This
past Sunday I preached on Why we need the church. A lot of the message was
inspired by a book, Stop Dating the Church by Joshua Harris, that I read 15
years ago. Some things never change. The local church is different than an
online group, neighborhood Bible study, or religious TV programs. None of them
can substitute for a local church that displays the distinct qualities of a God
honoring community. None can provide an individual believer with the leadership
of a Pastor, or the care and encouragement of a many- textured, but mutually
committed church family.
In
Hebrews 10:19-25 we see the process of “sanctification” worked out in the
church setting: “19Therefore,
brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by
the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way opened for us through
the curtain, that is, his body, 21and since we have a great priest
over the house of God, 22let us draw near to God with a sincere
heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts
sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed
with pure water. 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess,
for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how we may
spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25not giving up
meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one
another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
1.
We’re encouraged to draw close to God and relate to Him personally and
intimately.
2.
We’re invited to confidently “enter the Holy places by the blood of Jesus!”
3.
We’re encouraged to stand strong in our faith as believers.
4.
We have Pastors to encourage us, to help us apply God’s Word to our lives, and
to help us see our sins.
When
a church is together to worship and to hear God’s Word preached, nourishment
and encouragement occur that can’t happen quite the same anywhere else.
