The memory verses for this week – Hebrews 10:24-25
What do visitors see in your church? Do they see Jesus from the moment they walk in the door?
I visited a local church recently that could easily be described by the memory passage for this week. I was greeted with sincerity and warmth. There was an air of reverence in the church that is sadly absent from many churches today.
And that little church is growing. It is filled with young children who are welcomed to be a part of worship.
The people in this church radiated a spirit of joy. They provoked in me a sense of fellowship and love.
“…provoke one another to love and good works…”
That word, provoked, typically sounds negative, doesn’t it? We often use that word to describe someone that stirs up contention, chaos, or anger. They can bring out the worst in others.
But see how the apostle Paul used the word provoked.
Let’s consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24 & 25
Fellow believers are meant to encourage one another to use our spiritual gifts. Our bond of fellowship in the Holy Spirit should enhance the thoughts, words and deeds of Christ followers.
We are to exhibit brotherly love, unity of the faith, and practical care.
In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor prefer one another,
Romans 12:10
The local church that I described, is extraordinary in how they encourage one another. The pastor takes the lead in demonstrating how to encourage the Church-wide body of Christ.
One noticeable way the pastor achieved this was by offering a prayer for other Evangelical churches in the community. He prayed that the Spirit would encourage and protect them. He prayed that they would achieve every task the Lord has set before them.
In his prayer he specifically named churches, including those of other Christian faiths. (Ephesians 4:4-5)
You see, each local church is only a fraction of the Church, the body of Christ.
“so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another,”
Romans 12:5
As these days seem to be growing so spiritually dark, we must draw together in the unity that the Father and the Son share with each other and with us. (John 17:20-26)
All of our days should be spent in faithful service to the Church and in obeying Christ’s Great Commission.
So, is your local church doing a great job of provoking one another to love and good works? If not, could you take the lead by modeling today’s passage?
Then, others in your local church may join you, leading to a chain reaction-a renewal that can reach your community.
What a wonderful way to glorify God!
Share the Good News in your world!
Isaiah 52:7
World English Bible (WEB)
by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.
Statement of Faith
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 