Hello, friend. Welcome back to Authorized Sword Ministries.

We're so glad you're here again.

Where We've Been

In Lesson One, we learned to desire "the sincere milk of the word." In Lesson Two, we learned to study the Bible for ourselves, and to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only."

Today is Lesson Three. It's called "Growing Together: Fellowship and the Local Church." Because God never meant for His children to grow up alone.

Our Key Verse

Here is our key verse. Hebrews 10:24-25.

"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." — Hebrews 10:24-25 (KJV)

"Provoke" here means to stir up. We're to stir each other up to love and good works. And we can't do that if we never get together.

Notice the words "as the manner of some is." Even back then, some believers were in the habit of staying away. God says, don't do that. And the closer we get to the Lord's return, the more we need each other.

The First Church

Look at what happened on the day of Pentecost, when the church in Jerusalem began:

"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." — Acts 2:41-42 (KJV)

Do you see the order? First, they gladly received the Word. That's salvation. Then they were baptized. That's a believer's first step of obedience, showing the world that you belong to Jesus. And then they "continued stedfastly." They kept on together, in the teaching, in fellowship, in breaking bread, and in prayer.

If you've trusted Christ and haven't been baptized yet, talk to a pastor at a Bible-believing church about taking that step.

One Body

The Bible compares the church to a body:

"For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another." — Romans 12:4-5 (KJV)

Think about it. A hand doesn't do well cut off from the body. An eye can't see much on its own. Every part needs the others. That's how God made His church. You need other believers, and friend, they need you too.

You Have Something to Give

Some people think church is a place where you just sit and listen. But God has given every believer something to share:

"As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." — 1 Peter 4:10 (KJV)

Maybe you can teach a class, sing, greet people at the door, fix things, cook a meal, or pray for others. No job is too small in God's house. When you serve, you grow.

Carrying Each Other's Loads

The church is also a place where we help each other through hard times:

"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." — Galatians 6:2 (KJV)

When you're sick, someone brings a meal. When you're grieving, someone sits with you. When you're struggling, someone prays with you. And when it's their turn, you do the same for them. That's the family of God.

When Church People Let You Down

Now let's be honest. Churches are full of people, and people aren't perfect. Sometimes someone will hurt your feelings or disappoint you.

Here's what God says to do:

"Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." — Colossians 3:13 (KJV)

Christ forgave you of so much. So be patient with others, and forgive. Don't let a hurt keep you away from the people of God.

Finding a Good Church

So how do you find a good church? Look for one that believes the Bible and preaches it. Paul told Timothy:

"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." — 2 Timothy 4:2 (KJV)

Look for a church that preaches the Word, that teaches salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and where the people love the Lord and love each other. And remember the Bereans from last time. Check what you hear against the Scriptures.

Then go, and keep going. David said:

"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD." — Psalm 122:1 (KJV)

Do You Belong to the Family?

Friend, the church is God's family. And the only way into God's family is through Jesus Christ. If you've never trusted Him, you can today. Turn from your sin and put your faith in Jesus alone. He'll make you His own, and give you a place among His people.

Next Time

In Lesson Four, the last lesson in this course, we'll look at how to keep growing when hard times come.

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." — James 1:2-3 (KJV)

A Prayer

Before we go, let's pray together.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this friend who is listening right now.

Thank You for not leaving us to grow alone, but for placing us in Your family.

Lead each of us to a church that loves You and preaches Your Word. Help us to serve, to bear one another's burdens, and to forgive as Christ forgave us.

Stir us up to love and to good works.

In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Thank you for spending this time with us.

We'll see you in Lesson Four.

From all of us at Authorized Sword Ministries, God bless you.