We need to use our words encouraging each other, rather than tearing each other down!

And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words.” (Acts 15:32, ESV)

It was nothing fancy! In fact, it was hand-made.  Not an expensive card, but a small piece of paper cut out of a larger sheet with a ‘thank you’ sticker attached. Yet, it meant so much to each person who found the note waiting for them as they reported for work.

Encourage, encouraged, encouraging, encouragement.  The word appears in several different forms in the New Testament.  There are at least 28 verses to be studied (in context) to truly understand the importance of this concept.  Very simply, it is commanded in 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

I do not make predictions regarding the end of time.  I do know, however, that regardless of when that day comes each day brings us closer.  That’s just one of many reasons why I want to encourage you to attend a worship service this weekend.  The writer of Hebrews speaks of meeting together as a place where we can be encouraging one another.  “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)

The First Day of the Week

In fact, worship is a place where renewal takes place.  With regard to the resurrection, all four gospel writers note that it occurs “on the first day of the week” (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:2; Luke 24:1; John 20:1).  Rather than reminding their readers that this was the third day, they note that a ‘new week’ has dawned.  That is why I especially enjoyed the words of Dr. Don Green, President of Lincoln Christian University.

What we celebrate on resurrection Sunday is that “immeasurable greatness of his power” and “the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead,” that Paul talks about in Ephesians 1:17-20… May our lives display before our watching world the victory of our conquering Christ as we live in His resurrection energy.

Renewal requires energy.  There is not only “power in the blood,” but the resurrection of Jesus is all about power and energy.  Harness some of that energy this Sunday by celebrating the resurrection by meeting together, sharing encouraging words, and by “[living] in His resurrection energy.”