Out of Isolation and Into Community – Part 1

Hebrews 10:19-25 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Last Sunday, Pastor Kyle continued in our church’s “Out of and Into” sermon series. Spiritual growth through assembly of the saints (sanctifies Believers) in worship, Bible Study, prayer and fellowship are critical parts of the Christian’s own personal spiritual journey. There is no excuse as “I’m too busy” or “I don’t want others to judge me”. We are tempted to believe the lie that we do not have time and to keep our faith to ourselves. We are not to isolate the Lord, ourselves or the gospel truth in life. Quite the opposite, we are to grow in community and conversation, not isolation.

Pastor Kyle presented two great purposes of the Christian life. (1) A life of worship and obedience unto the Lord. Jesus set up the church, body of believers in community, with the keys to unlock the power of God in life and that is the purpose of Christian life in full assurance of faith. We come boldly into the presence of Almighty God. We need to take advantage of our access wit our Heavenly Father and respond to the holiness of God in worship and obedience. What better way is there than church worship, Bible Study, prayer and fellowship. We need to remind ourselves of what we already believe, while we stir up and encourage each other to godliness and good works in reverence to God.

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

(2) Discipleship (spiritual growth) rooted in community through the church. We grow in our faith as we model the Lord Jesus Christ, being taught and teaching others. The definition of disciple has two components: (a) A learner; one who receives or professes to receive instruction from the Lord; and (b) A follower; an adherent to the doctrines of the Word of God. Hence the constant attendants of Christ were called his disciples; and hence all Christians are called his disciples, as they profess to learn and receive his doctrines and precepts. This is accomplished specifically through the church, which the Lord entrusted the church to His disciples. What is the most important purpose in life? Knowing Jesus Christ and making Him known. So, pray for each other. Study with each other. Fellowship with each other.    

Let’s continue Pastor Kyle’s message on “Out of isolation and into community” in the next post.

In Christ, Brian