As we continue our review of the spiritual practices, this Sunday we want to look at the corporate disciplines, those practices which we engage in together with the church. Pay particular attention to the “why” of these practices in Scripture. I believe you’ll notice that on top of them honoring God and edifying ourselves as we practice them… each of them also serve the purpose of building up the body of Christ.
I’ve noticed Hebrews 10:25, for example, being used as a club to beat people up who miss a church service or something. However, I believe you’ll notice that the admonition there (“Don’t stop coming together as some are doing, but encourage one another daily… and all the more as you see the day approaching.”)… is focused on encouraging each other. The corporate disciplines are those practices which encourage one another as we practice them together.
This week, watch the short ‘intro’ video done by my friend, Patrick Mead, several years ago for Winterfest as an introductory way to talk about these disciplines. We need each other!
The Spiritual Life at Washington Street 