Eastland Life Church is clear about our priorities.
Priorities are things that are considered highest or higher in importance
The Apostle Paul wrote about priorities in Ephesians when he said…
“Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. ”
Ephesians 3:20-21 CSB
Paul says that glory is to be given to Jesus through the Church!
This is the church’s priority!
1.Priority #1: Everything starts and ends with GOD
As our first priority we give GOD glory through our Worship, Time, Resources and Service.
“Do not have other gods besides me.”
Exodus 20:3 CSB
2. Priority #2:The WORD of GOD
“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me;”
John 5:39 NASB1995
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;”
2 Timothy 3:16 NASB1995
3. Priority #3: God’s Family
The Church is a family of believers and each member is loved and needed.
The Great Commandment states
“He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. , This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. , All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.””
Matthew 22:37-40 CSB
The Early Church lived it out in this way
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. ”
Acts 2:42-47 CSB
We seek to be devoted to each other in the same way that Jesus is devoted to us
“This is how we have come to know love: He laid down his life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. ”
1 John 3:16 CSB
4. Priority #4: God’s Work
“Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20 CSB
This is known as the Great Commission.
We seek to obey this command of Jesus by devoting our life to his work.
“But seek first the kingdom of God , and his righteousnes…….
Matthew 6:33a CSB