Meet Together Often

"And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Heb 10:24-25

With Ash Wednesday behind us, we have begun our journey through the Lenten Season to the cross which will culminate at the empty tomb. Who will make this journey with us? Who will gather with us at worship as we struggle with our own crosses as we follow in the footsteps of Jesus to Calvary?

St. Paul admonished the Hebrews, even as we are admonished to not neglect coming together as a community of saints. During Lent many congregations gather together more often (here at Zion on Wednesdays as well as Sundays) to hear God's Word and to worship Him.

May God plant in the hearts of all who would bear the name of Christ the desire to gather more often to worship Him and glorify His Holy Name.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Hebrews 10 - Gather Together

Hebrews 10 NIV


Photo of a Maundy Thursday Service. Although, some may
consider too much joy at Worship inappropriate; at Zion, we
encourage God's children of all ages to gather together to
worship and serve the Lord that they might know the
peace and joy that only He can give.

During Holy Week this year I was told by a couple of people that people today just don't care to go to church anymore and that it doesn't mean that they are not Christians. You can be a Christian and not gather together with other Christians. Oh, yeah? How is that really working for you? Do you actually know the peace and joy that comes from a relationship with God and with our brothers and sisters in Christ? Do you live in the reassurance that God is with you or do you live in turmoil, chaos, drama? The author of Hebrews writes: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (vs 24-25) Why not give yourself the opportunity to be encouraged by other Christians in your journey of faith?
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Decades ago, I figured out that if I did not attend public worship at least once a week to worship God and to receive Him in the Word and Sacraments I would become a very ugly person by the end of the week. So ugly, in fact, that I could barely stand myself. I am a sinner. I need to hear what the Lord has done for me and for all people. Without Him I can do nothing good. If I avoided corporate worship; gathering with other Christians to hear God's Word and being reassured that I have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus, the world would see how sinful I can really be. I don't think anyone really wants that.

The gathering together of Christians encourages each of us present to continue in "The Way." Christians are not islands unto themselves. We are joined together by the blood of Christ. We are one in Christ. So what would make anyone think that a Christian can live and continue in "The Way" without the rest of the Body?

I pray that you will consider gathering with the Christians at your local place of worship the next time they meet so that you can be reassured that you are a beloved child of God; a child born, by the blood of Christ who loves you and gave himself for you. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Amos 4 - Prepare To Meet Your God

More warnings... this morning...

"Hear this word, you cows of Bashan on Mount Samaria,
    you women who oppress the poor and crush the needy
    and say to your husbands, 'Bring us some drinks!'
The Sovereign Lord has sworn by his holiness:
    'The time will surely come
when you will be taken away with hooks,
    the last of you with fishhooks.
You will each go straight out
    through breaches in the wall,
    and you will be cast out toward Harmon,'
    declares the Lord." (Amos 4:1-3 NIV)

And.. the warnings go on. The people bring their offerings and brag about them. Yet, they do not worship the LORD. They spend their time doing as they please; that is to please themselves. They put themselves before God and before their neighbors. No matter what God does to try to wake them up to reality, they do not listen. They do not turn to the LORD. So, in turn, they are told, "Prepare to meet your God." (Amos 4:12)

Advent is a little over a week away. Are we prepared to meet our God. I know that in our minds we have this picture of a God who simply ignores all of our sins. Does he? Does he not see those who pay no heed to His name? Does He overlook those who oppress the poor and crush the needy? Does He overlook the sins of those who spend their hours in drunken stupor? Does He overlook the sins of those who will not repent and live in fellowship with Him and one another?

For, those who believe desire to walk in His Way. Those who believe that Jesus died to save them, will indeed love as He first loved us. It is not an option for the believer because the Spirit of the Living God abides in you and through you and all around you.

Whether you like it or not; whether you seek His face or not, one day we will all meet our God. Are you prepared to meet your God and live eternally in His presence; in His love?

God's Peace - Pr. J