“The Church  - Place of ENCOURAGEMENT”

 

Introduction: In Hebrews 10:19-26 we read, “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, (20) By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; (21) And having an high priest over the house of God; (22) 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. (23) Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) (24) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: (25) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (26) For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,”

 

In verse 25, our text verse, the word for “exhorting” could be translated by the word “encouraging.” Here we read, “STOP forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but ENCOURAGING one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

 

Throughout the New Testament we are instructed and encouraged to gather for worship, giving of our tithes and fellowship on SUNDAY – which is the Lord’s Day. As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, gathering for worship is not some optional, let me think about it matter. It is a not only a commandment, but a spiritual obligation to obey.

 

We are living during a time in which better than two generations of adults have never darkened the door of a church. Within this same time period, I have noticed more and more believers exhibiting a matter of fact attitude towards attending church. If you look at statistics, the average believer attends church maybe 70% of the time. That means if you only come for one service every Sunday morning, in a year’s time, you will have missed four months of church services.

 

It’s not my purpose in this service to talk about the sin of missing church, but to focus your attention upon one of the purposes of church attendance found in the word encouragement. The dictionary defines encouragement as “the act of inspiring others with renewed courage, renewed spirit, or renewed hope.” Please allow me to share several examples.

 

Many years ago while sitting in my office, I was facing some very discouraging, and disheartening circumstances when the phone rang. Being the only one in the office at the time, I answered it. On the other end of the line was a man’s voice which said, “Pastor I don’t want you to say anything, just listen.” He went on to say, “I don’t know what is going on with you right now, but I wanted to call to encourage you, and again say thank you for leading me to Christ years ago. God Bless you. Good Bye.” And he hung up without me being able to speak a word. But, you know something; I didn’t have to say a word. That simple, refreshing, thoughtful moment was all I needed to be encouraged.

 

In the last ministry, the church leaders had to deal with a number of issues. After a council meeting, one of the deacons wrote me a note of encouragement which I kept in my office the entire time I ministered in that location, because it meant so much to me..

 

In the New Testament, the word most often translated as exhort or comfort comes from two Greek words: “Para” meaning “alongside of” and “Kaleo” meaning “to call.”

 

When people come alongside us during difficult times to give us renewed courage, a renewed spirit, or renewed hope, that’s encouragement. An encourager is one who puts courage into the fainthearted and hope back into the spirit.

Now we want to look at a number of issues concerning “encouragement” before we get into our text verse that is found in Hebrews 10:25, Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting (encouraging) one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Those issues are:

 

First: Encouragement is an URGENT NEED in our day. The problems of this generation are far more complex than in previous periods of history. Things we have only toyed with in past generations have become epidemic today.

 

Widespread crime, drug and child abuse, astronomical national debt, lack of affordable health care, more deadly sexually transmitted diseases, numerous adolescent suicides, a crisis in ethics, liability and litigation, and on and on the list continues.

 

Each of these issues seems to have become epidemic, and no one seems to have any real solutions. If you listen carefully to the speeches from Washington, you are likely to hear, “We’re going to fix problems A, B, and C. All it’s going to take is billions more dollars from Congress.” It seems like that is the only solution these days. Congress grants money to fix the problems. As a result, each day we awake to a world that appears more CONFUSED and DISORDERED than the one we left the night before.

 

And don’t be naïve. The entire scope of these PROBLEMS, which cause confusion and disorder, are MAGNIFIED in the church. If you have grandchildren, you cannot help but look at what is happening in our world and wonder what the next two decades will bring to them. In fact, there has never been a time when the ministry of ENCOURAGEMENT has been more essential for the Christian family.

 

Stop and consider the problems, hardtack trials and just plain discouragement found within the families of our church. Some you know about, and others you do not. Nevertheless, there are real problems. ENCOURAGEMENT is an urgent need in our day. May God help us all to be encouragers!

 

Second: Encouragement is a UNIQUE PRIORITY of our God. In the New Testament, each member of the triune God has as His priority to encourage.

 

In II Corinthians 1:3 we read, “Blessed be the God…the Father of mercies (compassion), and the God of all comfort.” The word comfort is our Greek word meaning encouragement.

 

In Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians, he reminded them that Jesus Christ is an encourager. In II Thessalonians 2:16-17 we read, “Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation (our Greek word for encouragement) and good hope through grace, comfort (encourage) your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.”

 

And what can we say about the Holy Spirit? “Encourager” is one of His names. In John 14:26 we read, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name…” The title “Comforter” is the Greek word “parakelete” meaning one who comes alongside to encourage.

 

Encouragement is a primary ministry, in fact a unique priority of our triune God.

 

Third: Encouragement is the UNDERLYING PURPOSE of our Bible. The Bible is filled with encouraging truth.

 

In Romans 15:4-5 we read, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort (encouragement) of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation (encouragement) grant you to be like-minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus.” Everything from Genesis to Malachi was written for our learning, so that we, through the encouragement of the Scriptures, might have hope. Listen, if you don’t get your encouragement from God’s Word, its effect may be only temporary.

 

When Paul wrote to Timothy, he reminded this young pastor of the critical importance of using God’s Word as a tool of encouragement. Remember II Timothy 4:2 it says, “Preach the word; be instant (that is be ready) in season, out of season; reprove (that is convince), rebuke, exhort (encourage), with all long-suffering and doctrine.”

 

In I Thessalonians 4:18 Paul gave the believer great confidence about their future with God in Heaven. At the conclusion of that great section on the coming of Christ and the rapture of the church we read, “Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

 

People are encouraged by the Word of God. That is my goal in preaching and teaching. Oh, to be sure there are times during my preaching that the Holy Spirit will convict you of something from the Word of God, and at times the Holy Spirit will rebuke you, but for the most part, He intends to encourage.

 

Fourth: Encouragement is an OPPORTUNITY to SERVE OTHERS in the church. Again in Hebrews 10:25 we read, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting (encouraging) one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” I personally believe that we all stand in need of encouragement. We need to encourage one another in the Lord. I also believe that coming to church, coming to this place at the appointed hour on the Lord’s Day and on Wednesday is meant to be an encouraging experience for everyone. Someone said, “We live by encouragement, and we die without it – slowly, sadly, and angrily.” I wonder sometimes if the experience is as positive as it could be when Christian people get together in the house of God.

 

You and I would agree that when people are saved they ought to be committed to meeting together with God’s people to worship, honor, glorify and to serve our Lord Jesus Christ. But let me ask you a question. Why exactly are YOU here?

 

Is this just another meeting that you periodically attend to keep-up with what’s going on?

Is this just a social gathering on your calendar of events that does not interfere with other activities?

Is this just another routine Sunday for you as you gather and go through the rituals? When it is all over, do you say – Well, at least I’ve been to church for this week? Or,

Is this a very serious act of obedience for you to gather with other Christian people for worship, edification, instruction, and fellowship?

 

Now if I understand Hebrews 10:25 correctly, it suggests that along with many other purposes, for which we gather together, encouraging one another is one of the main purposes.

 

To further emphasize this in I Thessalonians 5:11 we read, ““Wherefore comfort (our word for encourage) yourselves together, and edify one another as also ye do.” So when we meet together in the Lord’s house we are to exhort, to admonish, to teach, to edify (meaning to build up), and we are to encourage. So what does it mean to encourage one another?

 

It means to raise the spirit of somebody.

It means to cheer them up – to give them a shot in the arm, or a pat on the back.

 

Here is another direct question, “How then can believers encourage one another?” There are many, many answers to this, but to keep it simple and direct, let me just emphasize three things:

 

Number 1: We encourage by urging one another to practice God’s Truth. In Romans 12:1 we read a very familiar verse, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Did you notice the second word, “Beseech?” It means “to urge, to beg, to get down on your knees and plead with the people to do something.” When you and I gather together in the Lord’s house and the Word of God is applied unto our hearts we are practicing God’s Truth.

 

When you come to this place for the services you are practicing what God has told you to do. In Matthew 5:14-16 we read, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. (15) Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.” Carefully notice verse 16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

 

Let me remind you that every time you and your family leave your house on Sunday morning or evening and come to church, you are all letting your light for Jesus Christ shine for your neighbors and friends. You are also letting it shine for those in this assembly. Doing that encourages others to do the same and encourages those who have prepared for your attendance.

 

It is an encouragement to the pastor. Why? Because I prepare my messages with you in mind. Before you even arrive, I go through the names of those who are members and those who are attending and pray that you will be here.

It is an encouragement to the Sunday school teachers who, week after week, are ready to teach not only the children but also the adults.

It is an encouragement to those who bless you with music.

It is an encouragement to friends and visitors because it may be the only time they ever get to see you.

 

Just being with other Christians and watching them and sensing God’s presence in their lives is a challenge and an encouragement to practice God’s truth in all of the areas of life.

 

Just a warm and friendly smile can do a lot for somebody.

Just giving someone a hardy handshake and saying, “I am glad to see you in God’s house today” can uplift that one.

Just saying a kind word or exhibiting a gracious attitude can become a refreshing blessing to someone.

Just a look of contentment upon your face can become an encouragement to someone going through some trial that you may not even know about.

 

YOUR SIMPLE FAITHFULNESS ENCOURAGES THOSE AROUND YOU. So don’t forsake the assembling of yourselves together. Because if you forsake the church services not only will your pew be vacant, but by your absence, you will be contributing to the discouragement to other members of the body of Christ. The Bible tells us to exhort – to encourage one another.  You have to be around to do that.

 

Number 2: We encourage through acts of kindness and thoughtfulness when others are in need. Encouragement is the UNCOMMON opportunity to begin a never-ending process. Encouragement is like a pebble thrown into the water. While there is always an immediate impact, the ripples continue indefinitely. Paul spoke of this when he wrote to the Corinthians in II Corinthians 2:3-4, “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort (encouragement): Who comforteth (encouraged) us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort (encourage) them which are in any trouble, by the comfort (encouragement) wherewith we ourselves are comforted (encouraged) of God.”

 

What is Paul talking about? He is calling upon us to identify with people who are in difficult situations. When you have been encouraged, your first impulse is to encourage someone else. ENCOURAGEMENT is infectious. It begins a process which could go on forever. Identifying with the sorrow, suffering, and common needs of people is not difficult Many are just lonely. Many are dealing with problems that are similar to yours.

 

 

To encourage others, we just need to accept them for who they are. We need to listen to those who have been blown by the winds of adversity, temptation, and trial. Simply say, “I love you.” Simply say I am interested in you. Say I care for you, not just in words, but also in deeds.

 

Because the resurrected Jesus is your encouragement, you are equipped to encourage others.

 

For a lonesome man or woman that refreshing lift could be a phone call, or a card sent to them with a simple note or a short visit.

 

For a frazzled couple with young children, it could be an offer to baby-sit, so they can go out for an evening or a weekend get-away.

 

For a discouraged Christian worker, it could be a week-end at a conference or a retreat.

 

For an elderly person, a shut-in or someone in the hospital a card, a call, or a visit could be the highlight of the week.

 

For a student feeling pressured and homesick, it might be an offer to go out to lunch, or to help study for an exam.

 

For a frustrated ministry worker who can't seem to find anyone who will help, it could be an offer to fill in wherever you're needed most.

 

The ministry of refreshment and encouragement involves genuine concern, willingness to take risk, and persistence in service. It requires being alert to the needs of others and seeking to provide relief from the pressures that burden them.

 

Years ago, on a barn in the south, was a sign that read, “We can mend everything but a broken heart.” That may have been true of the persons who commissioned the sign, but we know One who can mend everything including a broken heart. God uses people in the mending process, and God wants to use you!

 

I have said to a number of you over the last few years – just by your experiences in life you have a powerful opportunity to come along side of others to encourage or to comfort them now in their times of trial, tribulation, suffering or adversity. 

 

God wants you and me to be available to mend the broken heart, to sooth the troubled mind, to lifetthe fallen spirit, and to assist the financially distressed.

 

Sometimes you may feel helpless, but just the fact that you are there – for a simple word, or a warm handshake or maybe you can say, “I don’t know what I can do, but if you need me, call on me.”

 

ENCOURAGEMENT is an urgent need of our day. “We live by encouragement and we die without it.”

 

Number 3: The third way we can encourage one another is by praising God for others. Over in Philippians 1:3-6 we read, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, (4) Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, (5) For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;” Gratitude for other believers is important to others and it is important to you. And you know what? It doesn’t really hurt to tell them so personally. Someone said, “I can live off one good compliment for a whole week!”

 

You see, we need to be grateful, especially to those God has given to us to assemble together to worship and to honor our Lord. It would be so nice for us to follow Paul’s example by telling others,

 

I really appreciate you.

I thank God for you.

I am so glad you are in our fellowship.

I am glad to see you here this morning.

 

Please allow me to encourage each of you to say a word of encouragement to each other Sunday after Sunday.

 

“I am so glad to see you come.”

“I am so glad for your participation as you minister on our behalf.”

 

Regardless of your age, position, or stature in life, God can use you to lighten hearts and pour strength into other believers. In the process, you yourself will be encouraged.

 

In Deuteronomy 3:28 God said to Moses, “But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him…” Maybe God is speaking to you about a “Joshua.” Maybe there is an older person, a child, or a teenager around that God is asking you to encourage.

 

Don’t forget what David did in I Samuel 30:6 “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.”  When you encourage yourself in the Lord by maintaining faithful devotional and study habits, when you build yourself up in the most holy faith and put yourself in the right relationship to God and to Jesus Christ, and when you become sensitive to the moving of the Holy Spirit, you will find it easy to encourage others.

 

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If God has spoken to your heart after reading the sermon “The Church – Place of ENCOURAGMENT” then right now talk to God about what He has spoken to you.

 

Do you have the assurance that one day you will go to heaven? If you have no assurance that you know Jesus Christ, then I trust you will decide to accept Him as your personal Savior. The Bible tells us in

 

Acts 16:31, “…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…”

Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

This prayer is here for those who need to ask Jesus to be their personal Savior: “I do want to go to Heaven. I know I am a sinner, and I do believe Jesus Christ died for me. I realize I cannot buy this great salvation, nor can I earn it. Knowing Jesus died on the cross and arose from the grave to pay my sin debt and to purchase my salvation, I do now trust Him as my Savior, and from this moment on I am completely depending on Him for my salvation.”

If you made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior let me know? Please send an e-mail to, pdmikBBM@aol.com and I will send you some literature that will help you in your Christian life.

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In His Amazing Grace,