Happy Monday to all! It was wonderful to worship our great God with all of you yesterday. It once again revealed to me that we need one another. Gathering with the people of God is not something we can take or leave. It is essential for us to continue to live faithfully for Jesus. It we neglect being with the people of God, it is starving our own souls. From the beginning as God gave Eve to Adam, He has told us that it is not good for man to be alone. The book of Hebrews emphasizes our need for one another in Hebrews 10:23-25. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25not 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.” We not only meet for ourselves and other believers. We meet to influence those around us-our children, our extended families, our coworkers, and our neighbors- to believe in Jesus and confess Him as Lord. When we do not make being with the people of God a necessity, we say to the world that Jesus is not important in our lives. We treat Jesus as an add-on instead of Lord. Make being with the family of God a priority in your life because no one can truly live for Jesus if it is not.
Remember to keep praying continually for each other. None of us know fully the burdens our brothers and sisters in Christ might be carrying.
Love being your pastor!
Bob Ray, Pastor, East Madison Baptist Church