As we have preached this series on I Love My Church...

…many things have stood out. The North American Porcupine dancing seemed to get a lot of attention. He is a cool dancer. I truly believe the thing that has resonated the most about this community of God has been found in these verses:  Hebrews 10:21-25 (NCV) “And since we have a great priest over God’s house, let us come near to God with a sincere heart and a sure faith, because we have been made free from a guilty conscience, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Let us hold firmly to the hope that we have confessed, because we can trust God to do what he promised. Let us think about each other and help each other to show love and do good deeds. You should not stay away from the church meetings, as some are doing, but you should meet together and encourage each other. Do this even more as you see the Day coming. 

We asked this question: Why we should be faithful to this community of believers…this local church as we look at these verses in Hebrews:

A. Jesus, the great High Priest is here and He is over God’s House. He is present every service.

B. God’s house is a place where we can draw near to God and let Him cleanse us. 

C. God’s house is where we can receive teaching and preaching that will help us hold firmly to our faith.

D. God’s house is a place where we can help each other and show the love of Christ.

           Think about this…what if someone comes to church hurting? It happens every service. If you were here you could give them a hug, pray with them, or give them an encouraging word. It is not all about us. I received this note: Single Parent “Hi Pastor Rick, I just wanna thank you for always having open arms, to give my kids a hug means the world to them. I appreciate your kindness and always giving my children a giggle, you’re not only their pastor, you’re their friend.” Many of the people who come on Sundays and on Wednesday nights need someone to show love. I can’t reach them all, but as a community we can. We can’t love anyone or reach them if we are not here.

E. When we are faithful to God’s house, this community, we can encourage each other especially knowing Jesus’ return (the Day of the Lord) is so soon. 

Here’s the verse we need to be obedient to until Jesus comes: Hebrews 10:25 (NCV) “You should not stay away from the church meetings, as some are doing, but you should meet together and encourage each other. Do this even more as you see the Day coming.”