And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works… Hebrews 10.24

Life Together
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945)
“The physical presence of other Christians is a source of incomparable joy and strength to the believer…The believer feels no shame, as though he were still living too much in the flesh, when he yearns for the physical presence of other Christians.”

In a time of dejection and discouragement, the psalmist knew this longing to be with other believers:

When I remember these things,
I pour out my soul within me.
For I used to go with the multitude;
I went with them to the house of God,
With the voice of joy and praise,
With a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast. (Ps. 42.4)

We’ve all known the comfort, encouragement, correction, and edification a loving fellow believer can give. But are we as eager to give this to others as we are to receive it from them? If our focus during our times together is not on the Lord, and the grace He has shown us in Jesus Christ, then it’s not likely we’ll use those times for anything other than seeking something for ourselves. But let the grace and beauty of Jesus captivate you in your times of worship, and He will fit and lead you to be a source of strength for others in your community. That way, as you scatter among the enemies of the Lord, you will all be better equipped to share a reason for the hope that is within you, and the joy you know in King Jesus. The writer of Hebrews says we should “consider” how to encourage other believers. What’s your plan for doing this today?

How do you “gird up the loins of your mind” (1 Pet. 1.13) each day when it comes to strengthening other believers?

T. M. Moore

Kingdom and Church
What is the relationship between the Kingdom of God and the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ? How does the Church advance the Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven? What is my role as a member of that Body and a citizen in that Kingdom in bringing the Good News of Jesus to my world? These and related questions are addressed in our course One in Twelve: Introduction to Christian Worldview. Using videos, worksheets, study guides, and other resources, you can set your own schedule and study at your own pace through this free, online resource. For more information and to register, click here.

Mission Partners Outreach
Pastor, here’s a great resource to encourage the men in your church in their walk with and work for the Lord. This six-month, stay-at-home mission training regimen will get your men praying and reaching out to the people in their Personal Mission Field, and will provide a free resource for ongoing discipleship training in your church. Watch the brief video introducing this effort (click here), then download the brochure, find a man or two, and get started equipping the men of your church for mission.

I’m often asked how The Fellowship of Ailbe is supported. Our heavenly Father supports us through the generous and faithful gifts of those who benefit from and believe in our work. Does the Lord want to use you in this way? Please look to Him in prayer over this question. You can contribute to The Fellowship of Ailbe by using the Contribute button at our website, or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Thank you.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.