You Are Not Alone
C. S. Lewis, AThe New Testament does not envisage solitary religion; some kind of regular assembly for worship and instruction is everywhere taken for granted in the Epistles. So we must be regular practicing members of the church. Of course we differ in temperament. Some (like you‑and me) find it more natural to approach God in solitude; but we must go to church as well. For the church is not a human society of people united by their natural affinities, but the body of Christ, in which all members, however different (and he rejoices in their differences and by no means wishes to iron them out) must share the common life, complementing and helping one another precisely by their differences.
You are different, but you are not alone. Church is a place where we come together, in spite of our lack of oneness.
Read Exodus 17:8-12
What does this passage have to do with the church? In context nothing, but I want you to see that the symbol of support and unity in this passage can be applied to the local church. Thus, we can learn how to be a better church and why attending church regularly is important.
Let's see how people make the church complete.
First, let's see:
I. People in Different Functions (8-9)
A. Joshua the Captain
B. Men of Battle (Warriors)
C. Moses the Overseer
1. On the Hill
2. Rod of God
A. W. Tozer AOne hundred religious persons knit into a unity by careful organization do not constitute a church any more than eleven dead men make a football team.@
C There are different functions with in the church. Sometimes people don=t want to don=t the function that God has called them to. Why? Because another job might more glamourous. It=s like the old saying, AThe grass is always greener on the other side.@ But don=t forget, you still have to mow it.
Next, let's see:
II. People Working Together (10-11)
A. Aaron and Hur (Coming alone side of Moses)
B. Moses' Task in the Battle
A classic phrase, "General Longstreet's forces are not yet committed to battle," was spoken at the battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. Too often a similar statement can be made regarding the church!
C A church is a group of people working together with the same goal in mind. The glorification of the kingdom of God. It takes all of us. Working together makes the job of the church easier and when you let down on your function, someone must come along side of you to pick up the slack. But remember, if you let down on your function, it's God you are disappointing. Don't disappoint God. Let's all work together for the glorication of the kingdom of God.
Finally, let's see:
III. People Supporting the Weakened (12)
A. Moses' Weakness
B. Aaron and Hur (Supporting Moses)
1. A Place to Rest
2. Carrying Moses
C. Moses was Steady in Frailty
The Spaniards who conquered South America destroyed the Aztec temples because they were places of human sacrifice. The Germans, in an earlier age, built their churches upon the ruins of Roman pagan temples. So, in a sense that goes beyond land or buildings, the church rises above the ruins of paganism and idolatry. Designed by God, empowered by the Spirit, loved by Christ, and served by Christians, the church must always stand taller than any other human achievement.
C Some people say you don't need church to be a Christian. That's true, but you need church, because you are a Christian. As a Christian, you will find yourself weak at times. The church is to come along side you to comfort and give you rest. To carry your burden and to steady you in your frailty. If you have don't see that in a church. Shame on them. If that church is Coshocton Alliance Church, shame on us. My challenge to you is to find strength in your church family during your time of weakness and give strength in your strength. My challenge to this church strengthen the weak, to mend the broken hearted, to heal to hurting.
Remember the words of Billy Graham:
Church‑goers are like coals in a fire. When they cling together, they keep the flame aglow; when they separate, they die out.