"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us" Hebrews 12:1
In Hebrews 11, the author points out a list of people who were faithful. Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, Moses' parents, Moses, Rahab whose faith are stated here. In 11:32, he mentions others like David, Samuel, the prophets among others about how their faith allowed them to experience amazing things. And, even today, those people are witnesses to us regarding what faith in God results in.
Think about that. All the famous people in the bible witness to us just like being surrounded by a cloud. Kind of feels like a safe, protected sort of place. A very hopeful thought to us as we move forward in our lives. It's an interesting thought that all those who came before us are still witnessing to us today. That's a lot of believers to think about.
Today, I want to discuss about the cloud of witnesses we deal with in the here and now, the church. I don't know everyone's background - but I am sure we all have an interesting history with the church. There are all kinds of churches. You have Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist, Non-Denominational, Presbyterian, and others. One faith is no better than any other - there are good churches and not-so-good ones. I believe if you are teaching the scripture honestly and not getting bogged down in traditions not held up in scripture. You know the kind, certain prayers or what you eat and say etc. The things that make it more about what we accomplish rather than focusing on God.
Why do I feel it is important to go to church?
First, I think it's vital to worship God. Yes, I can worship God anywhere I am at. But, for me a church keeps me in the routine of worshiping God. It's a good starting point in one's walk in God. It begins good habits.
That's not the only reason to get involved with a church. There's something to be said to be around other followers. We are not called to be alone - we are called to community. All through the New Testament. Can you share your great joys when you are all alone? Is it easier to weather the storms of life by yourself? Is it easier for the enemy to tempt you when you are alone with your thoughts?
Worship and singing together is a spectacle in itself. My faith gets renewed when surrounded by others singing and clapping together in worship. You begin to feel a part of something larger than yourself. In that, you can draw hope and strength. God provides it, but shows it through others. Good worship with others feels like a tangible wave of energy. There is strength to be drawn when in a group. Kind of like a large army.
Depending on the church you go to, it may be filled with broken and struggling people. I'm going to guarantee that it will be. That's a good thing. A church needs to be welcoming of others and not standing in judgment of others. Jesus said "it is not the healthy who need a doctor" There are lost and struggling people out in the world and in any church. I go through many struggles, too numerous to mention here. The church needs to be a safe haven. Not to excuse or justify sinful behavior - we need to confront that or be confronted on it. We don't turn a blind eye to sin obviously, but our job is not to judge others.
A church like that you will meet others who have gone through the same kinds of struggles as you. They will tell you all sorts of stories, evangelism if you will. If its healthy, the focus will not be on what they did but rather what God is doing and continuing to do in their lives. You can talk to five different people struggling with the same sin, and you will get five different stories of healing and what God is doing. I think that's pretty cool. There is no set program, or ten-step plan that is universal. No plan that works the same for the same scenario. Yet, God meets with you in some shape or form unique to you.
And, church is not restricted to a big building. I've gone to services in gyms, office buildings, and peoples' homes. All churches don't have to have stained glass windows to be a church (although stained glass windows are awesome)
The reason I stuck with the church that I am currently involved with is because the second week I was there, someone followed up with me on something I had said the first week. I didn't remember it then or now - but it felt good to be asked. That I wasn't just a body filling a chair or someone's project. But, a person with thoughts and feelings, fears and struggles, and joys and dreams. It's something for the heart to feel known and not just be a name.
A warning about churches though. You will get called into action at some point. Most of the time you might not even know it. You might get asked to lead a bible study or be part of the worship team - or even giving a sermon or testimony. Sounds a little foreboding. It might even be as simple as setting up chairs for an event or just greeting visitors. I told you it could sneak up on you. If you are asked, my recommendation is to prayerfully consider it. Maybe God is showing you something. You're among friends, so don't be afraid if it isn't perfect. We have all been there - God teaches in every moment.
Not only are you among witnesses, you also are a witness. We all witness in some way, shape, or form. Hopefully, I am being a good witness to you.
In Hebrews 11, the author points out a list of people who were faithful. Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, Moses' parents, Moses, Rahab whose faith are stated here. In 11:32, he mentions others like David, Samuel, the prophets among others about how their faith allowed them to experience amazing things. And, even today, those people are witnesses to us regarding what faith in God results in.
Think about that. All the famous people in the bible witness to us just like being surrounded by a cloud. Kind of feels like a safe, protected sort of place. A very hopeful thought to us as we move forward in our lives. It's an interesting thought that all those who came before us are still witnessing to us today. That's a lot of believers to think about.
Today, I want to discuss about the cloud of witnesses we deal with in the here and now, the church. I don't know everyone's background - but I am sure we all have an interesting history with the church. There are all kinds of churches. You have Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist, Non-Denominational, Presbyterian, and others. One faith is no better than any other - there are good churches and not-so-good ones. I believe if you are teaching the scripture honestly and not getting bogged down in traditions not held up in scripture. You know the kind, certain prayers or what you eat and say etc. The things that make it more about what we accomplish rather than focusing on God.
Why do I feel it is important to go to church?
First, I think it's vital to worship God. Yes, I can worship God anywhere I am at. But, for me a church keeps me in the routine of worshiping God. It's a good starting point in one's walk in God. It begins good habits.
That's not the only reason to get involved with a church. There's something to be said to be around other followers. We are not called to be alone - we are called to community. All through the New Testament. Can you share your great joys when you are all alone? Is it easier to weather the storms of life by yourself? Is it easier for the enemy to tempt you when you are alone with your thoughts?
Worship and singing together is a spectacle in itself. My faith gets renewed when surrounded by others singing and clapping together in worship. You begin to feel a part of something larger than yourself. In that, you can draw hope and strength. God provides it, but shows it through others. Good worship with others feels like a tangible wave of energy. There is strength to be drawn when in a group. Kind of like a large army.
Depending on the church you go to, it may be filled with broken and struggling people. I'm going to guarantee that it will be. That's a good thing. A church needs to be welcoming of others and not standing in judgment of others. Jesus said "it is not the healthy who need a doctor" There are lost and struggling people out in the world and in any church. I go through many struggles, too numerous to mention here. The church needs to be a safe haven. Not to excuse or justify sinful behavior - we need to confront that or be confronted on it. We don't turn a blind eye to sin obviously, but our job is not to judge others.
A church like that you will meet others who have gone through the same kinds of struggles as you. They will tell you all sorts of stories, evangelism if you will. If its healthy, the focus will not be on what they did but rather what God is doing and continuing to do in their lives. You can talk to five different people struggling with the same sin, and you will get five different stories of healing and what God is doing. I think that's pretty cool. There is no set program, or ten-step plan that is universal. No plan that works the same for the same scenario. Yet, God meets with you in some shape or form unique to you.
And, church is not restricted to a big building. I've gone to services in gyms, office buildings, and peoples' homes. All churches don't have to have stained glass windows to be a church (although stained glass windows are awesome)
The reason I stuck with the church that I am currently involved with is because the second week I was there, someone followed up with me on something I had said the first week. I didn't remember it then or now - but it felt good to be asked. That I wasn't just a body filling a chair or someone's project. But, a person with thoughts and feelings, fears and struggles, and joys and dreams. It's something for the heart to feel known and not just be a name.
A warning about churches though. You will get called into action at some point. Most of the time you might not even know it. You might get asked to lead a bible study or be part of the worship team - or even giving a sermon or testimony. Sounds a little foreboding. It might even be as simple as setting up chairs for an event or just greeting visitors. I told you it could sneak up on you. If you are asked, my recommendation is to prayerfully consider it. Maybe God is showing you something. You're among friends, so don't be afraid if it isn't perfect. We have all been there - God teaches in every moment.
Not only are you among witnesses, you also are a witness. We all witness in some way, shape, or form. Hopefully, I am being a good witness to you.
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