We Really Need Each Other ... Today.

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much more as you see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:25)."

I like encouragement. I am sure you do, also. But encouragement is based upon the same principle as church attendance - establishing relationships. I remember watching the movie, "Facing the Giants." The coach was asking Brock if he trusted in his ability to go fifty yards on a bear crawl with a teammate on his back. Brock said, he did. The coach took a bandana and blindfolded Brock, put a supposedly 150 pound teammate on his back and began the process of encouraging Brock.

As Brock was wearing tired, Coach continued to encourage him more and more. FInally, at the end of the "exercise," Coach had Brock remove his bandana and he realized that he had gone far more than he expected, 100 yards instead of the requested 50. And on top of that, he carried a 180 pound player instead of 150.

Being a Christian is all about relationships. A relationship with God is established because of our belief in Jesus Christ - the Bridge to God. It is also a relationship with others that deepens my relationship with God, and strengthens my faith in my relationship with people who may not know Christ. All of these relationships - with God, with Christ, and with others, are interdependent with each other.

If you are having difficulty in your life, or if you are seeking peace in the midst of your storms, we invite you to visit us at Heritage Church of the Nazarene. Here, we will walk alongside with you, encouraging you, exhorting you and building you up for your journey and in all your relationships. This was the premise and picture of the 12th Chapter of Hebrew, the great cloud of witnesses that encourages us as we run the race marked out for us in Christ Jesus. I am deaf. I have never heard a crowd cheer, yell, and encourage me. But I do know a "visual cheer" when I see one. The best, most active "cheerleader" you will ever see on your journey? Jesus Christ.

Reuben Welch wrote a famous book some years ago, "We Really do Need Each Other." Even 40 years later, I think he is right. You need God, I need God, and we really do need each other.

Come, to Heritage Church of the Nazarene and find out why. I think you'll be glad you did!