Stir Up One Another

The writer to the Hebrews stated, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24).  This command is packed into one word: “Consider”.  As Christians we need to consider not just ourselves, but one another.  The term “consider” means to approach thoughtfully.  The writer is saying we should be deliberate about a course of action.

The verse is first a reminder that getting involved with the spiritual maturity of other believers is for all of us.  We do not live to and for ourselves as Christians.  We are no longer individualists.  The Apostle Paul told the Roman Christians in Romans 12:10, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.”  Philippians encourages us to consider others and their needs above our own.  We are to express the Truth that we are members of the same body.

There’s an objective in stirring up one another to love and good works.  God wants two results: love and good works.  When you operate authentically in community, your fellow Christians will start loving as Christ loves and doing all kinds of good works.

The love he mentions is agape.  It is Christ-like love that has one source, your relationship with God.  It’s the kind that the New Testament describes as a love that is committed to the other person’s best – it is never self-seeking.  When we allow Christ’s love to flow through us, we get our eyes off ourselves and look to how we might meet the needs of others.  That kind of love is God’s objective for one another – and it comes when we begin to relate as God designs.

May we consider how we might mobilize fellow Christians to love others and to do good deeds.  These good deeds are done in the name of Christ, and they will attract other people to the Lord.  Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

Imagine how much more fruitful our interactions would be if we each gave concrete thought to how to stir up Christ-like qualities in 2 or 3 other people every time we are together.

Our Adult Sunday school class will meet this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the large Sunday school room.  Please join Janet Coiner and others for a wonderful time around God’s Word!!  We will continue our study of the Acts of the Apostles.  This Sunday we will focus on Acts 24: Paul on Trial Before Felix!!  Please bring your Bible.

Men’s Bible Study

Our Men’s Bible Study meets every Tuesday from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. in the Community Room at Panera Bread.  Having completed our LONG drive down Rt. 66, next Tuesday we will explore Bible Interpretation.  All men are invited and encouraged to join us!!

Exploring Hope Class

Come to our next Exploring Hope Class!  Exploring Hope is a gathering designed to communicate a brief overview of what is important to us here at Hope, including our history, what we believe, our values, our focus, our direction, and how to get connected.  Our next Exploring Hope Class will be on Sunday, April 21st, after worship.  The two-hour class will include lunch in our main Sunday school room.  If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Pastor Glen.  If you plan to attend, please complete the sign-up sheet in the Welcome Center!

• Until someone in the congregation volunteers to be the Coordinator of the Prayer Requests and Praise Report, HCC requests that all individual prayer requests, praises, and updates be emailed to our church administration email address at admin@hopechurchwaynesboro.org  to be included on the weekly report.
• We will make every effort to share all requests for prayers with the understanding that the requests need to be current and active as well. 
• Each prayer request will be listed for four weeks unless we receive a request or update to keep a specific prayer request on the report.  
• At the end of four weeks, prayer requests that have not been updated will be moved to “Request For Continuing Prayers” which will show a listing of names only.  Thank you to everyone for the many ways in which your prayers uphold those on the prayer list.

April Birthdays

Wink Brown (4/12); Sarah Todd Severs (4/15); Wayne Mahanes (4/19); Roger Graham (4/20)