Are You In Church?

1/7/2024

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
- Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV

Let me just start by saying this: Gathering together as the body of Christ is a privilege—a privilege that not everyone around the world can do safely. We shouldn't take community for granted. Life isn't just about what we need, but also about being there for each other—to meet practical needs, to help each other grow spiritually, to pray and worship together, and to collectively invite God's presence.

With that said in this passage, the author of Hebrews provides us with practical guidance on how to live as a community of believers. It emphasizes the importance of fellowship, encouraging one another, and supporting each other in our journey of faith. Let us dive deeper into this scripture and understand its significance for our lives today.

The verse begins by urging us to consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. This implies an intentional effort to inspire and motivate one another towards acts of love and service. As followers of Christ, we are called to be a tangible representation of God's love in this world. Therefore, it is crucial that we continually encourage each other to show love and perform good deeds to those around us. We should seek opportunities to uplift and support one another, reminding ourselves of the impact we can have when we work together for the glory of God.

As we read further, the words start to address the importance of not neglecting to meet together. In today’s world, where everything is commanding our time, it can be tempting to prioritize individualism over community. However, the writer of Hebrews reminds us that gathering together as believers is vital for our spiritual growth and encouragement. When we come together as a body of believers, we strengthen our bond, share our joys and sorrows, and find solace in knowing that we are not alone in our journey of faith. Through collective worship, prayer, and studying God's Word, we can find renewed strength and inspiration to face the challenges of life.

We also find the importance and need of encouraging one another, especially as we anticipate the Day of the Lord's return. As we watch the “signs of the times” and await Christ's second coming, our faith will face trials and tribulations. It’s during these times, the support and encouragement of our fellow believers become even more crucial. We are called to uplift one another, reminding each other of God's promises and provision. By doing so, we strengthen our faith and help one another persevere through the difficulties we encounter.

This message from Hebrews reminds us of the significance of fellowship and encouragement within the body of Christ. It calls us to intentionally inspire and motivate one another towards love and good works. It encourages us not to neglect meeting together, as we find strength, support, and spiritual growth in the community of believers. Let us strive to be active participants in our faith communities, seeking to uplift and encourage one another as we eagerly await the Day of the Lord's return. May we find joy and fulfillment in living out this scripture, becoming a beacon of love and encouragement in a world that desperately needs it.

Remember, we are not meant to walk this journey of faith alone. Together, we can spur one another on, growing stronger in our love for God and our commitment to serving Him. Let's be a community that shines with the light of Christ and encourages others to do the same.

Pastor Jeff

#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign

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