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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.”
~ Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV) ~
TENDING EACH OTHER’S WOUNDS
The book of Hebrews was written to Christians who were facing persecution. Though evidently none of them had as yet been martyred because of their faith (see Hebrews 12:4), a number had been jailed or had their property confiscated (see Hebrews 10:34).
Most of the believers addressed in Hebrews had converted to Christianity from Judaism. Now, because of persecution, they were being pressured to return to Judaism. Some went along with the change, reasoning that the commandments and teachings of the Hebrew religion were the same as that of Christianity but without Jesus.
The writer of Hebrews urged these believers to recognize that no faith is complete without Jesus. To turn away from Jesus is to cut out the very heart of Christianity.
Still, the threat of further persecution was real. Things would get very difficult for the believers. The writer of this letter responded to this threat by reminding his readers, first, that Jesus had endured hardships and persecution and therefore understood what they were going through. Jesus would provide them with divine assistance and encouragement no matter how severe their suffering. Second, they could not make it on their own; they needed to help one another precisely because of the tough times ahead.
That is good advice for spouses who need to encourage one another, particularly in times of crisis, such as financial hardship, relationship challenges, or painful losses. No matter what happens or how severe our pain the only way to triumph over trial is to be anchored in Christ and in each other.
Years ago, anthropologist Margaret Mead was asked by a student what she considered to be the first sign of civilization in a culture. The student expected Mead to talk about fishhooks or clay pots or grinding stones. But no. Mead said that the first sign of civilization in an ancient culture was a femur (thighbone) that had been broken and then healed.
Mead explained that in the animal kingdom, if you break your leg, you die. With a broken leg you cannot run from danger, get to the river for a drink or hunt for food. You are meat for prowling beasts. No animal survives a broken leg long enough for the bone to heal.
Abroken femur that has healed is evidence that someone has taken time to stay with the one who fell has bound up the wound has carried the person to safety and has tended the person through recovery. Helping someone else through difficulty is where civilization starts.
That sounds a lot like the gospel, doesn’t it? Jesus died for our sins when we were still sinners. He is our comfort and salvation when we are broken and dying. He is our lifeline in suffering. Now, as the writer of Hebrews said we get to do the same for one another.
Blessings on your week. Who in your world needs help getting through a tough week? What is stopping you from being that lifeline they need to get through their suffering? Looking forward to seeing you this coming Sunday for In-Person or Online Worship. I am super excited that we are beginning the last section of IMMERSE. I am beginning my new sermon series on CHRONICLES: — looking first at ACrash Course on Life-Changing Prayer.
Pastor Terrell
ScheduleforSundayAugust6,2023:
Ruth Class @ 9:00 AM in Room #202
The Saints Class @ 9:00 AM in Room #201
Prayer Room open @ 9:00 AM Room #206
Preschool Worship opens in KID CITY @ 10:15 AM
Morning Worship In-Person & Online @ 10:30 AM in Worship Center
Kidz4Christ dismissed during Morning Worship
Schedulefortherestoftheweek,August7-August12,2023:
Monday @ 4:30 PM Growth Group @ Puffers’ home.
Tuesday @ 10:00 AM Growth Groups: Men Room #202; Women in Fellowship Hall
Thursday@ 6:00 PM Growth Group in Fellowship Hall
Saturday@ 9:00 AM Good News Club Training at First Southern in Fellowship Hall
PLEASE REGISTER FOR GOOD NEWS CLUB TRAINING: click link below, OR scan QR code, OR contact CEF AZ Yavapai County Director, Mara Byrd @ 320-224-9249
Chronicles is the sixth and final installment of Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience program. Chronicles contains the remaining First Testament Books:
1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, and Daniel.
https://www.immersebible.com/chronicles-8-week/
Total : 44,971
$ 21,088.96
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Morning Worship at a glance
O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing”
“No One Like You, Lord”
“Graves Into Gardens”
WELCOME HERE
Welcome & Offertory Prayer
Kidz4Christ dismissed
“Cry of My Heart”
“Revival”
“I Must Tell Jesus”
CHRONICLES
Immersing Our Lives in God’s Word
A Crash Course on Life-Changing Prayer
1 Chronicles 4:9-10/page 9/paragraph 2
“Change My Heart, Oh God”
“Cry of My Heart”
A Life Giving Church … Giving Life
2820 N. Pleasant View Drive Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 928-772-7218
fsbcpv@firstsouthernpv.org
www.firstsouthernpv.org
Church Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:30AM - 2:30PM
Senior Pastor Terrell Eldreth: 619-244-6265
PastorTerrell@firstsouthernpv.org
Worship Pastor Bart Young 928-254-8713
PastorBart@firstsouthernpv.org
Advancing the Kingdom of God
one heart at a time.
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Offerings and Connection Cards will be collected in the Offering Boxes located just inside the two main entrances into our Worship Center, as well as in the Office Hallway.