Photo by Josh Campbell on Unsplash
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The other day my wife and I hosted the church youth group for an afternoon of fellowship. We had a great time playing frisbee golf, roasting hot dogs and making S’mores on the firepit, and hanging out. The best part of the whole afternoon was that last part, hanging out. Why? Because God created us to be in relationship with one another … not to be a bunch of “lone rangers” stuck on our little islands.
At the center of our gathering was the firepit. Here we warmed up after our games, roasted our hot dogs and S’mores, and sat around sharing stories and fellowship. In the firepit was a cool image of God’s word, “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” (Hebrews 10:24-25). The collection of many logs and burning coals provided the warmth needed to warm us and cook our food. And when the coals began cooling off, a little stir reignited them.
God calls on each of us to come together not just to share the latest news and have fun – though that’s part of it – but more importantly to encourage and exhort each other through our many gifts by lovingly helping each other through challenging situations we face during our journeys of faith. We also come together to help each other understand what God is calling us to do in His creation with these gifts as we worship Him, study His word, and pray together.
We aren’t created to stand alone in faith. God creates us to come together in a community of faith. Don’t let your brothers and sisters in Christ stand alone. Invite them into the circle of fellowship to join us in experiencing the warmth of God’s presence while He strengthens our faith through worship and life in the community of all believers as “the Day” draws near.
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Jim