23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 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)
Nothing beats the old translation of verse 24 above: "provoking one another to good works..." It's what I like to call "positive provoking." Why did God give us to one another to do "church" together? To stir things up, to give us opportunities to practice this new life in Christ in community, demonstrating His love, and for us to work together, prodding each other forward, in doing those things that will advance the Gospel. If we really believe what we say we believe, it will be shown in how we treat each other, and how we live to advance those convictions. This faith is not to be held within our hearts or our church, but moved forward. So go ahead, stir things up, give me a hard time. Let's move forward.
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