Dear Faith Family, 

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near, (Hebrews 10:24-25). 

“Brothers” – plural.  “We” – plural.  “Us” – plural.  “Our” – plural.  “Hearts” – plural.  “You” – plural.  Every verse in Hebrews 10:19-25 reveals the plural nature of the people (yes, plural, not “person”, singular) of God.  Nancy Guthrie put it succinctly: “Christianity is corporate.” 

“I just don’t have the time.  I’m too busy.” – singular.  “I’m an introvert.  People make me tired.” – singular.  “I have a hard time sitting still.” – singular.  “I don’t like to sing.” – singular.  “I’m afraid I’ll be asked to do something.” – singular.  “I like to sleep in.” – singular. 

Jesus didn’t call disciple.  He called disciples.  For the body does not consist of one member but of many, (1 Corinthians 12:14).  Let me see if I can illustrate the point.  An ear without a body is a rather useless organ.  An ankle without a foot or a leg connected to a body is a rather useless joint.  Alone, neither can survive and the body suffers. 

Drawing near to our God in Christ, holding fast our confession of hope, and stirring one another up to love and good deeds are all corporate activities.  Assembly required.  It isn’t optional.  There’s a work of God corporately that cannot happen individually. 

Have you ordered your Ikea snowman kit?  It comes complete with a bucket of water and a carrot (upgrade to the luxury model and it comes with two lumps of coal!).  Some assembly required. 

Here’s the deal.  You, Christian, are part of something bigger than you.  When we come up with excuses not to meet together, we all suffer.  God made us to encourage one another.  In this world of connectivity (insert all manner of social media here), we can be completely disconnected!  We need to be together.  Face to face. 

Looking forward to assembling together, 

Pastor Karl