Monthly Archives: May 2011

Why do we gather?

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The writer of Hebrews said it this way Hebrews 10: 23-25 “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” So it seems that it’s not so much in were we gather but the fact that we gather and do so with a purpose, HIM. Lets take to heart the advice we find “not neglecting to meet together.”

What habit do you find yourself in these days? Are you a “Lone Ranger” or maybe you’ve been hurt and you don’t want to risk another wound. If you’ve been hurt by the church or more accurately someone in a church I’d like to challenge you to not give up on the body of Christ. I’d also like to challenge the body of Christ to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” Scripture is clear that we are to be a loving body that encourages and builds. We have the ability and opportunity to love because He first loved us. If you don’t know of His amazing love let’s talk. If you do know Him heed the advice we find in Hebrews and get together, worship the Lord, show the love of Jesus to one another. Our hope is in Him.

Take away: Gather, stir up and above all love each other as your Father in heaven loves you!

See you at Home Church Ministry Center, 10 AM Sunday morning if you’re in the neighborhood. Pastor Steve

Punishment?

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Forgiveness of sins is an amazing blessing. Do we believe that “There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus.” I’d like to ask this question, Do you really tremble at the thought of Hell? Seriously, I wonder how many people find this a cause for concern. If we’re honest I don’t think this is a real point of concern. How about when the Spirit is convicting us when we’re under the bondage of sin? This might hit us a little harder. We might find ourselves concerned that God is angry with us or we might be punished.

Well here’s some good news! The great joy of forgiveness is that God has taken His anger away from us. If sin is pardoned we have been rescued from punishment. God wouldn’t punish if He already forgave. That’d make forgiveness unworthy of God. It wouldn’t be forgiveness at all. Through the redemption of the cross divine favor has been restored. Jesus has indeed come and sin has been removed!

Here’s the take away: The Father loves you and isn’t looking to punish you. remember the prodigal, he came home and was greeted with a hug and a kiss. Even after all the sorry choices he made. He was restored to his Fathers heart, he was cheered with words of love from his Dad. So no matter what you’ve done or where you’ve been come on home your Father loves you!