From the Heart of the Pastor- Church Covenant Part 5

 Over the last several weeks we have been thinking about the nature and value of our shared covenant at Oak Crest.  This week we will conclude with the final phrases of the covenant.   The conclusion of the covenant states, “to express Christian sympathy; to be slow to take offense but always ready for reconciliation, honoring the teachings of our Savior.  Moreover, we covenant that when we remove from this place, we will, as soon as possible, unite with another New Testament church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.”

Within the church, more than any other relationships we have, we should be slow to become bitter or angry.  I know how easy it is to be hurt by the words or the actions of others.  One thing we can count on is that people will inevitably let us down.  Not one of us is perfect.  We are humans that make mistakes.  We say the wrong thing, sometimes intentionally, sometimes unintentionally.  We must truly love one another in the love of Jesus Christ.  We must be constantly willing to extend forgiveness and love to one another.  We must be willing to seek reconciliation rapidly.  If bitterness and unforgiveness are allowed to simmer in the body of Christ, horrible things result.  Because we are Christians, bought with the blood of Christ, forgiven of a debt we could never repay, we must willing forgive our brothers and sisters in Christ.  There is no hurt you or I could ever endure equal to the hurt our own sin caused Christ on the Cross.  There is no offense we could ever experience that equals the offense of our sin before a holy God.  Let’s harbor an atmosphere of love and reconciliation according to the covenant we hold together.
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Finally, the covenant requires that if there is ever a time we leave this place, we must join with another church as soon as possible.  There should never be a time when a believer is not plugged into a local congregation.  We desperately need the love and support and encouragement of others.  We need the wisdom and teaching of others.  We need to hear the Word of God through the mouths of others.  The spirit of this final part of the covenant is best reflected in the book of Hebrews.  “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near,” (Hebrews 10: 24-25).
           
In Christ,
Blain Craig