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"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works."
(Hebrews 10:24)
What I would like to accomplish in these devotions this week regarding the church is two-fold: first, is to encourage those who love the church and serve faithfully to continue to be faithful and serve. As the writer of Hebrews instructs in our focal verse today: consider one another. Secondly, to stir you up so that you love and do good. Those of you who are unchurched, I invite you to give church another try, but with this one main difference: do not have the mindset that church is for you, but have the perspective that church is for God and serving others. This is a radical shift in the mind of the typical American where everything revolves around three people: me, myself, and I.
David Platt, in his book, Radical, writes on page 70, "Therefore when I look for a church, I look for the music that best fits me and the programs that best cater to me and my family. When I make plans for my life and career, it is about what works best for me and my family. When I consider the house I will live in, the car I will drive, the clothes I will wear, the way I will live, I will choose according to what is best for me. This is the version of Christianity that largely prevails in our culture. But it is not biblical Christianity."
I am very passionate about God's unique creation called the church. I love the church, the ekklesia of God, the called-out ones who gather weekly for worship, teaching, prayer, service, and fellowship. We are gathered with the saints of God on Sunday, the Lord's Day, and then scattered the rest of the week to reach others for Christ. During Covid lockdowns, many got out of the habit of attending their local church. Perhaps that was you. Have you found your way back to a local church? If not, I encourage you to do so. That church needs you, and you need them.
We are so very grateful to God for the sweet work He is doing here in our local church in Austin. We currently have two churches: one is Great Hills Baptist Church and the other is Connect Church. However, we voted last Sunday to change the name to Waypoint Church. Our friends at Dunham + Company helped us and are continuing to assist us with all things related to website, branding, new name, etc. When they sent this name as a possibility for our church, they included this brief explanation which resonated with our team: "A waypoint is a marker of orientation; a place to regain clarity and direction before continuing forward. It reflects a church that helps individuals and families navigate life with truth and purpose."
Our church is unified and ready for this new season of ministry in Austin and around the world!
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