I admitted that I only came to the gym a couple of times a week. Then I confessed that over the past few months it may have been more like a couple of times per month. Then they had the nerve to ask me if I was serious about a healthy life style. They suggested workout partners to encourage me and hold me accountable. They challenged me to decide if I was serious or not.

The whole experience reminded me of the discussions I have had about Jesus. There are many people who like the idea of going to heaven. They consider themselves to be Christians. They are "members" of a local church. And they are offended if no one recognizes them when they show up.

Jesus intends for his followers to live in community: to help each other, to hold each other accountable, to encourage each other, and to be family. The Christian life cannot be lived in isolation. If you want to be serious about Jesus, get serious about being connected to His people. I can help you find a group of believers in your area. Write me at steve@hopeforlife.org or visit our blog at www.hopeforlife.org.

Memberships only work if you use them.

(Expressed written consent must be obtained prior to republishing, retransmitting or otherwise reusing the content of this article.

Are you presently experiencing a new life? God's word says, "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" This new life is a free gift of God through faith in Jesus Christ. If you want to know more about this life that only Jesus can give you, sign up for one of our Bible courses. Wherever you are in life, whatever you've done, you can begin again. You may also contact us at info@hopeforlife.org if you have questions about becoming a new creation.

 

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© 2009 Herald of Truth Ministries

Title: "They Don't Know Me at My Gym..."
Author: Steve Ridgell
Publication Date: September 16, 2009

The Dream Giver: Following Your God-Given Destiny by Bruce Wilkinson In this study of Exodus, Wilkinson exhorts Christians to leave our comfort zones, brave wilderness trials, confront "border bullies," and enter the "Promised Land" of God's will.

Steve Ridgell serves as the Director of Ministry for Herald of Truth Ministries in Abilene, Texas and writes for Hopeforlife.org. You can reach him by writing to sridgell@heraldoftruth.org.

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