Dear SCC & Friends,
On the first day… ~Acts 20:7
Reflection #301
The safest place for ships is in the harbor, but that’s not why ships are built. ~John Shedd ~ When sea-going vessels return to port, that is the time when repairs are made, sails are mended, engines are refurbished and crews are refreshed. The amenities and provision of the harbor prepares for the next embarkation. It is analogous to Sunday morning church. It’s a time of renewal, edification and gathering to encourage one another in faith and practice. Sunday is the first day of seven and sets the tone for the rest of week… We are exhorted, …and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 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. ~Heb. 10:24-25 Sunday gatherings are not just to fill pews, but rather a time to be edified and further equipped in the upward call of Christ. Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. ~Prov. 27:17
Now the church is not wood and stone, but the company of people who believe in Christ. ~Martin Luther~ The Greek word for church is “ecclesia” which means “called out ones.” Jesus is building His church, and you and I are the building material. The church is not perfect, far from it since you and I are in it… We need each other’s presence for encouragement and strengthening… You were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. ~Eph. 4:4-7 Church gatherings are to be safe harbor…a time to come in from the “field” and rest from our labor…a corporate time to worship God, love one another and become known… On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together… ~Acts 20:7 What a great place to be! Keep up the good work!
Made for these days,
Kevin