Sermon Date: 5/25/2025

Bible Verses: Hebrews 10:24–25 (ESV)

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning

Thought: The Myth of the Lone Christian

In a culture that prizes independence and “personal spirituality,” it’s easy to assume that following Jesus can be a solo journey. But Scripture paints a very different picture.

God didn’t just save you into a faith—He saved you into a family.

The church isn’t a building you attend; it’s a body you belong to (1 Corinthians 12:12–27). You are not meant to thrive in Christ apart from the other members of the Body. Your gifts, encouragement, accountability, and presence are vital—not just for your growth, but for others’ as well.

When we assemble—whether on Sunday morning, in small groups, over coffee, or in prayer—we remind each other of truth, hold each other up, and ignite courage in one another's hearts.

Why Gathering Matters:

1. We Stir One Another Up

“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” — Philippians 2:4
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Church is not passive; it’s participatory. When we gather, we don’t come to be entertained—we come to inspire one another to love, serve, grow, and keep going. It’s mutual. It’s spiritual. It’s essential.

The writer of Hebrews challenges us not just to attend church—but to come thoughtfully, asking: Who can I stir up to love and good works today?

2. We Encourage Each Other

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” — Romans 12:15
“Two are better than one… For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9–10

Life is heavy. The body of Christ is designed to help us carry it.

Sometimes, your presence is the answer to someone’s silent prayer. Your voice may be what lifts them. Your prayer may be what steadies them.

Encouragement isn’t a bonus—it’s a survival strategy for the Christian life. When one of us suffers, we all suffer. When one rejoices, we all rejoice. And that only happens when we’re together.

3. We Prepare for the Day of Christ

“Therefore stay awake… for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” — Matthew 24:42–44
“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.” — 1 Peter 4:7
“Let us not grow weary of doing good… as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” — Galatians 6:9–10

The writer of Hebrews anchors the urgency of gathering with this phrase: “All the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

That Day refers to the return of Christ—and as the world grows darker and more chaotic, God’s people must grow closer, stronger, and more unified.

We are watchmen together on the wall. And none of us can stay spiritually alert alone.

Challenge:

• Is church something you consume—or a family you contribute to?
• Have you allowed busyness, hurt, or apathy to push you into spiritual isolation?
• Who could you intentionally encourage or invite back into the body this week?
• What step can you take today to engage not just in attendance, but in presence?