Whether you like the internet or not, it has sure changed our world. I never thought I would personally meet some real neat people that I only have discussions with in the internet. Imagine, meeting someone you’ve only corresponded with for the very first time face to face. It should have been an awkward meeting. In today’s world, that will be downright creepy. As one new friend asked, “What if the person I’m meeting is an ax murderer?” (IMPORTANT NOTE: If you’re under 18, you want to tell your parents or guardian about your internet activities. I’m almost triple that age and I still tell my wife and daughters my internet activities!)

It turns out, I had nothing to worry about.  In fact, it was exciting to meet for the first time in person the very people I have only known through emails, messages, phone & online conversations. It turned out to be more of a reunion than a let’s-see-if-we-like-each-other deal. There was instant bonding as if we’ve known each other for a significant length of time already. In fact, plans are underway for more musical get togethers and even a fund raiser for cancer research.

Why is that so? Total strangers and new acquaintances found a place or community where they belong. We have also come to believe in a certain line of musical instruments made by a Canadian luthier and found it to be a trustworthy name in stringed acoustics.

So what lessons did I learn from this mini-getaway? People have a built-in need to belong and to believe (read - “to put their trust in”). So while my forum friends come from all sorts of faith or non-faith, I see in every human being an evidence of being made in the likeness of the Creator. We need acceptance (belonging). We need something on which we can base our lives (believing in something).

If people can bond together because of their passion for good musical instruments, surely, people need to belong and to believe in something more meaningful and enduring.

That’s why, here at FFAC, we invite people to make commitments to (101) become members of this church family, (201) acquire healthy spiritual habits, (301) serve in FFAC and the wider community of our city and (401) fulfill our life mission to impact the world. We become what we are committed to. If you’re committed to shopping and things, stuff will soon possess you. If you’re committed to Jesus Christ and His command to love and recruit many people to follow Him, then you become more like Jesus in character, which is your original design.

Like musical enthusiasts that belong to a guild, followers of Christ would do well to belong to a church family that meets regularly in a local community. Henry Blackaby said that Christians do not experience the full extent of all God meant them to be unless they are a member belonging to a local church family, just like FFAC.

I invite you to take CLASS 101 “Commitment to Church Membership”. It’s all afternoon. Lunch and materials are on us. You provide your time and commitment. If you have already taken 101 before, feel free to drop in for a review. Whether you’re taking it for the first time or simply desiring to hear it again, you would be encouraged and inspired to belong and to believe in Christ in this local gathering called FFAC.

Join us! Find out what this church family is all about.  You may just want to belong and believe!

Warmly,

ricky p. mapa