A glimpse of the purpose for church is seen in the book of Hebrews:
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another … (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Meeting together as a community is where we inspire and motivate each other to love and serve in this world. Even in the early days of Christianity, there were those who did not see the need to meet together. You need to be an encourager. You need to be motivated. That happens in community. We show unity as we share in the supper of the Lord, engaging again in his death. We are inspired by singing together. We petition and praise God together. We listen together to God’s Word. We build relationships over weeks, months, and years of worshipping together.
Church is a place for us to help each other, not just a place to receive help. It is a refuge in times of trouble and sickness. It is the place to find help in battling the evil One. It is where people can confess their sins to you and know you will pray for them, encourage them, and help them. It is a place where you can confess your sins, receive encouragement and know you will be helped.
But you cannot give – or receive – these things if you are not part of community. If you are not, but would like to be, I will help you find a church community near you. A place for you to be involved in mutual support and ministry. Write me at steve@hopeforlife.org or join the blog discussion at www.hopeforlife.org.
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