Thought for the Week – 20th June 2016 – Dennis Pethers

Over the past few weeks we have been thinking about ‘faith conversations’.  Many of us feel really isolated and ‘on our own’ when we think about sharing faith and therefore don’t do it! So, for the next few weeks, I want to think about ‘How we as Christians can gather together in such ways that we can be effective when we are scattered and ‘on our own’.

The writer to the Hebrews wrote:

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  Hebrews 10:24, 25

These words were written to Christians who were being persecuted for following Jesus and were feeling tempted to revert to Judaism because the Jewish faith was not the subject of persecution.

To people who were afraid and not brimming with confidence, the writer underlines the need for them to get together so that they will be able to encourage one another.  Being gathered together was not seen as ‘going to church’ it was understood as ‘being the church’ The primary purpose was so that they could help each other to keep following Jesus and making him known in a world that was hostile to the gospel.

My guess is that, as you read this, you are like those early Christians who first read this letter.  You are not brimming with confidence either!  Maybe you have prayed many times and asked God to make you bold and confident but it just doesn’t happen and now you think it never will.

You may not feel ready to start a faith conversation immediately so, rather than be discouraged, let me encourage you to do something you can do.

This week, why not connect with a Christian friend and ask them how you could be an encouragement to them as they share their faith.  It’s a start!

PS – my new book ‘The Rooftop – A Crisis of Opportunity’ is now available in the UK cost £5 + P&P  – If you would like a copy please email me.