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by Sandy Shaw
“Keep on loving each other as brothers” – Hebrews 13verse 1 . We have been looking at some of the various important reasons for being committed members of the Church of Jesus Christ. Yes, we meet together for Praise and Worship and Prayer – for the preaching and teaching of the Scriptures, the Word of God, so that we might become and grow and remain spiritually strong and healthy.
One thing I find upsetting is this – to meet men and women who have been connected with the Church for years, and they have not a clue as to what it is all about!
I need others to watch out for me in the Christian Fellowship – to warn me – to protect me – defend me – and help me not go off the rails – and so that I can watch out for others. That is why we so need mature Pastors and Elders.
“Look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own.” Philippians 2verse 4 .
We have these neighbourhood watch signs today – people looking out for the wellbeing or safety of the neighbourhood. “Keep being concerned about each other as the Lord’s followers should.” “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” Ecclesiastes 4verse 12 .
Walking in the prisons in Kenya – some five or six Christian prisoners were walking around me – encircling me – for safety. Community is God’s answer to defeat.
“If one person falls, another can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble.” Ecclesiastes 4verse 10 .
I need others to wait with me and weep with me – I don’t think that is one of today’s strong points in the Church. I remember the day my mother died and John Black our Session Clerk in Cowdenbeath came up and said – “I just want to see him”. He came in and prayed – just as I had praying with him when his mother died – and yes, there were tears.
Nobody should have to wait alone – in hospital facing a risky surgery – waiting for news from a battlefield - at a fresh open grave – or during some life shaking crisis. God’s safety net is a group of believers encircling you when needed – and of course we make ourselves available too – to encircle others.
If you cannot bleed in Raigmore (or any other Hospital) you cannot bleed anywhere. If you cannot weep in Church you cannot weep anywhere.
1Peter 3verse 8 – “You should be like one big family, full of sympathy toward each other.” “If one member suffers, all suffer together.” 1Corinthians 12verse 26
Community is God’s answer to DESPAIR – how will I make it – O, there will be people there!
Romans 12verse 15 – “Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep.” – yes, found in the ‘heavy’ Romans letter.
1Thessalonians 5 verse 11 – “Encourage each other and strengthen one another.”
I need others to witness with me – People need to know that we worship together – and witness to Jesus Christ and for Jesus Christ – together.
John 13verses 34,35 - “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. All men will know you are my disciples if you love one another.” This is a commandment!
Isn’t interesting that Jesus spoke these words about love only after Judas had left the room – when he went out it was night – it was dark – it is dark out there.
2Timothy 1verse 7 – “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, of self-discipline”. The Holy Spirit doesn’t want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them.
God’s answer to fear is community – working alongside others – worshipping alongside others – praying with and for others.
“Loving gracious Father – each of us can say – I need people to walk with me – work with me – watch out for me – wait with me – and perhaps even weep with me. I need to people be around me as I serve and witness. Help us to see how important the Church of Jesus Christ really is. Dear God – we are doing this together – in the Love of Jesus – and with the power of the Holy Spirit – and having others around us.” Amen.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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