Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Friends and Associates”
Our Bible verse for today: “See to it brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:12-13 (NIV)
Our thought for today: “We help one another to stay strong.”
We don’t know who the author of the letter to the Hebrews was. Parts of it read like Paul’s letter to the Romans and therefore many think it was written by Paul. Perhaps it was. Many of the themes are Pauline in nature.
Just as Paul did, in Hebrews there is a heavy emphasis on the person of Christ. Again like Paul, the writer also placed great importance on the role Christians are to play in helping each other to stay strong. Hebrews 3:12-13 is one example. Hebrews 10:23-25 is another. These passages remind us of why it’s so important for us to take advantage of every opportunity to be together with our Christian brothers and sisters. We need to be at the regular gatherings of our church family. We also need to fill our lives outside of church with lots of association with other strong Christians.
Another device the writer used as a means of providing encouragement and inspiration to his readers is by referring to the examples set by towering figures in the faith from generations past. Hebrews chapter 11 is commonly referred to as “The Faith Hall of Fame”. Read it and you can’t help but be inspired to be more faithful yourself.
I personally have always been a big fan of biographies. On my bookshelf I have a series of thirty-two biographies recounting the lives of some of the greatest missionaries who have ever lived – people like Lottie Moon, Hudson Taylor, David Livingston, and George Muller. Their stories of service, sacrifice, and faithfulness inspire me in my own walk with the Lord.
The good examples of other Christians help us to stay strong. Whether by actually being with them in gatherings such as Bible study groups, worship services, or social events, or by immersing ourselves in their stories by means of Bible reading and biographies, drawing inspiration from the example of others is an important way in which God helps us to stay strong and to be faithful. I encourage you to seek out all of that kind of good association you can get.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 