When God closes doors

Recently I was reading Acts and I came across a story that helped me realize that God's will might mean he has to shut doors in my life and redirect me. When this happens to us, and because of our human nature, we respond in many different ways. Most of the time we become frustrated and try to figure a way around the issue or simply give up.
Sometimes we forget that Paul was not just an Apostle or a great Missionary, but a human, and we fail to remember that there were times when even he didn’t know where God wanted him to go.
When God points us in the opposite direction, we may encounter trials. Remember what happened to Paul and Silas in Acts Chapter 16.

In this story Paul and Silas are traveling from town to town sharing the gospel and as they attempt to travel into Asia and Bithynia God detours them. They soon find themselves naked, severely beaten, thrown into a dungeon and shackled. They didn't turn on God or give up on their missional journey, rather we find that they discover an incredible perseverance that mere humans without Christ can't experience. Paul and Silas were praising God and singing in the midst of their trial. Even more so, they were still willing to seize the opportunity God gives them to share the gospel with their jailer. The jailer then accepts Christ along with his entire household.

When we look at things through God's perspective we come to realize that our trials have a greater purpose. This story inspires us to persevere in the midst of our trouble so that we may find joy in them as we fulfill God's will.

Please read Acts Chapter 16 to get a full grasp of this remarkable story.

Remember me

Around two thousand years ago bread and wine were a pretty common meal, but Jesus took what was a common meal and transformed it into a meaningful and spiritual experience for all believers. Jesus wanted us to remember how he died because everything that Christians are centers around his death. Jesus said,"This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me. In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this to remember me as often as you drink it." For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord's death until he comes again.
In Paul's letter to the church in Corinth he makes it clear that it is possible to sin against the body and blood of Christ by partaking in the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner. When believers come together and celebrate the Lord's Supper (Communion) it should be a demonstration of Christian unity within the congregation.
This is why we get right with God and others through Confession, Repentance and Forgiveness.
See 1 Corinthians 11:17-32

So prepare yourself now to partake in the Lord's Supper, so when that day comes, you'll be ready. If you need help working things out, call or text us at 757-752-8793.