3-22-2021

 Good Morning All,   

    Hebrews 10:24-25;” And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

    We have many ways to use the word “church”.  It can be a place as in “I am going to church.”  It can mean an activity as in “what time is church?”  It can mean an institution as in “the church supports life ministries”. 

    But these all miss the meaning that Christ uses.  When Christ speaks of the church; he sometimes refers to it as a family.  We are children of God and we are brothers and sisters of Christ and of each other.  And like a family, it is good to get together with each other.  It is a time to share the joy in the family.  We recently were given a grandson and look forward to a new daughter-in-law.  The whole family shares in that joy.  When a member of the family is sick, we gather to offer comfort.  When a family member dies, we gather to mourn together and to give each other hope.  We gather at holidays and share meals and gifts but mostly laughter and love.

   Now you never have to go to a family holiday event; you are still in the family but look at what you miss.  You miss the love and joy, the camaraderie and fellowship, the common history and future are all missed when we stay away from our family.

   The same is true of our Christian family, the church.  It is here that we receive the pronouncement of forgiveness; it is here we join in the holy meal; it is here where we find comfort and consolation when we need it and a place to share in joy when we feel it.  It is where we encourage one another and stir up love and good works just like our verse states. 

    So, as we begin to crawl out of the hibernation that occurred during the quarantine, do not neglect to meet together.  Do not let the idea of staying home and watching “church” replacing being the “church”.   For it is the gathering of God’s people where the fellowship of the family truly occurs.  It might be easier to stay home but it is not as beneficial.  It is the gathering that provides the blessing.

    Obviously, if health issues prevent gathering then the “next best thing” is to listen to the radio, or Facebook or televised services.  But if you are able, do not neglect meeting together.  It is useful, beneficial, encouraging and the best way to enjoy some of God’s greatest gifts.

     Dear Father, we are often ungrateful children who bicker and fight with each other.  Forgive us and move us to be your holy family here on earth.  Let our love for each other point to You as the source of our love through Your grace.  This we ask in the Name of our Brother Jesus, Amen

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret