Spur One Another On

I frequently point out how good it is to be with our fellow Christ-followers. It’s encouraging to worship and fellowship together. It’s how we build one another up and encourage one another.

One of the Scriptures I really wanted to share during my sermon yesterday was Hebrews 10:19-25, but I simply ran out of time. I thought this Scripture tied together something from last week’s and this week’s sermon. Yesterday I talked about how Jesus provides for us as his followers what the Temple did before—both forgiveness from our sins and a way to God. That’s what the author of Hebrews says at the beginning of this section:

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Then the writer continues:

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:19-25, NIV 2011)

Which goes along with something I said last week about how important it is to be at worship not because of what we might receive from worship, but because of what we might give. Someone else might be there that needs the encouragement only we can give them. My hope and prayer is that we will “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Have you thought about how you can intentionally be an encouragement to someone else today?

I received a report that several enjoyed the story-telling presentation after the fellowship dinner yesterday. I was very sorry to miss it, but Andrew and I left after worship service to drive to Lexington, KY. I’m writing this E-gram from there this morning. I drove down to spend a couple of days with Josanne and her mother. I have to say that Josanne’s Mom seems very weak at the moment. We’re not exactly sure what’s going on, so please continue to pray.

There are several events coming up that you can read about elsewhere in this E-Gram. I want to remind you that preparations are well underway for the Luau next Sunday evening at 5pm. It’s sure to be a good time. Make sure you invite some friends and come along!

If you need something today, don’t hesitate to call or email. I’ll be back in Illinois in time for my Wednesday office hours at the latest.

God bless,

Brian