Mill Creek Church Cemetery at sunset
There's been several discussions about maintaining our faith in God on many of my favorite blogs. I feel cheered by their showing of faith. I appreciate these wonderful Saints more than words can express. Along this same line of thought, I thought it would also be edifying to discuss how important it is to encourage one another in the gathering shadows of these Last Days.
Every day He tarries is a day to witness. Every day He tarries is a day to love the sinner but hate the sin. And every day we draw nearer to our sweet LORD's return for His faithful.
Since almost all who read this blog are professing Christians, this next year will be especially bumpy spiritually, financially, morally, not just for America, but for the world. The world has told God to leave our schools, science, government, politics, entertainment, work places, and even many of our places of worship. In His place the darkness has crept in.
As we earnestly pray for God to forgive our ignorance and to return to our every day lives, let's try to remember to be upbeat and friendly to others. Let's share the joy of Jesus Christ in spite of the wickedness that envelopes our nation and fight the fear that grips our souls. Perhaps we can make, even if just for a moment, someone's world a little bit brighter so they won't feel desperate. May our kindness help lead them to Christ while the light lasts. Let's also show others WE ARE HIS and nothing, yay, NOTHING can come between the love of God and those who put their faith in Him.
"These are the times that try men's souls." [Thomas Paine, founding father]
"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." [Romans 10:17]
"Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." [1 Thessalonians 5:11]
With Christian Affection,
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Question: "What does the Bible say on the importance of accountability?"
Answer: There much temptation already in the world today, and Satan is working overtime to create even more. In the face of such temptation, many Christians seek out an “accountability partner” to pray with and help share the burdens that come with doing spiritual warfare. It is good to have a brother or sister we can count on when we are facing temptations. King David was alone the evening that Satan tempted him into adultery with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). The Bible tells us we fight a war not of flesh but of the spirit, against powers and spiritual forces who threaten us (Ephesians 6:12).
Knowing we are in a battle against the forces of darkness, we should want as much help as we can gather around us, and this may include making ourselves accountable to another believer who can encourage us in the fight. Paul tells us that we must be equipped with all the power that God supplies to fight this battle: “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13). We know without a doubt that temptation will come. We should be prepared.
Satan knows our weaknesses, and he knows when we are vulnerable. He knows when a married couple is fighting and perhaps feeling that someone else might better understand and sympathize. He knows when a child has been punished by his parents and might be feeling spiteful. He knows when things are not going well at work and just where the bar is on the way home. Where do we find help? We want to do what is right in the sight of God, yet we are weak. What do we do?
Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance.” A friend’s countenance is a look or expression of encouragement or moral support. When is the last time you had a friend call you just to ask how you were doing? When is the last time you called a friend and asked her if she needed to talk? Encouragement and moral support from a friend are sometimes the missing ingredients in fighting the battle against Satan. Being accountable to one another can provide those missing ingredients.
The writer of Hebrews summed it up when he said, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24–25). The Body of Christ is interconnected, and we have a duty to each other to build each other up. Also, James implies accountability when he says, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).
Accountability can be helpful in the battle to overcome sin. An accountability partner can be there to encourage you, rebuke you, teach you, rejoice with you, and weep with you. Every Christian should consider having an accountability partner with whom he or she can pray, talk, confide, and confess.
Answer: There much temptation already in the world today, and Satan is working overtime to create even more. In the face of such temptation, many Christians seek out an “accountability partner” to pray with and help share the burdens that come with doing spiritual warfare. It is good to have a brother or sister we can count on when we are facing temptations. King David was alone the evening that Satan tempted him into adultery with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). The Bible tells us we fight a war not of flesh but of the spirit, against powers and spiritual forces who threaten us (Ephesians 6:12).
Knowing we are in a battle against the forces of darkness, we should want as much help as we can gather around us, and this may include making ourselves accountable to another believer who can encourage us in the fight. Paul tells us that we must be equipped with all the power that God supplies to fight this battle: “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13). We know without a doubt that temptation will come. We should be prepared.
Satan knows our weaknesses, and he knows when we are vulnerable. He knows when a married couple is fighting and perhaps feeling that someone else might better understand and sympathize. He knows when a child has been punished by his parents and might be feeling spiteful. He knows when things are not going well at work and just where the bar is on the way home. Where do we find help? We want to do what is right in the sight of God, yet we are weak. What do we do?
Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance.” A friend’s countenance is a look or expression of encouragement or moral support. When is the last time you had a friend call you just to ask how you were doing? When is the last time you called a friend and asked her if she needed to talk? Encouragement and moral support from a friend are sometimes the missing ingredients in fighting the battle against Satan. Being accountable to one another can provide those missing ingredients.
The writer of Hebrews summed it up when he said, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24–25). The Body of Christ is interconnected, and we have a duty to each other to build each other up. Also, James implies accountability when he says, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).
Accountability can be helpful in the battle to overcome sin. An accountability partner can be there to encourage you, rebuke you, teach you, rejoice with you, and weep with you. Every Christian should consider having an accountability partner with whom he or she can pray, talk, confide, and confess.
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Well Said, Sparky! My accountability is all long distance these days---miss that day to dayness of someone watching over my shoulder and keeping me accountable.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Friend!
We should feel free to ask one another to pray for us; especially at moments of difficulty.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
That is OK ,I know just how you feel.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the return of our Lord...and until then, striving to spread His Word.
ReplyDeleteSending you love, my Sister in Christ.
Jackie
Accountability comes with fellowship.
ReplyDeleteThis is normally concurrent with attendance (a la the discussion at Z's).
I know a number of Christians who feel they can go it alone.
They have a lot of choices for local churches, but don't want to bother.
I understand if you can't, but not if you won't.
Good post, Sparky...I couldn't of said it better. Blessings sweet friend.
ReplyDeleteThe 'church' (not the building) has to remain faithful and ardent in spreading the Word. We who profess Christianity must work even harder as the 'time' approaches. Good post today dear friend. Sending a hug your way.
ReplyDelete