IT’S GOOD TO BE BRETHREN  By Andrew Roberts

 

There are members of the church that travel often. They’ve told me many times (and my own limited experience also attests) that when we find and worship) with a congregation in another community, even in another state, we have found a family there. The atmosphere is like a family reunion, we may not know everybody and some people have really changed in appearance, but we are related! It’s good to be brethren.

 

The Bible shares with us benefits of brotherhood. Let us consider three of these.

 

1. Brethren Bear Burdens (Gal. 6:2). When we have brethren, we are never totally alone during our life’s journey. It is true that, like Elijah, there are times we may feel like we are abandoned and the world is against us. However, brethren are here to help us carry whatever burdens oppress us. Brethren are here to help guide us through storms in life and help navigate when things are too foggy for us. Brethren offer support when we need it most and in turn we offer support to others when they are in need.

 

2. Brethren Motivate Us During True Worship (Heb. 10:24-25). In these verses, the writer shares that brethren need to assemble so that they can stimulate each other to love and good works and encourage each other as well. We meet together twice each Sunday and even get together for a Bible study on Wednesday nights. We cannot downplay the value of worship. It puts our focus back on God, where it needs to be, and at the same time encourages and refreshes our soul. True worship

 

3. Brethren Are Heirs With The Son (Gal. 4:4-7). Brotherhood comes from our relationship to God through Christ. Jesus makes it possible for us to receive an adoption as Sons of God. Jesus makes it possible for us to be born again as a new creation. Jesus is the Son of God and is preeminent in all things, including the resurrection and conquering death. Christ now sits on the throne, entreating all people to obey His gospel, His call to eternal life. Those that do will inherit the promises, eternity with our Lord, to praise and glorify God forever. When we obey His gospel; when we believe on Him as Lord, confess Him as Lord, repent of sin in our lives and are immersed, we become brethren and fellow heirs.

 

It’s good to be brethren!