grace, not His opposition!
 
The passage in Philippians 2 continues with this information about the attitude Jesus had,
 
Who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
 
If we are to be like Jesus, then we need to humble ourselves and become obedient to whatever God calls us to. And as the Body of Jesus Christ, this conglomeration of relationships, we need to humbly dwell together so as to strengthen each other and demonstrate to the world that we are His disciples! So let us put aside our pride, consider others more important than our self, regardless of their age, and look out for the interests of others. In so doing, we will strengthen the health and vitality of our church family. And healthy churches make disciples.
​
Yours for making disciples of every nation, 
Pastor Bill

 ​We invite you to  worship with us at the Evangelical Free Church of Yucca Valley where we encourage a multi-generational community of followers of Jesus Christ. There is something for everyone!

SUNDAY
9 am             
Sunday School  - Ages 12 - 112
​NEW Class through August 18th led by Glen Kippel 
Understanding Genesis
10 am           
Join us for fellowship, coffee and snacks !
10:30 am    
Worship Service 10:30 am

WEDNESDAY
6:30 pm
Adult Sermon Discussion and Bible Study 
6:30 - 8 pm
Youth Group  
SECOND SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH
Men's Breakfast and Bible Study 7:30 am
Ladies Fellowship Brunch 10 am-noon

BI-MONTHLY POTLUCK LUNCH:
August 18th - following Sunday Service
​
See weekly bulletin
 
For additional information call the church office:
​Mon-Thurs, 10 am - 2 pm -  760 228-1747