Dear friends in Christ,
A few years ago, I was asked to give a series of talks about why we go to church. Of course, there are lots of great reasons to go to church. We might enjoy the community or the music. Perhaps closer to the core, we do well to offer our thanks and praise to God each week.
The scriptures teach is one very specific and important reason to go to church, and this is perhaps counter-cultural. This coming Sunday’s lessons bring us crucial verses from the letter to the Hebrews:
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. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
We meet to encourage one another. But we also gather so that we can provoke one another. Sometimes I need someone to urge me to deeper commitment. Maybe I can offer words of encouragement or, if needed, chastening, to a fellow Christian.
Our church has to do better than “nice.” Sure, let’s be kind. But let us also hasten to provoke one other to love and good deeds, just as the scriptures call us.
We are fast approaching Advent, a whole season devoted to preparing ourselves to meet and to worship Jesus. Perhaps amidst the chaos and turmoil of this world, the quiet season of Advent is just what we need. As we focus on Jesus as our aim and our hope, we can urge others to do the same.
Yours faithfully,
Scott Gunn
Executive Director
P.S. Forward Movement has a whole array of resources for the season of Advent. Check them out: calendars, books, and more.
More from our ministry:
Get your “Slow Down. Quiet” calendar before Advent begins
Our ministry in numbers and stories: Annual Report 2024
Create your own rule of life: The Way of Love Practical Guide
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