Scripture:
Heb. 10:22-25 “let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 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.”
Observation:
Early Christians needed guidance. Today’s Christians need the same guidance. The writer of Hebrews provides us with five things that we are to do as Christians. They are:
1. Draw near
2. Hold fast
3. Consider how to love and do good works
4. Meet together
5. Encourage one another
These are not commandments but guidance and examples of what it takes to live a Christian life and how to maintain the life given there will be temptations and evil around us.
Application:
As iron sharpens iron and makes it stronger, Christians can help other Christians stronger.
As Christians, we are to encourage and strengthen one another. If you read Jason’s email this week you learned that Good Life members have recently suffered the loss of loved ones. During these times it is easy to become depressed, saddened and even sometimes question ones faith. It is during these times that it is important to remember what we are called to do on a regular basis. Draw near, hold fast and consider how to love one another and encourage one another. It is this love and encouragement that will help lift us up during the low times and provide us with the opportunities to share our love with one another.
I need to be surrounded by new Christians to be reminded what it’s like to find Jesus for the first time. The excitement and exuberance of the first love. I need to be around mature Christians to be taught and learn from their experiences and their wisdom.
I need the encouragement, the guidance and the accountability of other Christians to help me stay focused and on the right path. As we mature, we have the obligation to share our knowledge and experience with others as well. I cannot expect to grow as a Christian on my own. Everyone, from the new Christian to a very mature Christian, has something to offer.
A website can’t offer a 360 view. A TV program or TV minister can’t get into deep discussions with you. A book doesn’t allow you to ask questions. Or laugh with you. Or cry with you. Or give you a hug. Christians need each other now just as much as the early church needed each other then.
Prayer:
Father I think you for the Christian men and women you have brought into my life. I thank you for the example they provide, the wisdom they bring and the encouragement that they offer. I ask that the members of Good Life continue to seek you as individuals and as a body so that we may make disciples and bring the good news to those who do not yet believe.