Why Regather? Values & Verses
Today we took time during our digital service to go over the values and scriptures that are driving our desire and decision to begin in-person services on July 12. Many of you asked for those values and verses so here you go. Thankful for you.
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WHY NOTs?
Not because we have to
Not because Sunday services equal “Church”
Not because we just miss you
Not because we need the money
WHY?
Value #1 - We have a very high view of the Church
Genesis 12:2-3 - “And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Ephesians 4:16 - From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Matthew 16:18 - And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Value #2 - We believe a chief call of the church is to Unity
1 Peter 3:8 - Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
1 Corinthians 1:10 - I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
Col 3:14 - Above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
Value #3 - We believe we are accountable to God for you (not just your physical health)
Acts 20:28 - Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
Hebrew 13:17 - Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Value #4 - We believe it is our duty and vocation to disciple our Church
Ephesians 4:12 - To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ
1 Peter 5:1-5 - So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
Acts 20:28 - Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
Value #5 - We believe we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves
Mark 12:30–31 - [30] And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ [31] The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
John 13:34 - A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
Value #6 - We believe we are to listen and submit to authorities
Romans 13:1 - Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
Titus 3:1 - Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,
1 Peter 2:13-15 - Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.
Prov 11:14 - Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Value #7 - We believe meeting together is a vital part of being the Church
Hebrews 10:24-25 - 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.
Colossians 3:16 - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching & admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns & spiritual songs, w/thankfulness in your hearts to God
Deuteronomy 31:12 - Assemble the people, men, women, and little ones, and the sojourner within your towns, that they may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God, and be careful to do all the words of this law
James 1:12-15 - Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
With all of these in view we are excited to gather together again at Coconino High School, 10AM on July 12th. We are operating off of a sincere belief that the environment we are able to create at our Sunday service will be safer and certainly more encouraging than any visit to your local grocery store. To see a full rundown of the common sense precautions and guidelines for regathering please click HERE.