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
Do you have a church family?
You know, as a pastor I often hear people say, “I’m a Christian, but I don’t really need to go to church.” Unfortunately, this attitude is contrary to God’s will!
As we learn in today’s verse, other believers need you… and you need them.
The fact is that life can be discouraging. Work can be stressful… home life can be draining… and sometimes we may feel like we’re the only ones trying to live godly lives! But you and I are not alone!
God has given us His people… called His church… to strengthen our faith, grow our families, and encourage one another. In fact, when you become a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, you’re actually called to faithfully and regularly fellowship with other believers.
The Bible describes the church as the Body of Christ. As followers of Jesus, you and I are a part of His body on this earth. We’re not in a civic club or a country club. We’re part of a unique, living community of faith.
So, let me ask you again, are you a part of His church? Do you fellowship with a local community of believers? In the words of the writer of Hebrews, are you “stirring one another to love and good works” and “encouraging one another”?
If not, I want to urge you to find a local church that you can be a part of today. It’s my prayer that you’ll discover a thriving, Bible-believing, Jesus-proclaiming church where you can build your faith and you can inspire faith in others!
IF YOU DON’T HAVE ONE ALREADY, BEGIN LOOKING FOR A CHURCH FAMILY TODAY. BECAUSE OTHER BELIEVERS NEED YOU… AND YOU NEED THEM!
6 comments:
Unless we are connected to the body of Christ, we are not doing what Jesus told us to do. It's not fun alot of the time, but it's fact.
It seems like God makes the church seem so awkward so that He can be the one worshipped, and not the church itself. He always keeps all of the glory for Himself. Like John Piper says, He loves us by letting us enjoy perfection - Him.
I think a lot of people have the wrong idea about church and worship. I think we should be asking ourselves what can we do for our church and not what am I going to get out of this. I also think people have unrealistic expectations of those that attend church. I am pretty sure that if we can live out the attitude of Christ, all of the issues associated with interacting with others would wash away. Bottom line is that we need to be involved. And.... church is a time for us to worship God through song, service and listening to His word so we can live it out.
cas
Right. There is no substitute for corporate worship - you may listen to lots of worship music in your car, but it's not the same. Corporate worship is what we'll be doing for eternity, so let's get all the practice we can now!
tba
cas, great point of view about what you give by going to church and not what you get. i know i constantly walk out of a service and evaluate it against how it impacted me and not how i praised God during that time.
Great comments guys. I cant tell you how you guys encouraged me today with your perspective on the church and corporate worship!!! Spot on!
Pretty convicting to start back today on this one. We don't have a church family yet in CT for a variety of "reasons", but bottom line, we just don't have one. Time to "get 'er done".
Hope you guys are well,
crb
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