Why Church?

You've probably figured out by now that I'm in New Mexico visiting my brother's family. Today is Sunday, the Lord's day, the day that we get to go and worship with other believers, the day we get fed the Word of God from someone who has dedicated their life to studying it, the day we serve, we grow, we pray, we are encouraged, challenged, and reminded of the sacrifice.

I had the pleasure of worshipping with the brothers and sisters at Desert Springs Church in Albuquerque. Martie and I found this church while visiting last year. Today the pastor preached from Hebrews 12:1-2. This just happens to be one of my favorite verses. I wasn't sure what or if the pastor was going to teach me something new from this passage. How silly of me to question the power of God's Word.

Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Through song and the preaching I was encouraged and refreshed. I didn't even realize how thirsty I was. I was reminded again the importance of being in a congregation of likeminded believers. It is so easy to sleep in or skip worship service on Sunday. We can make all kinds of excuses. But the reality is, the day we get to worship with other believers is the most important day of the week.

We are in a race. A race of our faith. Throughout the week we are challenged, beat down, surrounded by people who do not believe. We should be praying and studying daily. But alone, we become weary. I know that's why God tells us in His Word:

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17

"...and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling 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

We don't have time to "play church." The church has allowed the self driven motives of the American culture to seap in and slowly manipulate our thinking. We need each other. If you are a believer, I challenge you to commit to a congregation. Commit to sitting under the preaching of God's Word each week. Commit to a small group. Press on! We are in a race! Let your brothers and sisters come along side you, refresh you with the Word, pray for you, encourage, and correct you.

Let's be like Moses "...choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin." Hebrews 11:25

Lastly it is my prayer that we would, "Encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called today, so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." Hebrews 3:13