encouragement – La Vista Church of Christ

Encouragement: Hebrews 10:19-25

Jeffrey Hamilton — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 17:52:06 +0000

by Steve Roe
via Sentry Magazine, Vol. 18 No. 1, 31 March 1992

When considering why people leave the church, it's essential to look at the situation objectively. Before condemning those who have decided to depart, the first place we should look for answers is in the mirror. As we consider the reasons many people give, we can likely reduce most of them to a common factor - discouragement. We could also probably apply this same answer to the many problems associated with divorce or suicide.

Most humans are fairly forgiving people and have the capacity to forgive even some of the worst transgressions against them. However, when discouragement sets in, then even the smallest of problems becomes a reason for leaving. We might say that a person’s love for God should overcome discouragements, and idealistically, this would be correct. But we can hardly call on idealism to solve the woes of a very realistic world. If we depended on idealism, there would be no such thing as discouragement and therefore no need for encouragement. However, the fact is that we all need encouragement, someone to believe in us, reassure us, and reinforce us to help pick up the pieces and go on, to provide us with increased determination in spite of the odds.

Almost everybody requires encouragement. In fact, it is as basic to human needs as food and water. It is part of our humanity-right along with being loved and needed. The reason for this is that encouragement is the primary element in our self-esteem. When you stop to analyze the concept, "encourage" takes on a whole new meaning. It is the act of inspiring others with renewed courage, spirit, and hope. When we encourage others, we spur them on, we stimulate and affirm them. It is helpful to remember the distinction between appreciation and affirmation. We appreciate what a person does, but we affirm who a person is. Appreciation comes and goes because it is usually related to something someone has accomplished. Affirmation goes deeper. It is directed to the person himself. While encouragement would encompass both, the rarer of the two is affirmation.

To be appreciated, we get the distinct impression that we must earn it by some accomplishment. But affirmation requires no such prerequisite. This means that even when we don’t earn the right to be appreciated (because we failed to succeed or because we lacked the accomplishment of some goal), we can still be affirmed -- indeed, we need it then more than ever. It does not matter how influential, secure, or mature a person may appear to be; genuine encouragement never fails to help. Most of us need massive doses of it as we slug it out in the trenches. But we are usually too proud to admit it. Unfortunately, this pride is as prevalent among members of God’s family as it is on the streets of the world.

As the rules of worship are laid out in the New Testament, we follow them to the letter (as we should). However, these acts of worship -- singing, prayer, the Lord’s supper, giving, and preaching -- have become the total of our worship. Our scripture reading highlights another crucial element, which, if omitted, could lead to disaster for the remainder of the worship. Many centuries ago, when Christians first began gathering, persecution was a common occurrence. Martyrdom was as common to them as rush hour traffic is to us -- an everyday occurrence. As a result, fear gripped congregations. Some believers defected, while others drifted to play it safe. A letter, therefore, began to circulate among converted Jews, addressed to those who were enduring the blast of persecution. We know the letter today as Hebrews. Nobody knows who the writer was, but we do know that he understood the value of congregational worship. After warning them against compromising their walk of faith, he emphasized the importance of the special times they shared. He begins this section by describing what we have: confidence to approach God (Hebrews 10:19); a priest who gives us access to God (Hebrews 10:21). We tend to forget these benefits because we have never known it any other way. However, before Christ, they were taught to approach God with fear and trepidation. Since Christ, we approach God because Christ is our mediator. Since we have such confidence, the writer says, "let us draw near..." (Hebrews 10:22). There is no need for the children of God to feel as if they are walking on
eggshells when they come before Him. Further, "let us hold fast..." (Hebrews 10:23), conveying the importance of standing firm in the reliable truth of God. Finally, "Let us consider how to stimulate one another..." (Hebrews 10:24). The correct response to the encouragement from God is to continue that encouragement by encouraging others. This can be done anytime, but especially when we come together (Hebrews 10:25) to worship God. This is the other ingredient in our worship of God.

It all comes together when we consider that the salvation of the discouraged depends on our performance as encouragers. The punishment for infidelity is not lessened because discouragement is a factor (Hebrews 10:26-27), but we become involved in the other’s sin, endangering ourselves. God will call us to account for our negligence toward the brother or sister who only needed our reassurance or a few kind words. It is not enough to take care of ol’ number one "keeping oneself unspotted from the world..." We are also responsible for those around us. Encouragement can help make the best of a bad situation, prevent those sitting on a fence from falling on the wrong side, relieve the despair so often connected with suicide, give a spouse a reason for not abandoning a faltering marriage, stop a discouraged Christian from looking elsewhere for the uplifting he expected from the church, keep a child in school rather than searching the streets for self-esteem. Yes, it is important to encourage everyone. God knows it and wants us to know it.

Encouragement does not necessarily need to be compliments, although compliments are indeed encouraging if heartfelt. Simply taking the time to talk, listen, advise, help, or spend time with others are all means of encouragement. Showing a person that he counts, spurring him on to do things he’s put off, giving him the confidence to try things he’s unsure of, and stroking the self-esteem in a person are all ways to encourage.

Encouragement should be heartfelt and selfless. Most people can see through the head trips for personal gain. True encouragement is given strictly with the other person in mind.

No, this passage in Hebrews is not just a warning to those who might be on the verge of or in the process of "forsaking the assembling," but speaks more plainly about responsibilities and where they lie. It says to the weak, "There is strength in continued association with God’s people." And to the strong, it clearly points to the need to be a part of the weaker brother’s life, so that he will grow strong instead of withering away.

Onward and Upward

Jeffrey Hamilton — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 21:51:35 +0000

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Onward-and-Upward.mp3

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton

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Text: Philippians 3:12-17

I. Paul told the Corinthians to imitate him as he imitates Christ - I Corinthians 11:1

A. Paul taught us in practical terms how to live as followers of Christ while he did so in his own life.

B. Paul had numerous accomplishments in his past - Philippians 3:4-6

1. Paul wasn’t a common Jew, prior to his conversion

2. In Judaism what mattered was your birth (and circumcision), your lineage (pure Israel vs. mixed blood), your tribe (some tribes were better than others in the Jew’s mind), your devotion, and your zeal.

3. Paul was the best of the best. He had everything a Jew sought.

4. And he gave it all up.

C. His accomplishments were insignificant compared to his life in Christ and the reward it brings - Philippians 3:7-11

1. Which is better? The esteem of men or eternal life?

2. Paul clearly saw his intended goal

II. The Value of Repetition - Philippians 3:2

A. We need reminders because we so easily forget.

B. It is a way to keep ideas firmly established - II Peter 1:12-15

C. It is a way to stir up our minds - II Peter 3:1

III. Pressing On

A. “The whole passage is full of movement, onward and upward.” [Marvin Vincent]

B. This simple thing is what each Christian must do.

1. We can’t drift into heaven

2. We can’t expect God to do all the work while we sit back

3. We get up and press forward

C. Will I press on when the way gets difficult? No matter how hard it gets, will I continue the effort?

D. Life isn’t always easy. There are stresses, pressures, temptations, and disappointments, but the Christian presses on anyway - Proverbs 24:16

E. It is an effort – a fight - I Timothy 6:12

1. Can you imagine a soldier in the middle of battle deciding it is too much and giving up?

2. Neither should we consider the hardships – we know it is hard – but the commitment to press forward

IV. Forgetting the Past

A. The older you get, the more annoying it is to forget.

B. But here Paul considers forgetting valuable

1. The word “forget” translates a Greek word (epilanthomai) which carries the idea of overlooking or neglecting something.

a. For example, the disciples forgot to bring bread - Matthew 16:5

b. And as Christians, we are not to forget or neglect doing good - Hebrews 13:16

C. Once you done something, what are your options?

1. If you’ve done something wrong, you can recognize your mistakes, repent of it, and ask for forgiveness.

a. You can be thankful that God forgives - I John 1:9

b. But continuing to dwell on the past doesn’t change it. It doesn’t pull you forward (instead, it holds you back).

c. You can’t get more forgiven that the forgiveness you’ve already received.

2. If you’ve done something right, you can remember the pleasure in your accomplishment

a. But dwelling on the past doesn’t improve your future.

D. If someone has done something to you

1. You can take up the matter with the offender - Ephesians 4:25-27

2. But then we need to let it go. “Love keeps no record of wrongs” - I Corinthians 13:5

E. We cannot allow the pain of the past to keep us from today’s duties

1. We need to overlook or neglect thinking about the past

2. Take care of problems and then let them go

3. We have more important things to focus on

V. Reaching Forward

A. A rock climber has to reach his next grip, but he must also let go of his past one. Otherwise, he will not make any progress.

B. In any relationship, the only way to heal problems is to reach for the next improvement and let go of the past.

1. When trust is broken, when damage is done, or when feelings are hurt

2. If all involved would find the humility to admit their mistakes, apologize, and do more than expected

3. Then forget it. Get over it. Reach forward to the things that lie ahead.

4. Matthew 5:23-25

a. Make amends and then move forward in worship

b. Make friends quickly (not eventually)

c. All that the Lord has taught about dealing with problems, reconciling, forgiving, and making amends

d. All that he taught about humility, lowliness of mind, patience, longsuffering, and avoiding resentment

e. It requires of everyone to forget what is behind and reach forward

C. Notice that there is no limit on our reaching.

1. “I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet” - Philippians 3:13

2. There is always room for further growth

3. However, impressive our past growth was, we must press on and reach forward

VI. Keep Living by the Same Standard

A. The idea of moving continues in Philippians 3:17 when Paul talks about those who walk according to the pattern.

1. Walking is an action taken toward a destination.

2. It is a figure of speech that Paul uses frequently - Romans 4:12; 6:4; Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 2:6-7

B. In Philippians 3:16, some translations have “living”

1. The word stoichein originally meant to march in a line, as soldiers. Its use was extended to mean “to be in line with, to hold to, to agree, or to follow.” [Complete Biblical Library]. It is “to walk” but in the sense of following a leader.

2. The emphasis is on the rule or standard by which we walk. We are to walk by the same rule: the pattern God has given.

a. You can’t win a competition unless you compete by the rules - II Timothy 2:5

b. Obedient to that form of teaching - Romans 6:17-18

c. Do all by Jesus’ authority - Colossians 3:17

C. We can’t make progress, we can’t move onward and upward, unless we walk by the same rule. God has defined the direction we must take to that we arrive at the destination He has offered us.

Based on an article by Warren E. Berkley

One Another

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 19:25:40 +0000

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/One-Another.mp3

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton

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Text: Romans 12:9-13

I. We are an individualistic society, but we recognize the need to work together to achieve goals.

A. We form companies to manufacture goods

B. We have governments to coordinate society

C. There are aspects of Christianity that I am responsible for as an individual, but it is also a joint effort

1. Jesus built his church - Matthew 16:18

2. The church isn’t an individual but a group working together - Ephesians 4:1-3

3. Notice the phrase “forebear” or “tolerate” in Ephesians 4:3 and in Colossians 3:13

a. “The apostle Paul admonished the believers to tolerate and love each other and to have a forgiving attitude toward each other. If believers cannot endure the small drawbacks and irritations of everyday life, how shall they endure the great trials (sickness, persecution, death) when they come?” [The Complete Biblical Library].

b. Christianity is about our relationships with each other.

4. We are working together to cause each of us to grow - Ephesians 4:16

II. The key is love

A. Without love, the things we do are worthless - I Corinthians 13:1-3

B. Jesus commands that we love one another - John 13:34-35

1. This is our distinguishing mark that we are following Christ

2. Our relationship is critical

C. Through our love, we serve one another - Galatians 5:13-15

1. Without it, we turn on each other. Looking for and find faults.

III. We live in harmony

A. Be devoted to one another, give preference to each other - Romans 12:10

1. I like how the ESV renders the last phrase as “Outdo one another in showing honor.”

2. The verb proegeomai means to outdo or lead the way

3. This is not a passive attitude

B. We have an equal attitude toward all our brethren - Romans 12:16

C. We accept each other - Romans 15:7

D. We greet each other when we meet - Romans 16:16

E. No relationship is perfect, because we are not perfect. However, we are kind, sympathetic, and forgiving to each other - Ephesians 4:32

IV. We worship together

A. We sing together - Ephesians 5:19

B. We put each other’s preferences before our own - Ephesians 5:21

C. We pray for each other - James 5:15

D. We remember together - I Corinthians 10:16-17

V. We encourage each other

A. We strengthen and lift each other up in the face of potential discouragement

B. We need such to grow - I Thessalonians 5:11

C. Without it, we might become hardened to sin. We might drift away - Hebrews 3:12-14

D. We stir each other up - Hebrews 10:23-25

VI. How can we think that the church is not needed or that coming together is optional?

A. Pride might cause you to think you don’t need help, but that doesn’t make it true

B. God designed Christianity around communities of believers who work together and help each other. God knows what He is doing.

C. If you love God, you must also love your brethren - I John 4:21

VII. Let us take care of one another and don’t neglect the gift God has given us in the church

Based on an article by Doy Moyer, “The Importance of One Another.”

Making a Positive Difference

Jeffrey Hamilton — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 14:59:11 +0000

by David Gibson

Sorely Missed

“Then Jeremiah chanted a lament for Josiah . . .” (II Chronicles 35:25 NASB). Josiah “pled the cause of the afflicted and needy” (Jeremiah 22:15). He urged his wayward nation to turn back to God (II Chronicles 34-35). Josiah made a difference.

When Stephen was martyred, those who buried him “made loud lamentation over him” (Acts 8:2). He had served the poor widows and had stood boldly for the truth (Acts 6-7). Stephen made a difference.

When Dorcas died, the widows wept. They recalled her “deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did” (Acts 9:36). Dorcas made a difference.

Josiah, Stephen, Dorcas: When we give of ourselves as they did, it will cost us. But oh, what a legacy we leave!

What Our Church Assemblies Are Designed to Do

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 17:35:02 +0000

by David Gibson

When we gather on the Lord’s Day or other occasions, our assemblies have vertical and horizontal dimensions. Vertically, we raise prayers and songs of praise to God. Horizontally, we teach and encourage one another. Let’s focus on the latter.

Edifying/Encouraging/Exhorting/Teaching

“Let all things be done for building up” (I Corinthians 14:26), which is also translated as “edification.” Though this word can refer to a physical structure (Matthew 24:1), it is also used metaphorically to strengthen one another spiritually.

One major way edification takes place is through teaching (I Corinthians 14:19) “so that all may learn and all be encouraged” (I Corinthians 14:31).

Mutual edification is accomplished through the hymns we sing (Colossians 3:16) and by a word of encouragement by one to another, whether oral or written (Ephesians 4:29).

With a Noble End in View

When Barnabas was sent to help the new believers in Antioch, he “encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts” (Acts 11:23).

When visiting congregations they had founded earlier, Paul and Barnabas " strengthened the disciples and encouraged them to remain true to the faith” (Acts 14:22; 15:41; 18:23; 15:32).

Sunday’s coming. How can we make the most of the opportunity to “pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding” (Romans 14:19)?

Discouragement or Encouragement

Jeffrey Hamilton — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 16:15:40 +0000

by Joe Works

The Bad News

I have a confession …

I sometimes feel discouraged, and you may be my source of discouragement. I generally consider myself a pretty happy guy, so I hope my discouragement comes as a little shock to you. Social media, for me, is a place to see friends and lift each other up. But for some of you, it appears to be a place to rant, often passive-aggressively, about our national leaders. I’m curious about what you think you’re accomplishing. It’s like yelling at the TV when your sports team makes a mistake. They can’t hear you and wouldn’t care if they did.

Here is what I think you are accomplishing:

Looking like you have answers about world events because you have about .01% insight into what is actually happening behind the scenes. Stop that. (Romans 12:3, 16).
Stirring up negative feelings in people that you actually care about. Stop that. (Romans 12:10).
Distracting yourself and others from eternally important things. Stop that! (Roman’s 12:2)

Do your posts, comments, and even "likes" reflect “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men” (Romans 12:18)?

If you’ve read this far, please know that those of you who use social media for godly and goodly (and even goofy) purposes encourage me immensely. Don’t stop doing that.

Important note: Don’t feel sorry for me for being discouraged. I hope to use that to improve myself in person and on social media.

The Good News

Where do I find encouragement? Seeing what is behind the scenes. Just a few examples …

I see others holding up the hands of those with a difficult task ahead of them (Deuteronomy 3:28). Each time I see pictures of someone going to a different place to hear God’s word, I also see the dozens of people staying behind to make that mission possible. I see you, and God does, too.
Seeing children singing and studying their Bibles. I see dedicated parents wanting their children to have trust and hope in Yahweh. I see a young mom who struggles to make it to the end of the day without crying because she feels overwhelmed and a dad who sees himself as inadequate to be the kind of head God wants him to be. But they keep on going. I see you, and God does, too.
Seeing older saints bent over, hair not what it used to be, needing assistance standing up, walking, and sitting down. I see the souls of people who have worn their bodies out, trying to serve others as best as they know how. As they need help now, I see how they have spent themselves guiding others to the Lord when they rose up, walked along the way, and sat down (Deuteronomy 6:7). I see you, and God does, too.
When I see you, I see the grace of God. How much more patient I can be with others when I know God has touched and is touching their lives, just as He has mine. When Barnabas saw the Gentile Christians in Antioch, the text tells us he “saw the grace of God and was glad” (Acts 11:23). When I see you, it makes me glad. God sees you, too.

These are just a few things that encourage me as I seek to be a better Joe. Your list probably looks different from mine, and that’s okay. But may I challenge you to find encouragement today and seek to encourage someone else? And not just on social media, but in real life, where it matters more!

The Purpose of the Local Church – Encouraging Faithfulness

Jeffrey Hamilton — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 15:50:45 +0000

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/The-Purpose-of-the-Local-Church-Encouraging-Faithfulness.mp3

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by David Bunting

Understanding Christ's Church

Reasons That the Local Church Assembles

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 23:35:24 +0000

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Reasons-that-the-Local-Church-Assembles.mp3

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by David Bunting

Understanding Christ's Church

What Is Being Neglected or Forsaken?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 14:55:36 +0000

by Adam Litmer

The following question was recently asked:

“What specifically is meant in Hebrews 10:25 by ‘neglecting’ or ‘forsaking’? Is it inferring a requirement of attendance, or is it addressing an attitude towards worship? If it is a requirement, wouldn’t that infer all opportunities (Wednesday night, etc.) set up by local elders or congregation?”

Let’s begin by reading Hebrews 10:23-27 to get a little context.

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 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. For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.”

The Hebrew writer is expressing concern over the potential conduct of the Christians to whom he’s writing. It is possible that they would fail to walk worthy of their calling and choose to deliberately live in sin. The frightening outcome of such a choice is stated clearly in Hebrews 10:26-27. To prevent that from happening, he wanted them to hold fast to their confession without wavering and to focus on encouraging one another to love and good works. (Hebrews 10:23-24)

To provide such encouragement, they were required to spend a significant amount of time together. “The Day” of Jesus’ return draws nearer each passing hour (Hebrews 10:37). The saint, then and now, must live with a sense of urgency in holding fast to their confession and living lives of active service to God and people.

I do not believe there is any textual reason to limit this “meeting together” to “worship assemblies.” Though they are included, I believe the Hebrew writer is speaking of Christians being together generally. He urges them to take advantage of opportunities to be together and encourage one another. Meeting with our brethren does not always need to be for the sake of Bible study, singing, or worship. Developing real friendships with fellow Christians is of vital importance. Simply enjoying one another’s company as friends can be one of the most encouraging and spiritually beneficial things we can do. We must work at it.

If Hebrews 10:25 is an inspired command (it is), then to neglect to meet together falls into the deliberate sin of Hebrews 10:26-27. If “meet together” is broader than “worship assemblies” (it is), then only meeting with brethren while in the “worship assembly” fails to satisfy the instruction of Hebrews 10:25. Ultimately, Hebrews 10:25 is about Christians committing to being with one another often to bolster one another’s faith and provide encouragement. Let’s commit to it!

How Barnabas Encouraged Others

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sun, 19 May 2024 20:56:36 +0000

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/How-Barnabas-Encouraged-Others.mp3

by Raymond Warfel