19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:19 – 25, New International Version)
Theme: The Local Church
Context
Yesterday was another good day of insightful commentary. Thanks to all who contributed. Today we will conclude our group Bible study by looking at a third passage that focusses on the purpose of the local church. Of course, we have only considered a small subset of biblical passages that refer to local church activities. Over the next few weeks, we will go broader and deeper.
Bible Study Passage
After spending the last two days in the book of Acts, today we will review Hebrews 10:19-25 (presented above). The author of Hebrews documents some important activities of a local church.
Questions:
- Based on the passage, what are key activities that the local church should be engaged in?
- Why are these activities important?
Sharing your thoughts could be a big help to someone else. Please submit a comment.
March 4, 2022 at 4:18 am
Because of our daily circumstances and challenges, we can often become discouraged. God is our source of encouragement which is illustrated by His faithfulness, love, grace and mercy. We are required to encourage others as it lifts their spirit and illustrates the love, we are expected to show through word and deed.
March 4, 2022 at 6:06 am
Based on the passage, key activities the local church should be engaged in are:
-meeting together, and encouraging each other
-draw near to God with a sincere heart
-encouraging one another with love and good deeds
-being faithful and hopeful
March 4, 2022 at 7:25 am
This passage calls those who have put their faith in Jesus to exercise/walk in this faith (new identity as a child of God) in confident corporate fellowship with God and one another. As believers fellowship we encourage and spur one another on to grow in love for God and one another (and even enemies) and works of service that evidence our faith in Christ and all that he has eternally accomplished for us that honours our Father in heaven.
March 4, 2022 at 8:18 am
From the passage , the following activities are important. The body of Christ having the same faith and confidence in God’s promises continue to meet together, and worship the Lord. Encouraging one another and never ceased on meeting and praying for one another is such an important activity in church. Obviously, the scripture is focusing on the “ believers” who professed their faith and obedience to the Lord and so that means these are Christians who truly professed their faith by being baptized ( washed their bodies with pure water). To me this is a major activity in the church….that members repent and accept Jesus as savior and Lord. This way, they are confident with what they believe and can continue to grow and have fellowship with God. This activity of being remorseful will remind them of God’s faithfulness that would lead them to be confident that whatever challenges come in church, or in their life, they could handle it because it’s the Holy Spirit that is reigning in this church. They have a true God who will never fail them. Of course there is no perfect church, but our God is perfect. There will be times that discouragement or issues may occur at church, but if the leaders continue to encourage one another, pray and remain being “ fair, neutral” and not showing favoritism to any members, then this church is healthy and is capable of growing and reaching more people to come and know the Lord.
March 4, 2022 at 11:19 am
I have come to affectionately refer to these verses as the “let us” verses…
Let us sincerely draw near to God,
Let us hold unswervingly to His promises, &
Let us intentionally consider one another, how we may encourage and spur each other on in their faith, and to that end continue meeting together.
Why are these important? It’s how He designed the Body… an interdependent relational Body made of up interdependent relational sons & daughters. It (we) can’t really function as He desired otherwise.
March 4, 2022 at 11:40 am
The church was divinely designed by The LORD Himself and He invites us to build it with Him according to His plan, purpose, and design. This design is rooted in authentic community, something which the Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit share – Oneness.
Our task is to work with His Spirit to foster authentic community lived out in authentic relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
The activities of the church are rooted in the very work of Christ on the cross and not our work for Him. He made the way. He provided the sacrifice. He made the sacrifice Himself. We are accepted in the work of Christ. Confidence in our faith comes from knowing these truths. Thus, it is imperative for the church to teach these truths in order to strengthen believers, especially in these times we live in. We see more believers drawing away and growing cold as a result of isolation and a lack of authentic community.
“Let us…” which is used three times here by the author is a cooperative collective command and not options for the church. The expected response is that we do it together.
Let us draw near together
Let us hold fast together
Let us consider together.
When we obey Christ and live / do life together in an authentic community, we not only make strong commitments but we are able to keep those commitments because we are accountable to each other and responsible for one another. These two can be truly threatening in a society that nurtures and cherishes isolation and selfishness. Don’t give up brothers and sisters. Keep on keeping on.
March 4, 2022 at 5:37 pm
The fellowship of the saints, The body of Christ, is of utmost importance. and we are commanded to not neglect the assembling of the saints. We are to be lively stones, jointly fitted together,,,One body under one Head, who is Jesus Christ. The local church is to teach us and equip us to fulfill God’s purpose for us, individually and His corporate will for His church.
March 5, 2022 at 9:42 am
We are meant to be doing life together as a local church. We need to have an intimate relationship with God, but also with His people.
March 5, 2022 at 12:29 pm
Based on the passage, key activities the church should be engaged in are encouraging (spur) each other towards walking in the way of Christ; in this instance it would be love and good works. To encourage and remind each other of who we are and how we ought to be.
It is our duty to not only hold each other accountable but also looking out for one another. We must be careful to not get caught up in societies’s individualistic approach (U.S. perspective).