Dear Friends,
The Bible tells us to work hard at encouraging each other repeatedly.
1Thesalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.
Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
This command is really the main reason why we are to make gathering as a church important. Why we gather for fellowship is clear. We fellowship to encourage one another.
We need more of this contact not less.
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
We have to consider how to do this important work of encouragement.
For the next seven weeks, you can learn how you can become an encourager to your friends, family and other followers of Christ.
Becoming an encouraging person will make you the best version of you.
Becoming an encourager will mean you are more like the holy spirit.
Becoming an encourager will help you and others hold fast to their confessions.
What I ask you to do is make a special effort to be present. Your physical presence is an encouragement to others.
Also, attend a class or small group so you can practice encouragement. Encouragement happens by walking beside others, by being close.
So much grinds away at us. let’s learn how to build one another up. When we do this, we revive the reason any church has for existing.
Love you and can’t wait to see you on Sunday.
Blessings,
Joe
STEPS TO PREPARE
PRAY FOR THE SERVICES AND FOR YOURSELF
AND ME AND THE OTHER TEACHERS.
PRAYERFULLY READ THE SCRIPTURES
AND CONSIDER THE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS.
MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND A PREACHING SERVICE AND A SMALL GROUP.
INVITE SOMEONE TO COME WITH YOU.
PREPARING FOR SUNDAY: SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
PREPARING FOR SUNDAY
Week 1-June 23, 2019
Please prayerfully consider the scriptures and discuss the questions.
Describe how someone encouraged you and what difference it made.
Why do people get so discouraged?
Why do people get so discouraged in their faith?
Galatians 6:9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. 10 So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
What can happen to a discouraged Christian?
Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
What does it mean to get hardened?
What is the relationship between gathering with an encouraging church and avoiding discouragement?
Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
How can we pray for you?
John 14:16 “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;
John 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.
