Introduction
Video Ill.: Iron — FreeBridge Media
We need each other. We were not made to walk through this life alone. I believe that is one of the reasons that the early church gathered so frequently and so often. I believe that is why they were devoted together.
In Acts 2:42, we read:
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2, NIV1984)
Luke goes on to say a couple of verses down in verse 46:
46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts…. (Acts 2, NIV1984)
Being together with other Christians is extremely important to our faith.
This morning, we are continuing our study Devoted Together, where we are discovering why church is more than a building—it's a family, a support system, and a vital part of our spiritual journey.
We began by seeing how corporate worship prepares us to live lives of daily worship. Worship has an impact not only on us, but on those around us when we gather together to worship together.
Last week, we saw the importance of gathering together to celebrate the Lord’s Supper, and the witness that we share when we partake each Sunday. We are proclaiming a message of hope and love when we come together to remember Jesus’ death in our place.
This morning, we find encouragement when we gather together. We all have a need for encouragement. The writer of the book of Hebrews told us:
24 …[L]et us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10, NIV1984)
We all need encouragement:
Encouragement Changed the Life of 'Maestro of Lighting’
Source: Adapted from Margalit Fox, "Imero Fiorentino, Lighting Designer Who Mastered Television, Dies at 85,' The New York Times (10-13-13)
https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/2013/november/7111113.html
Copied from Preaching Today
"He made drinks sparkle, desserts shimmer, and Richard M. Nixon look less shadowy—all with meticulous tricks of lights." So begins an obituary for Imero (or "Immie") Fiorentino, the man who was called "the maestro of lighting" and "The Picasso of lights and strobes."
Because he usually worked quietly behind the scenes, most Americans have never heard of him. But when Fiorentino died at the age of 85 on October 1, 2013, he had served as an adviser to every president from Dwight D. Eisenhower to Bill Clinton. His work had illuminated some of the biggest entertainers of his day, including Frank Sinatra, Bill Cosby, Neil Diamond, Barbara Streisand, and Muhammad Ali. He orchestrated the lighting behind everything from Walt Disney's Epcot Center to TV commercials for Jell-O and ginger ale.
But if it wasn't for the encouraging words from one of his high school teachers, Mr. Fiorentino's career may have ended before it started. The New York Times records what happened:
Several months before graduating from high school, he found what he thought was an empty shell casing in the street. Wanting to make it into a key chain, he took a soldering iron to it. It was a live round. Shrapnel from the explosion pierced his right eye, blinding it. He despaired of being able to work in lighting. Then one of his teachers, visiting him in the hospital, told him, "You're going to be the best one-eyed lighting designer ever." "I can do that," Immie replied.
Due to those words of encouragement, Mr. Fiorentino went on to earn a bachelor's degree in theater from Carnegie Tech in 1950. On graduating, he was hired to teach theatrical lighting at Indiana University, and from there his career took off.
We all face challenges in life. God designed the church as a place where we, people of like faith, can find encouragement.
### **1. As we begin, we can find encouragement through fellowship when we gather together as a church.**
In Ecclesiastes, Solomon is searching for the meaning of life, as well as trying to answer many of life’s other big questions.
As he goes along, he shares many nuggets of wisdom, like the words found in Ecclesiastes 4. It’s a very familiar passage, which is often used during wedding ceremonies. He writes:
9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their
work:
10 If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up! (Ecclesiastes 4, NIV1984)
In the family of God, none of us are ever truly alone. We always have someone to help us get back ups on our feet. We are all here to share each other’s burdens, sorrows, and joy.
You Probably Know Around 600 People
Source: Josh Zumbrum, “You Probably Know 611 People. Here’s How We Know.” The Wall Street Journal (11-16-23)
https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/2024/july/you-probably-know-around-600-people.html
Copied from Preaching Today
“How many people do you know?” Josh Zumbrum asked in an article for the Wall Street Journal. You’ve probably never counted. Well, now you don’t have to. Tyler McCormick has worked it out: around 600.
Or more precisely 611, according to estimates by McCormick, a professor in the statistics and sociology departments at the University of Washington. That’s a national average, but McCormick can actually compute an estimate for you, or anyone.
Asked how many close friends they have, about half of Americans say three or fewer, according to a 2021 survey. The British anthropologist Robin Dunbar, drawing on studies of the brain sizes of humans and other primates, estimates a person can only maintain about 150 relationships. The so-called “Dunbar number,” he has said, “applies to quality relationships, not to acquaintances.” A Pew Research study found adults on Facebook had an average of 338 friends on the site.
The number of people you know, without considering them friends, is probably much larger. McCormick’s definition: “that you know them and they know you by sight or by name, that you could contact them, that they live within the United States, and that there has been some contact” in the past two years.
Our support system may be stronger and broader than we realize, especially in the church.
We need to remember to never underestimate the friends and family that we have here in the body of Christ. And we are real friends. We are a real family. We really do care. It is the love of God that binds us together, and helps us rally around each other when we are in need.
Just think back over the years to the times when someone was in need. What did the church do? Jump in and provide. Offer support. Provide counsel when needed. Most certainly, the church prayed.
Yes there are other organizations that may act in a similar manner, but it is only in the church where the love and compassion of Christ drives what we are do, how we help, the way we care.
When we are together, we find encouragement and strength from the community of believers.
### **2. We also find encouragement through worship.**
The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 95:
1 Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our
salvation.
2 Let us come before Him with thanksgiving
and extol Him with music and song. (Psalm 95, NIV1984)
Worship, you see, lifts our spirits and shifts our focus from our problems to God’s greatness.
### Real-Life Illustration: The Impact of Congregational Singing
From ChatGPT
In 2013, a tornado devastated the town of Moore, Oklahoma, causing extensive damage and loss of life. In the aftermath, the community was left in shock, grappling with grief and a sense of overwhelming loss. As the local churches opened their doors to those affected, one church service became particularly memorable for its impact.
During this service, the congregation began to sing the hymn **"It Is Well with My Soul."** Despite the devastation around them, the words of the hymn resonated deeply with the congregation: *"When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul."*
As they sang, tears flowed, but so did a profound sense of peace and hope. The act of singing together allowed the congregation to express their grief, yet also reaffirm their faith in God's sovereignty and goodness. The hymn served as a collective prayer, reminding everyone that even in the darkest times, God is present and faithful.
This moment of worship became a turning point for many in the congregation. The shared experience of singing together not only uplifted their spirits but also strengthened their bond as a community, providing the encouragement needed to begin the long process of healing and rebuilding.
There is power in corporate worship. There is healing in corporate worship. There is encouragement and hope in corporate worship.
When we come together to sing hymns or worship songs, we are not just participating in a musical activity; we are engaging in a truly spiritual practice that can bring comfort, unity, and hope, especially in times of difficulty.
When we gather together in worship, we remember God’s faithfulness and goodness. God’s promises bring us hope when we put our faith in Him.
### **3. Finally, we find encouragement through shared experiences.**
The early church met together regularly, and their shared experiences led to encouragement, joy and growth.
46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2, NIV1984)
If there’s anything that could be said about the early church it was this: they shared everything. It was a blessing for them to share their time of worship together, to share the Lord’s Supper together, to share meals together, to share their possessions with each other. They made sure that everyone had what they needed.
The early church really exemplified the concept of family — a family that takes care of each other — that looks out for each other — that supports and encourages each other.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we really acted that way today?
Sharing our lives with each other, through times of worship, through meals, and church events, helps us build deeper relationships with each other and gives us the boost and encouragement we need when we leave this gather.
**Story of Ashley Smith:**
**Source: - Smith, Ashley, *Unlikely Angel: The Untold Story of the Atlanta Hostage Hero*. HarperCollins, 2005.
From ChatGPT
Ashley Smith's life took a dramatic turn after she became involved in a small group at her church. Ashley had faced numerous challenges, including the tragic loss of her husband and struggles with substance abuse. Feeling lost and alone, she reached out to a local church and joined a small group for support.
In this group, she found a sense of belonging and accountability. The members of the group walked alongside her through her grief and struggles, providing encouragement, prayer, and friendship. Their consistent support and the teachings of the Bible helped Ashley find hope and purpose again.
One of the most significant moments came when she was held hostage in her own apartment by a man named Brian Nichols, who had escaped from prison. During this terrifying ordeal, Ashley remembered the teachings and encouragement she had received from her small group. She read to Nichols from Rick Warren's book, *The Purpose Driven Life*, and spoke to him about her faith. Her calm and compassionate approach influenced Nichols, leading him to surrender peacefully to the authorities.
Ashley credits her small group for helping her grow spiritually and emotionally, giving her the strength to face life’s challenges. Her story is a powerful example of how sharing our lives with each other, being part of a church community, spending time together as a family, can bring about transformation and healing.
When we get together, for church, we are here to prepare our hearts and minds for going back out into a very dark and broken world. The strength we gain from our time together allows us to be a beacon of light and encouragement to those around us who are searching for a sense of hope.
### **Conclusion**
This morning, we, the family of believers, the body of Christ, are called to be encouragers.
Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:
11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5, NIV1984)
As the church, we are called not just to receive encouragement from our time together, but to actively encourage others in the church.
I want to leave you with 10 practical ways that we can encourage each other within the church drawn from Biblical principles and real-life practices:
### 1. **Personal Notes or Messages:**
- Thinking about 1 Thessalonians 5:11, which we just read: Write a handwritten note, text, or email to someone in the congregation to let them know you're praying for them, or to acknowledge something they've done well. A simple message of appreciation or encouragement can lift someone's spirits.
### 2. **Acts of Service:**
Galatians 6:2 reads:
2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6, NIV1984)
Offer practical help to those in need within the church. This could be delivering meals, helping with chores, or providing transportation to someone who is unable to drive.
### 3. **Pray for Each Other:**
James 5:16 reads:
16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (James 5, NIV1984)
Take the time to pray for your fellow church members, and let them know you're doing so. Offering to pray with someone in person can also be a powerful act of encouragement.
### 4. **Share Testimonies:**
In Revelation 12, we read:
11 They overcame him [that is Satan, the dragon, the ancient serpent, the Devil, whatever you want to call him] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…. (Revelation 12, NIV1984)
Encourage others by sharing your testimony and encouraging others to share theirs during small groups or church services. Hearing how God is working in someone’s life can be a powerful source of encouragement for others.
### 5. **Offer Words of Affirmation:**
Proverbs 16:24 reads:
24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Proverbs 16, NIV1984)
Speak words of encouragement directly to someone, especially after they have served or contributed in some way. This could be as simple as saying, "I really appreciated your help today," or, "Your faith inspires me."
### 6. **Organize Fellowship Activities:**
We’ve read this passage several times now, but cannot say it any better than the Hebrew writer in Hebrews 10:
24 …[L]et us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10, NIV1984)
Create opportunities for church members to spend time together outside of regular services, such as organizing a potluck, game night, or hiking trip. Building relationships through fellowship helps strengthen the community of faith.
### 7. **Mentoring and Discipleship:**
Paul writes to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2 and says:
2 …[T]he things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. (2 Timothy 2, NIV1984)
Invest in someone’s spiritual growth by offering to mentor them or participate in a discipleship group. Walking alongside someone in their faith journey can provide immense encouragement and spiritual growth.
### 8. **Celebrate Milestones:**
In Romans 12 we read:
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. (Romans 12, NIV1984)
Acknowledge and celebrate important milestones in people's lives, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or spiritual milestones like baptisms. Support each other in times of sorrow and loss. Someone has once said to kiss the babies, and hug the widows. This shows care and strengthens bonds within the church.
### 9. **Listen and Be Present:**
In James 1, we read:
19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…. (James 1, NIV1984)
Sometimes the best way to encourage someone is simply by being present and offering a listening ear. Be quick to listen. Be available to listen to someone's struggles. Offer emotional support. Such things are invaluable.
### 10. **Publicly Acknowledge Contributions:**
Paul writes in Philippians 2:
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. (Philippians 2, NIV1984)
In a group setting, acknowledge the contributions of others. Whether during a service, in a meeting, or on social media, recognizing someone's efforts can encourage them and inspire others.
These are just some ways we can encourage each other as the body of Christ. Doing these things can create a culture of encouragement within the church, leading to deeper connections, stronger faith, and transformed lives.
I want to close this morning and leave you with a story about the difference encouragement can make in others’ lives.
**Story of Ron Hall and Denver Moore:**
**Sources:**
- Hall, Ron, and Denver Moore. *Same Kind of Different as Me*. Thomas Nelson, 2006.
- “Same Kind of Different as Me Movie.” *Focus on the Family*.
- *Parade Magazine*, “Ron Hall and Denver Moore: A True Friendship,” October 2017.
Ron Hall, an international art dealer, and his wife, Deborah, were members of a church in Fort Worth, Texas, where they were actively involved in ministry. Deborah had a deep conviction that God wanted her to help the homeless. Despite Ron's initial reluctance, he eventually joined her in serving at a local homeless shelter.
One day, they met Denver Moore, a man who had been homeless for much of his life. Denver had lived a hard life, full of anger and bitterness, with little trust in people. However, through Deborah’s consistent encouragement and love, Denver began to open up and trust her. Deborah treated Denver with dignity, consistently inviting him to be part of their lives and the church community.
Deborah's kindness and the encouragement she and Ron provided helped Denver see himself as more than just a homeless man; he began to see his worth in God’s eyes. After Deborah's death, Ron and Denver continued their unlikely friendship, with Denver becoming a regular part of Ron’s family and church.
Denver’s transformation was profound. He went from being a man filled with anger to someone who was deeply moved by the love and encouragement he received from the church community. His story, along with Ron Hall's, was eventually told in the book *Same Kind of Different as Me*, which became a bestseller and was later adapted into a movie. Denver’s life serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of consistent encouragement and love from the church.
This morning, encourage each other, as you are already doing. Do not stop. Come together. Be devoted to each other. Be devoted together to lifting each other up in the fellowship of believers, and the body of Christ.
