Creating A Thriving Fellowship

Let’s face it, we have become very lax in how we deal with one another in the church. We have allowed people to just be people, instead of persuading them to be Christians. We watch love ones fall to the way side. We allow ministries to crumble and then we wonder why the needs of the people are not being met. We don’t hold each accountable anymore when it comes to the things of God. We write everything off as a phase, that the person is going through. And as a result, the congregation shrinks. The attitude toward Christ and the church changes and ministry seems to be fruitless labor. But as we look out of our windows, we marvel at the works of other churches, who are thriving. We wonder why can’t our church do that? Why can’t we have that type of ministry. Well, the writer of Hebrews gives us an answer to those questions. He gives three exhortations to the church now that we have confidence and a great priest over the house of God. He exhorts them to pray, to persevere and to provoke.

I would like to spend some time today talking about the last exhortation and that is to provoke.

God uses provocation to create a thriving fellowship within His church.

If we are going to create a thriving fellowship, than it takes:

Getting People On The Right Track

It is teamwork, the writer says “let us”.

This job is near impossible for one person alone to do. We need the assistance of one another.

It involves careful thought or consideration to stir up people.

Stir up, or provocation is the act of stirring up (emotions, feelings and responses); can be positive or negative. Markers of a causative relation, with the implication of stimulating a change in motivation or attitude.

We have to stir up their emotions.

They need to feel things.

We need to stir them up til we get a response from them.

What needs do we have in our church and how do we stimulate people’s attitudes and motivate them to serve and be faithful?

The writer is specific about who we are to stir up and what we are to stir up in each other.

We are to stir up one another in love by having a sincere appreciation for one another. That also involves loving each other even in our shortcomings.

Its true that you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.

Its true when love is stirred up in people, it will bring forth good works. It makes people feel as though its their duty to do morally right for God and to others.

We have to create ways to motivate people to serve the Lord faithfully out of love.

The writer gives us some do’s and don’ts if we are going to create a thriving fellowship.

Not neglecting to meet together. That is to reject, to refuse to accept or acknowledge something, conceived of as leaving it behind or forsaking it. Meet together, congregation of the faithful. A local, religious gathering of those allied with and trusting in the God of Israel for religious services. The gathering together of a group.

We as Christians leaders must not burden people with a guilt trip if they are not at the church five nights a week.

What keeps people from meeting together?

Whats most important is that they are meaningfully engaged in the life of the church on a weekly basis.

Are you in worship?

Are you a part of the teaching ministry, learning God’s Word?

Are you ministering to other people using your spiritual gifts?

Are you fellowshipping with other Christians?

These are all things associated with living a healthy Christian life.

We are to encourage one another. That is we are to earnestly support or encourage a response or action. To cause one another to be encouraged or consoled.

Its okay to encourage yourself sometimes, but its better to be encourage by others.

There is some urgency to this matter.

We are to even more eager to get each other on track. To create a thriving fellowship.

Because the Day is drawing near.

Jesus is on His way back and we need to get things in order.

So what will you do to assist in creating a thriving fellowship at your church?

Will be there to both give and receive the encouragement God has for you and others?

Now is the time to make a commitment to the teaching of God’s Word.

Its time to look past one another’s faults and tend to each others needs.

We all have to get on the right track. Then we will have a thriving fellowship.