Please read Please read Hebrews 10:24-25 (NRSV) (The Message) out loud if possible. This passage challenges us to encourage one another. As you read, ask “Who has encouraged me spiritually — knowing or unknowingly?”
My thoughts on this passage (Morgan Stewart):
Recently, a new acquaintance asked me, “What’s so important about going to church anyway? I still consider myself a spiritual person.”
It’s a good question, and one every church-attending Christian should be prepared to answer. Author and pastor Rick Warren in The Purpose Driven Life gives these great reasons for being connected to the church, the living body of Christ.
- A church family identifies you as a believer and moves you out of self-centered isolation. Nothing says you’re serious about following Christ like getting committed to a specific group of disciples. And while you can be a Christian believer on your own, God’s plan is for us to be in community. Fellowship and love between believers is impossible in isolation.
- A church family helps you develop spiritual muscle and helps keep you on track. There’s strength to overcome temptation, and encouragement to follow Christ in being accountable to each other.
- You will share in Christ’s mission in the world. By working in the church, we join Jesus in the work he does. After Jesus’ earthly life, God uses the Church to be his instrument of love, mercy and healing on earth.
- The Body of Christ needs you. To paraphrase President Kennedy, “Ask not what your church can do for you, but what you can do for your church.” God has a unique role for every believer to play in the church family — your ministry.
Did you know the first symptom of spiritual decline is usually inconsistent attendance at church? There’s no better time than today to recommit to making regular worship a habit for the whole family — even in the summer.
Thought for the day: Attend church weekly — not weakly!
Today, let’s join together in prayer for: the Newcomer’s Welcome Reception that’s coming up on July 26. May it give folks direction and connections, as they investigate Jesus MCC.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. Use the item above as a starting point, or consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.