Uncontrolled Christianity is highly antibbolic. God’s people are called to live in a loving and determined community with one another, never to live in isolation (Acts 2:42-47). This happens, of course, through God’s plan. He knows what his children need and his Word. It is full of passages that highlight the central role that the local church must play in our lives We need the means of the grace of the Word, the sacraments, and prayer (Acts 2:42) We need spiritual oversight (Hebrews 13:17). We need constant encouragement and responsibility (Hebrews 3:13), we need each other (Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4: 1-16).
The church is a body with many parts (1 Corinthians 12:12-31), a family with many members (Galatians 6. 10), a temple with many living stones (1Pedro 2. 5), and a nation with many citizens (1Pedro 2. 9). and other biblical metaphors emphasize the nature and necessity of the church for Christian life. Believers are united with Christ and, by virtue of this union, are united with each other (John 17:21).
- Since the commitment to the local church is non-negotiable.
- The Hebrew-inspired writer urges believers not to stop meeting (10:25).
- Apparently it was? The habit of some? Neglect public worship and thus despise the family of the church.
- In order to firmly maintain the confession of hope.
- Without hesitation (v.
- 23) and remain anchored in its spiritual foundations.
- It was essential that everyone remain under the strong ministry of the Word and in close communion with one another.
- Sanctification is best cultivated in the field of Christ-centered worship and communion.
In view of God’s plan for spiritual growth, the writer exhorts Christians: “Do we also consider each other to encourage love and good works?(V. 24). The two important verbs in this verse are?Consider? And ‘stimulate’. Are Christians invited to?or be seriously attentive to the spiritual needs of others, not just yours. God wants us to ask ourselves, “How can I personally?Stimulate? Yes
According to each other’s spiritual gifts, this? For others, it can take different forms; for example, some may have mostly gifts of hospitality, opening their homes for the express purpose of encouraging other believers; others may excel in verbal or written breath. Others can still have gifts of service to others, and by their example, do they inspire love and good deeds?In the middle of the herd.
While members of Christ’s body have different gifts with grace, the other “for love and good works,” the author of Hebrews reminds us of the most obvious way in which we can all encourage other believers: through faithful participation in Saturday’s weekly services. When Christians gather to worship in spirit and truth, to hear the Word, confess sins, sing praises, confess faith, bear witness to baptisms, receive communion, make vows, and warmly greet Each Other in Christ, they actively and mysteriously promote christian Union and “stimulate” others to a pious life. Dear Christian, your active and joyful participation in Sabbath worship is essential to the spirit and spiritual growth of others; however, its absence has the opposite effect.
Reformed commentator Simon J. Kistemaker points out that one of the first signs of a lack of love for God and the next is when a Christian moves away from worship. Such a Christian abandons the community’s obligations to attend these meetings and exhibits symptoms of selfishness and selfishness – centered.
A strong devotion to community worship communicates not only the love and dependence of the God of the Trinity, but also love and commitment to the body of Christ. Communion of the saints? In the Symbol of the Apostles it is to affirm that all Christians “should feel compelled to use their gifts voluntarily and joyfully for the good of other members?”(Heidelberg Catechism, 55). Unless it is prevented providentially, therefore, make the highest priority in your weekly program, therefore let us make warnings and much more as you see the day coming (Hebrews 10. 25b).
By: Jon Payne. © 2016 Ligonier. Original: Stir
This article is part of the March 2016 edition of Tabletalk magazine.
Translation: Joel Paulo Aragono da Guia Oliveira. Critic: Yago Martins. © 2016 Faithful Ministérium. All rights reserved. Website: MinistryFiel. com. br. Original: stimulate each other
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