"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.. And let us consider how we can spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing; but let us encourage one another -and all the more as you see the day approaching."
Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV)
"Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering? Sometimes you were exposed to public insult and persecution, at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that yourselves had better lasting possessions.
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to preserve so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:32-36 (NIV)
There are no better words than those above to explain how much we need Christ to be the center of our lives, and then to have at least a few close heart to heart friends in Christ we can share, love and build our lives with. Good friends promote growth and love. God did not make you an island to stand alone as the four winds blow your world apart. Cling to Jesus first, and let others help you. You have brothers and sisters in Christ that love you and want to help you cling to Jesus.
"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:3-6 (NIV)
Not everyone inside the church doors is a real believer. Be careful and slow when you call someone a friend, poor choices can lead down dark paths away from Christ. If they're really seeking God's will and you share the bonds of friendship and brotherly love, God has probably drawn you together to weather the sunshine and storms of life together.
True believers in Christ will help build you up in Christ. As you draw closer to God and his word, you will share joy and sorrow, grow in love and grace and become more like Christ. Isn't that what our goal in this life is?
Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV)
"Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering? Sometimes you were exposed to public insult and persecution, at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that yourselves had better lasting possessions.
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to preserve so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:32-36 (NIV)
There are no better words than those above to explain how much we need Christ to be the center of our lives, and then to have at least a few close heart to heart friends in Christ we can share, love and build our lives with. Good friends promote growth and love. God did not make you an island to stand alone as the four winds blow your world apart. Cling to Jesus first, and let others help you. You have brothers and sisters in Christ that love you and want to help you cling to Jesus.
"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:3-6 (NIV)
Not everyone inside the church doors is a real believer. Be careful and slow when you call someone a friend, poor choices can lead down dark paths away from Christ. If they're really seeking God's will and you share the bonds of friendship and brotherly love, God has probably drawn you together to weather the sunshine and storms of life together.
True believers in Christ will help build you up in Christ. As you draw closer to God and his word, you will share joy and sorrow, grow in love and grace and become more like Christ. Isn't that what our goal in this life is?
