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. 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)
While I normally would not post such language on my blog, I could not help but be awakened by the words of such a Godly man. Think about this:
It is certainly true that our congregations have, at times compromised the radical requirements of discipleship prescribed by Christ, and you may find yourself put off by the church because of its failure to be faithful to his teachings. But I would urge you to consider this fully, and to think about the words of St. Augustine: "The church is a whore, but she's my mother."
The writer of Hebrews admonishes us to not give up our gathering together as a Body. Attending church services, Bible studies, prayer meetings, small groups, all help us to stay informed, encouraged, and edified in our CHRISTian walk. We cannot possibly stay connected through TV, radio, or on-line. God is all about the physical touch, one-on-one relationships, and accountability. Jesus came in the flesh to have a personal relationship with every believer.
Why then do we seem to seek isolated and impersonal worship? Why do we attempt to hide out in church when we do attend? Why do we avoid relationships rather than embrace them?
While we can choose our friends, we cannot choose our family! God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. (Psalm 68:6) God places us into His family once we accept Him as Lord, Savior, and Father. Like it or not, We are all related . . . rich, poor, tall, short, black, white, old, young, bald, long hair, curly hair, dreads, tatooed, and pierced . . . once God rescues us from sin!
The Church is made up of wretched redeemed sinners and that includes you and me! Like it or not, we are family! Let's get together on a regular basis at our Daddy's house and enjoy one another's varying personalities, experiences and challenges. After all, we will be spending eternity together!.
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