First John 1:7 says that “if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another.” And James 5:16 tells us to “confess our sins to one another, that we may be healed.” One of the ways we follow Jesus together is by finding a trustworthy brother or sister and talking to them about the specific ways we’re sinning and struggling. James says this brings healing into our lives. John says it creates fellowship. Relationships full of the light of truth open [...]

“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   In this article, I will make four observations from this text specifically related to the ministry of encouragement in a local church: First, the writer of Hebrews contrasts “not neglecting to meet together” with “encouraging one another.” We know this because he uses the conjunction “but” [...]