Engaging In Community

Hebrews 10:24. “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.” ~Engaging In Community~

Fellowship with God must never become selfish. We must also fellowship with other Disciples of Jesus in the local assembly. Apparently, some of the Disciples during this time were wavering and had been absenting themselves from the local church fellowship. Note that the emphasis here is not on what a disciple gets from the assembly, but rather on what one can contribute to the assembly. It’s Not what I GET, But what I GIVE to the kingdom.

~Engaging In Community~

Encouraging one another. Stirring one another up in their faith. We love, care, share and support one another.

1. Consider = to have respect, to regard, careful attention to ...

We can’t be fighting over non-salvation stuff. We can’t be stuck on ourselves and what we desire. We have to consider everyone. We can get caught up in our own motives and routines. We must seek God in everything. Our language must change to fit those things that bring honor to our Savior.

Eph. 4:29 “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”

Ask yourself, when you open your mouth to speak does it bring grace to the hearers, does it lift and not tear down, does it edify; impart love, peace, encouragement, hope, strength to your brothers and sisters?

If you think I’m talking about you, don’t get mad, just say ouch. Some people would rather gossip than talk about the gospel. Some would rather humiliate others than help them. Some would rather beat people up when they’re burdened rather than be a burden bearer. Let’s consider one another.

2. Stir up = provoke, sharpening, encourage

I draw strength from you, and I pray you draw strength from me. When I see one of my brothers and sister stand tall when they are going through struggles; I’m sharpened. When I see one of my brothers not go off on someone who mistreated them but love them in spite of; I am provoked to do the same. When I see one of my sisters trust God for that blessing and this blessing and God comes through; I am encouraged that what God did for them He can do for me.

· Prov. 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."

Church family, let us sharpen one another, stir up one another; let us shine so bright that every dark place God plants us it brings the light of God’s glory.

Together we are God's house!

3. Love = agape

This word love is unconditional love which means you don’t look for anything in return.

· Heb. 13:1 "Let brotherly love continue…"

Let us always be in the love posture. Love is the language that will heal, it’s the attitude that will bring a smile to someone, it’s the movement that will help others when they are in desperate need. And we have a great example in that of Jesus Christ.

Years and Years ago the greatest love showed up! That love came as a baby in a manger. That love came lowly and meek. That love came to save a people that don’t even embrace him at times. That love came to a people that don’t love one another at all times. That love accepted his call and ministered on this earth for 33 years. That love died on a cross, was buried in a tomb and 3 days later he rose with all power in his hands. That love loves us so. His name is Jesus. He sits on the right hand of the father interceding for us all. I’m so thankful That Love Showed Up!

Jesus continues to show up. He shows up in our mess and misery. He shows up in our trials and troubles. He shows up in destruction and death. He shows up in the good and the bad, the sunshine and the clouds, the rain and dry, the storms and the peace. Jesus shows.

· John 3:16

· You should never think that where we are right now is all God has for us.

· We should never think that what we have right now is better than what God wants to give us.

· We should never think that where God brought us from is better than where he wants to take us.

· God wants to do a new thing in and through our lives. Let’s spring up as a well of water; a fountain that never runs dry.

Is there anybody in here that want more than what you have right now, who wants to go somewhere you never been before in God, who wants to be somebody that the devil said you couldn’t be? Let us engage God and each other more and watch God move on your behalf.

4. Good works = noble or good deed(s) ... it is a virtue that each Disciple of Jesus should have.

Feed the Hungry, Clothe the naked, disrupt homelessness, Train leaders, Equip saints, Evangelize unbelievers, Exalt Jesus, Display love, Shine God's light in darkness, Defend the weak, Hold community leaders accountable, Provide a welcoming environment, Helping others, Faithful stewards and generous with resources, Encourages the children, Supports the Senior, Uplifts the middle age, Stirring people to good God service.

· Titus 2:11–14 "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works."

God has called us to continue the good work of the Kingdom. God has called us not to settle where we are. He has taken us up out of the quicksand of Satan’s grip and has seated up in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. The question is, do we want to go with God this year and beyond? If we are going to go where God wants to take us, engage with God and with each other.