May 31st, 2026: Living in a Christian Community | Matthew 28:18-20, Hebrews 10:22-25

For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. (Hebrews 10: 37-39).

Tis the season for family reunions and weekend cook-outs with friends.  Who doesn’t  love the togetherness of the summer season?  What a joy to share our abundance and blessings with our families and friends!  

Our lesson today is on living our lives in faith among the family of believers.  The family of God is very diverse. It is also much larger than the individual church that you attend.  As we dig in, think about your own life. Are you a visitor or a relative in the family of believers?

Matthew 28: 18-20

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 At this point in scripture Jesus was preparing His disciples for His ascension back to Heaven. Jesus had lived His time on earth.  He would no longer be physically present to walk with them through each situation. He gave them a mission, often referred to as the great commission.  Jesus’ final instruction to His followers is directed at us, also, they are marching orders on how to carry on after He ascended.

The disciples had a familial bond of faith.  But they were commanded to spread the gospel and make disciples, growing the family with believers from all over the world. They were charged, as we are, to spread the good news.  

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (Romans 1:16-17).

Faith is a big deal.  It is not a blind faith but rooted in truth and relationship. Those present had walked with Jesus and would die instead of denying what they had see and heard. This faith, our shared faith,  laid securely in the undeniable evidence of the resurrection.  

 As with other “family” gatherings, their is a common bond.  The christian family is made up of all  believers in Jesus, saved by the blood of Christ. That spiritual connection unites us to one Savior, one Lord, and one God. The followers of Jesus were not interested in keeping their personal lives separate from their “church” lives.  God asked us all to “teach others” to observe His commandments. Living as a christian requires obedience in our work time, our social lives, as well as the times spent in church services an religious activities.  Though we may not see Him physically, He is with us always - even unto the end of the world!   

Hebrews 10: 22-25

 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

The writer of Hebrews gives some specific recommendations for believers in the family of God. These are actions each believer is to use as they exercise and grow their faith.  In this passage, the commandment is to “draw near.”  Who do we draw near to? Draw near to God and with a heart full of assurance that the object of our faith is worthy of our trust.  Faith in what?  Faith in the character and word of God, in the plan of salvation, and in the eternal life promised by the resurrection of Jesus.  Also, the promises that God has made to keep and comfort his family with His Spirit. We are revived, renewed, and realigned when we turn away from evil and submit ourselves to God who is able to wash us clean.  David, the great King of Israel, considered the way of the wicked comparing them to the ways of those who put their trust in the Lord.  His conclusion, But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works. (Psalm 73:28).  How do I draw near, you may ask.  James says it like this:

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (James 4:7-8).

 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Next we are to “hold fast” without wavering. Why do we not waver?  Because God is faithful.  He will keep His promises.  He will do what He says. He knows the things we are going through because Jesus experienced life as a human being.

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.(Hebrews 4:14-16).

How do we hold fast?  Paul told the church in Thessalonica:  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22)   

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

This particular scripture goes against the very nature of humanity.  Why should we care about the perspective of others?  Shouldn’t I always be on the look out for the things that benefit me?  Here it is in writing and recorded for all members of the family of God.  We are to be deliberate about how we influence and affect others. Thoughtful in our responses to those around us.  We use our actions to promote love and good works on the job, in social settings, at home, as well as at church, because we belong to someone greater.  Jesus is our example, patiently teaching; leading by serving , putting the needs of others before His own comfort. As the family of God grows, so must we.  We strengthen the family as we strengthen ourselves.  

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; (Romans 12:9-10).

 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

We can blame covid.  We can blame hypocrisy.  We can blame many things for keeping away from gathering with christians in the house of God, yet the writer of Hebrews ,through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, relays the importance of assembling with other believers.  Isn’t it ironic that even in the first century of the church,at the very beginning of the spreading of the gospel,  people preferred not to gather together. Take courage pastors, It is not a new dilemma.

We are to encourage, to be examples.  The truth is we all do what we want to do. It isn’t really anyone else’s fault that we don’t assemble together.  There is no excuse that will defend our actions to ignore God. The hard truth is we will all answer for our own actions- independent of anyone else. God’s promises are true. His word is trustworthy. Obedience is better than sacrifice.  God is not willing (does not want) any to perish. Strive to be unlike the church of Laodicia,

Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: (Revelation 3:17).

Today we live by faith but there is coming a day, when  we will see Him face to face.  It is close to the season for celebrating the greatest of family reunions.  Are you ready for that gathering of believers?  Are we busy inviting all the neighbors?  There will be a lot of family and friends at that reunion that we have never met.  Can you just  imagine the table at your Father’s house! 

And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. (Revelation 19:9).

Thank you for studying with us! God bless!