Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT
A great friend of mine told me years ago not to preach to people who are not in church. In fact, it always seemed a little misguided to me to preach about the importance of going to church to people who were already there. That doesn’t diminish the importance of coming together in His name.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the importance of regular Sabbath rest. I noticed how often God mentioned it in the Old Covenant. It was really a big deal! I know that Jesus fulfilled the call to rest and that we are privileged to have His presence dwelling within us. But I see in the New Testament that there are gatherings where each of us little temples can come together for mutual benefit to form a great temple with a great presence. Great things can happen! Here are just a few:
- Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you. Matt 11:28-29 NLT
- “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. (20) For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:19-20
- And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:25
- Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16 NKJV
It seems to me that if I’m struggling with the weight of life, or frustrated by unanswered prayers, or feeling discouraged and alone, or struggling for physical healing, I should swallow my spiritual pride and go to church.
This coming Sunday, September the 7th, I will be ministering on “Reclaiming the Sabbath” at my home church, Goodness Family Church, in Tucson, Arizona. If you don’t have a home church, drop by at 10 AM PDT and join us. Online, you can find it on Facebook or YouTube.
pastorvirgil.com 