A People, not a Person

We should think about each other to see how we can encourage each other to show love and do good works. We must not quit meeting together, as some are doing. No, we need to keep on encouraging each other. This becomes more and more important as you see the Day getting closer. Hebrews 10:24-25 ERV

The other day I was having lunch with a friend. He is a pastor who has served churches in various capacities both here and abroad. As we talked about some of the challenges of ministry life, we began to talk about the importance of being in a fellowship of believers, especially one where people know you and can speak into your life. That is invaluable.

The conversation brought to mind some of the metaphors used in the Bible to describe the church:

• 1 Peter 2:5, “You also are like living stones, and God is using you to build a spiritual house. You are to serve God in this house …” You can’t build a house with just one stone. Without you, God’s building project is hindered.
• Ephesians 2:19, “you are citizens together with God’s holy people. You belong to God’s family.”  We are a people not a person, a family not an individual. Come on home!
• Philippians 2:25,  “Epaphroditus… He is my brother in God’s family, who works and serves with me in the Lord’s army.” It takes more than one to make an army. Don’t send me into battle alone.
• 1 Peter 5:2, “…take care of the group of people you are responsible for. They are God’s flock.” We are a flock. Jesus loves the one and left the 99 to go after the wanderer, but He brought the one back to the 99 so He could take care of (shepherd) them all. Get back to your flock!
• 1 Peter 2:9,  “But you are his chosen people, the King’s priests. You are a holy nation, people who belong to God. He chose you to tell about the wonderful things he has done. He brought you out of the darkness of sin into his wonderful light.” We’re a people, a nation, and priests of the King. We have a grand purpose that needs all of us in order that it be fulfilled.

No matter how wonderful your personal relationship with the Lord, it will fall short of His will if you try to go it alone. No matter how badly you’ve been hurt or disappointed by church people, you can’t let their actions determine your destiny. If you have a church where the Bible is taught and practiced, then go back there. If you don’t, send me a message and I’ll start praying while you start looking.