Better Together

There are lots of “honor societies” which exist to add distinction to the names of the members - sports has the MLB and NFL Hall of Fame. Congress designates a “Medal of Honor” for heroism. Jesus has something better for you: as a Christian, you get to bear His name, the name above all names (Philippians 2:9)!

A Team With A Transforming Mission

Our last message talked about the community of faith that went before us - the world’s appeal mattered less to them once they had a better hope. Christians have seen that better hope in an even more full way. (Hebrews 11:40) Hebrews builds on this idea by urging us to think of them as a "great cloud of witnesses" surrounding us - we’ve taken the baton from them. It’s our job to continue the race. How are we going to do that?

Look to Jesus Together

Excellent as they may have been, you don’t finish a relay race by looking back. You support one another but look ahead! Who's at the finish line?
“…looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who… has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Running straight towards Him

Getting our eyes off Him costs precious ground. That’s why He hasn’t left us to run this race alone: your team—the local church—helps you run straight:

"We must hold tightly to the hope we say is ours. After all, we can trust the one who made the agreement with us. We should keep on encouraging each other to be thoughtful and to do helpful things. Some people have given up the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other…” (Hebrews 10:22-25)

Why each team member’s part is important

A family, (Ephesians 3:15), which is what your church really is, depends upon one another. The Bible compares God’s people to a body, with distinct functions provided according to the way God designed each person. (1 Corinthians 12) Each part of the body helps the others selflessly. Our unity and love for one another are so important, in fact, that it literally proves to the world that Jesus was sent by God. (John 17:23)

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” When you first let us know you wanted to follow Jesus, we assigned you a caring volunteer.
 

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