Pastor Dominic Cardamone
Full of Faith and Faithful
Despite all the negativity that bombards us from the world on a daily basis, believe God is still at work accomplishing His will through His people. And in that spirit of faith, be one that God and the church family can rely upon to always be in the ranks of those who devote their lives for the mission of Christ.
I Thessalonians 3:6-8, "But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord."
Functional and Forward
Don’t just be on the attendance roll at church. Don’t only be a consumer, but be a contributor too! Be a forward-thinking (looking to the future and seeing the potential there is for reaching the community in our area for Jesus), proactive, self-initiating member. Don't wait to be asked to step up and serve. If you see a need, take the lead. Paralysis is detrimental to a body, especially the church.
Galatians 5:13, "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another."
Full
That is, full of the Holy Spirit (follow His leading), full of grace, full of God's Word, etc. When I’m full of these things, I will be empty of other things…empty of the world, empty of self, etc. Christian, what fills your life?
Ephesians 5:18, "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit."
Colossians 3:16a, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom."
Flexible
Every church needs members who are willing to be used in any capacity and possess a willingness to cooperate through the changes of ministry life. A growing church is always in transition and sometimes those transitions can be uncomfortable. There are often adjustments that must be made in order to most effectively shine the light of Jesus to the dark world around us. A flexible member understands that the Gospel is more than just about himself; it’s about others too. It’s not about his preferences, but rather about the timeless principles of God’s Word and all the precious souls for which Jesus died.
Romans 12:10, "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another."
Philippians 2:3-4, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."
Forgiving
This one speaks for itself. The best of men will be men at best. The church is full of sinners. Don’t be surprised when people let you down, even if it’s one of the pastors or deacons. We all make mistakes and struggle with temptation and sin. Every church needs a membership that can look beyond the faults and see opportunities to forgive and restore others as God has done for them.
Ephesians 4:32, "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you."
Fortifying
Anyone can destroy and tear down. But it takes a lot more intentionality and effort to be a builder. As a child of God and a church member, you should be a fortifier in your circles of influence. Be known as one who edifies others. Don’t discourage or criticize; encourage both in word and deed. Church should be a place where a weary soul can come to find strength and refreshment.
Ephesians 4:29, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."
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