Chantha Chhim

Series: Acts Church for Today

In the New Testament, the concept of believers living in isolation from the church would have been unthinkable to early Christians. The scriptures, including epistles directed to local congregations and writings intended for leaders within these communities, such as 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon, highlight the integral role of the church. Even James, addressing believers dispersed by persecution, presupposes their continued communal worship, underlining the church's centrality in the believer's life.

The New Testament envisions believers regularly convening in local assemblies, united by the transformative power of the Gospel and dedicated to the teaching of God's Word. This gathering of diverse individuals, unified in Christ, embodies the essence of authentic Christianity.

Significantly, the church stands as the sole institution directly founded by Jesus, who assured His enduring support. This underscores the importance of parachurch organizations maintaining a close affiliation with the church, aligning with its mission and teachings.

Despite the contemporary evangelical focus on personal faith in Christ, the scriptural narrative consistently advocates for engagement in a local church. This communal aspect of faith, often overlooked in modern discourse, remains a fundamental expectation for believers.

Here are five reasons, grounded in scripture, why joining a local church is vital for believers:

1. Spiritual Growth and Edification: Ephesians 4:11-12 highlights the church's role in equipping believers for ministry and building up the body of Christ. Engaging with a church community fosters spiritual maturity and understanding.
2. Accountability and Fellowship: Hebrews 10:24-25 urges believers not to forsake assembling together, emphasizing mutual encouragement and accountability in faith.
3. Worship and Ordinance: Acts 2:42 shows the early church's commitment to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers, essential practices that are best lived out within a church setting.
4. Service and Ministry: Galatians 6:10 encourages us to do good to all, especially those in the family of faith. The local church provides a platform for serving others and exercising spiritual gifts.
5. Witness and Mission: Matthew 28:19-20, the Great Commission, calls believers to make disciples. The church is the primary context for fulfilling this mission, offering support and community for outreach efforts.

Are you actively involved in a local church? If not, consider the scriptural encouragement to seek out a fellowship where you can worship, grow, and serve alongside fellow believers, all imperfect, yet united in the pursuit of glorifying God.

Culture says, “live for yourself.”
Jesus says, “die to yourself.”

Culture says, “you only live once.”
Jesus says, “eternity is in the heart of man.”

Culture says, “do as you please.”
Jesus says, “surrender to Him.”

Culture says, “you were born this way.”
Jesus says, “you must be born again.”

Culture says, “it’s your body.”
Jesus says, “you were bought with a price.”

Culture says, “follow your heart.”
Jesus says, “your heart is deceitful.”

Culture says, “get power.”
Jesus says, “remain humble.”

via Nirup Alphonse

If your church seems loud, because it's full of young people. Then, be sure to praise the Lord for that! Because, a quiet church with no young people in it is deafening. —Shane Pruitt

A quiet church will one day turn into a silent church, then to a closed church! —Zach Prewitt

Press On! | Bunker Hill Church Keep Moving Forward: A Heart-to-Heart on Growing in Faith By Chantha Chhim, Inspired by Philippians 3:12–15

▪️“Who you were is not who you are and who you are is not who you will be.”
▪️“So many people from your past know a version of you that doesn’t exist anymore.”

This Sunday at Bunker Hill Church, I’ll share a message to help you leave 2023 behind and press into all that God has for you for 2024. Discover the keys to a more purposeful, forgiving, and resilient life by the teachings of Philippians 3:12–15. Whether you seek spiritual growth, personal development, or a renewed sense of purpose, this message will provide valuable insights and practical guidance to help you answer the question: Are you prepared for what lies ahead?

#2024

The Good Shepherd. ♥️
Credit:

Growth is painful. Change is painful. But there is nothing as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong. You deserve healing. You deserve to laugh again. You deserve to fall asleep and stay asleep. You deserve to be noticed. Go ahead—make the change. #walkwithme #soulpastor

🍁 Happy Thanksgiving to All! 🍂

As we gather with family and friends to give thanks, let's remember the words from Psalm 107:1 – "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."

This season, let's embrace gratitude not just in our hearts but in our actions. Let's share love, kindness, and generosity, reflecting the enduring love of the Lord in all that we do. May your Thanksgiving be filled with joy, laughter, and the warmth of cherished moments.

🦃🌟

In the "Counseling Besetting Sins" podcast episode, Dr. Lance Quinn discusses the challenge of persistent sins in the Christian life. Quinn, with over 30 years in biblical counseling, examines the concept of 'besetting sin' from Hebrews 12, emphasizing that these are not unconquerable but require maximum effort to defeat. He encourages a rigorous approach, inspired by Colossians 3:5, to actively combat these sins. This episode is insightful for anyone struggling with recurrent sins or involved in counseling others in their spiritual battles [oai_citation:1,Counseling Besetting Sins (feat. Lance Quinn) - Association of Certified Biblical Counselors](https://biblicalcounseling.com/resource-library/podcast-episodes/counseling-besetting-sins-feat-lance-quinn/).

Counseling Besetting Sins (feat. Lance Quinn) - Association of Certified Biblical Counselors How do we conquer the sins that keep coming back?

Christians across the globe are urged to unite in prayer for Israel's safety and serenity. The recent tragedy in Israel where over 900 innocent civilians were lost is heartbreaking. Statements from certain factions, like those from a Hamas Commander, have broader implications, suggesting threats not just to Jews but also Christians, and aspirations for global domination. We must remember that the challenges faced by Israel resonate globally.

"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee." (Psalm 122:6)

Reference jpost.com article.

WATCH: Israel is only the first target, warns Hamas commander Mahmoud al-Zahar: "The entire planet will be under our law, there will be no more Jews or Christian traitors."

Grateful for “online church” when needed, but let’s be real. Watching preachers and worship teams on a screen is not the same as gathering together for worship. Stop trying to normalize it and make it church. It’s not. It’s an electronic substitute. Sunday’s coming. Get to church! - Gregg T. Johnson

The Lord Jesus is so good! When He enters your mess, He transforms it into a message. Remember Ephesians 2:4-5, "But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ." Never doubt those "but God" moments.

“Before the foundations of the world, God knew you. He knew the real you. He loves you and died for you. God wants to bless the real you not the mask version of you.”
How often do I put on the version of me that wants to be loved? All the while, that mask should have been crucified with Christ, but you keep picking it up. Let it die and be buried. You are a new man in Christ! All things are put away and behold, all things are become new.
Crucify the mask. Bury the mask. And be born again as a new man in Christ Jesus.

“Strength in Waiting"

“Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!” - Psalm 31:24

This single verse from Psalm 31 encapsulates the essence of the Christian journey. It serves as a gentle reminder that waiting on the Lord isn't a passive act; it's a brave active stance, a profound expression of our trust in Him. In the world's rush, waiting can seem futile, but in God's realm, it is an act of strength and courage.

Recall the serene imagery from Psalm 23, where the Lord lays us down beside still waters. Those still waters aren't just calming; they are a depiction of God's peace—a peace that surpasses human understanding. Waiting on the Lord and resting in Him is akin to lying down beside these peaceful waters. It's an invitation to experience tranquility, even in life's chaos.

In moments of impatience or anxiety, close your eyes and envision those still waters. Imagine the Lord gently laying you down beside them. This is where He wants you, in a place of peace and rest. And while you lie there, waiting, know that you're not just idling. You're building strength and courage.

When faced with decisions, uncertainties, or challenges, practice the art of waiting. This doesn’t mean being inactive but resting in the Lord's timing and providence. Let the peace that comes from this act envelop you.

“The correlation between waiting and renewed strength for you after a weary season of chaos and anxiousness is like the dawn breaking after the darkest night; remember, even the longest shadows fade when the light shines brightest within you.” 🌅

Lord, grant me the patience to wait upon You. When the world tells me to rush, remind me of the strength and courage found in waiting. Help me to rest beside Your still waters, finding peace amidst the storms of life. May my heart always take courage, knowing that in every season, You are with me. Amen.

The world often feels chaotic and unpredictable. We see changes in leadership, shifts in power dynamics, and the world’s uncertainties pressing in from every side. But when we look deeper, we discover a comforting truth: God is in control. In Daniel 2, King Nebuchadnezzar has a troubling dream that none of his wise men can interpret. Daniel, with God's wisdom, steps up not only to interpret the dream but to acknowledge the source of his insight: God, the eternal orchestrator.

Daniel doesn't attribute the understanding he possesses to his intellect or any human source. Instead, he points to God as the one who "gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning." At the heart of Daniel's praise lies a recognition that every ounce of wisdom, understanding, or skill we possess comes from a gracious God.

In our daily lives, it's easy to get swept up in the world’s chaos or even become proud of our achievements, thinking they are solely a result of our efforts. But, like Daniel, we should remember and acknowledge God's sovereign hand in every aspect of our lives. Whether we're faced with a challenge at work, a perplexing personal decision, or a global crisis, we can find peace in the knowledge that God is in control and seek Him for wisdom.

Today, when you encounter a difficult decision or feel overwhelmed by the world's events, pause. Remember Daniel's words and turn to God in prayer, seeking His wisdom and guidance. Recognize the Source of your strength and praise Him for His everlasting sovereignty and grace.

“Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of you, for you have made known to us the king’s matter.” Daniel‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬-‭23‬

What we believe shapes the way that we behave. Our behavior seems connected to belief.

Lysa TerKeurst has a powerful insight: "Your feelings are indicators, not dictators. Emotions are not a problem to solve. They're a tension to manage." This means you shouldn't suppress your emotions or lash out at others, but rather seek to understand what your emotions are signaling. Recognizing the root cause of your anger, for example, can help you decide how to handle it effectively. Making wiser choices in managing your emotions can transform potential pitfalls into opportunities for enhancing your relationships with those who are truly important to you.

Are you dealing with resentment? It’s not easy, but a healthier you deserves better! Here are a few red flags for your:
1️⃣ One-sided friendships
2️⃣ Passive-aggressive comments
3️⃣ Sarcastic digs/jokes
4️⃣ Empty words-no action
5️⃣ Imbalanced contribution
6️⃣ No respect
7️⃣ No mutual respect

You deserve to release resentment and bitterness. Address it! Doing it through a biblical context and pattern, as in Matthew 18 is the best.

Matthew 24:14 states, "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."

This verse is part of what is commonly called the "Olivet Discourse," a speech given by Jesus on the Mount of Olives where He discusses the signs of the end times and His return. It is crucial to interpret this verse within the larger framework of chapters 24 and 25, where Jesus addresses the questions from His disciples about the end of the age.

The term "gospel of the kingdom" refers to the good news of Jesus Christ, which encompasses His life, teachings, death, and resurrection. The kingdom is both present, in the life and ministry of Jesus, and future, in the coming consummation of all things.

The language indicates a global scope. While the world in Jesus' time was considerably smaller in known size, the message appears intended for all people, crossing geographical, cultural, and ethnic boundaries.

The preaching of the gospel to all nations serves as a sort of prerequisite for the end times. This suggests a global proclamation of Christ's message before the culmination of history.

The verse is a call to action for Christians. It reminds believers of their role in the larger narrative of redemption and eschatology. One can see it as a divine mandate to be part of God's global mission, not as passive spectators of history but as active participants in spreading the gospel.

So, in summary, Matthew 24:14 speaks to both the global mission of the church and the eschatological hope of Christ's return. It serves as a challenge to every Christian to be part of God's unfolding story, reminding us that our actions today have implications for the ultimate future.

Lamentations 1 hits hard. It's like watching a close friend fall apart and feeling their pain deeply. The city that was once bustling and full of life is now lonely and hurting. It's a reminder that things can change quickly, that life has its ups and downs. We all have moments when we feel lost or abandoned. But even in the darkest times, there's hope. It's a chapter of raw emotion and vulnerability.

Lamentations 2 feels like witnessing the aftermath of a storm that's ravaged everything I love. The devastation and heartbreak are so real. It's like when everything you've built and cared for comes crashing down. The sadness is heavy, and the confusion is real. Why did this happen? How could things turn so wrong? But amidst the ruins, there's a lesson about resilience, healing, and the strength to rebuild.

Habakkuk 2:2-3 speaks of God's instruction to write down the vision, making it clear so that a herald may run with it, and though it tarries, it will surely come to pass. *What goals, visions, and dreams have you written down lately?*

This passage resonates deeply, reminding me of the importance of having clarity in my own life's purpose and God's promises. By documenting and visualizing our visions and hopes, we anchor ourselves in God's purpose, even during periods of waiting. In my own journey, these verses inspire patience and steadfastness, trusting that in God's perfect timing, His plans for me will unfailingly manifest.

Ezekiel declared, "Repent and turn from all your transgressions" (Ezek. 18:30) John the Baptist proclaimed, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matt. 3:2). Jesus urged, "Repent and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:15). Peter announced, "Repent and be baptized" (Acts 2:38). And Paul emphasized that God "commands all people everywhere to repent" (Acts 17:30).

The call for repentance has always been a steep hill to climb. It's challenging to hear directives such as "Deny yourself. Overcome your sinful nature. Kill it. Confess your sins. Die to self.” Such guidance has seldom found eager ears. Attracting followers becomes simpler when the emphasis on repentance is minimized, but that approach isn't authentic. It veers away from the essence of Christianity. While the journey with Jesus entails much more than repentance, it undeniably includes it. "Unless you repent," warned Jesus, "you will all likewise perish" (Luke 13:5).

Indeed, embracing repentance has been, and will remain, a formidable challenge.

“How to disagree with your pastors” an interview with Mark Dever and Jonathan Leeman.

This is going to be interesting.

On How to Disagree with Your Pastor (Pastors Talk, Ep. 241) In this episode of Pastors Talk, Mark and Jonathan talk about how to disagree with your pastor.

If you’re a cynic or skeptic, try to use your intuition to provide feedback to avoid gaps and holes in situations rather than criticism. This will help you from being jaded and dull. You will be regarded as a thoughtful and thorough person rather than an enemy of an idea.

In Jeremiah 31:13, the image of God turning mourning into joy and comforting His people resonates deeply. It encapsulates the transformative power of God's love, as He not only consoles but also replaces sorrow with gladness. This verse serves as a testament to God's ability to bring about renewal and healing, even in the most broken moments of our lives.

Jeremiah 31:25 speaks of God satisfying the weary soul and replenishing the faint heart. This verse speaks to the spiritual nourishment that God provides, reminding us that in our moments of weakness, He offers rest and strength. It's a call to seek solace in God's presence, allowing Him to uplift and rejuvenate us. This verse prompts us to embrace our vulnerabilities and find sustenance in God's unwavering care.

Both of these verses illuminate God's role as the ultimate source of comfort, joy, and restoration. They invite us to lean on His promises, finding solace in His ability to transform our pain into purpose and our weariness into renewed strength.

// Please help pray for Candace Benefield, the daughter of missionary Stephen Benefield serving in Cambodia. She is in urgent need of a miracle as she possibly had a severe diabetic attack. She is in critical condition. The Benefields have left Cambodia traveling to the USA to be with their daughter.