Let us hold fast the confession of our hope
without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to
stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling
together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the
more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-25
We have been looking at this passage all week and today we are looking at verse 25 which is a message to Christians about how important it is for Christians to spend time together, worshipping together and encouraging one another: “not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging (one another); and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” It basically says they should not abandon their gathering together, their worship. You cannot be stirred up to love and ministry if you stay away from worship in the Father’s House.
Church-going has fallen on difficult times lately. For some
Christians it is a weak substitute for a picnic on a rainy Sunday. Excuses are as plentiful as quarters in the
collection plate. The fact is many
professing Christians don't think church is all that important. They think they can be perfectly good
Christians without being part of a local congregation.
God disagrees! For one thing, our own spiritual welfare is
not to be our only concern. We go to
church not just to get but to give-to spur on other Christians to "love and good works" (Hebrews 10:24). If we stay
away, we may give them an excuse to be careless.
On the other hand, if we attend with enthusiasm, we
encourage other believers in their ambition to draw near to Christ. If we are
faithful in meeting together with them, we will honor the Lord, grow in our
faith, and give a strong witness to the world.
The Christian faith allows no room for
rugged individualists. To have a fire, you need more than one coal. You also
need a spark and a draft of air. One humble, open, involved individual-perhaps
you-set on fire by Christ, can be the spark. And the Holy Spirit, the breath of
God, may blow on that spark and set a congregation ablaze. -Haddon Robinson
When our hearts are
sometimes cold, fellowship can kindle warmth and make our witness bold. If we are honest, we must say that fellowship
builds us up and binds us together.
There is not a more soothing balm to a sore soul than to go to church,
soak in the work of God, sing sacrifices of praise through that pain, and then
be loved, hugged, and prayed for by people who love God and love you. God knew we needed other believers in our
lives. They will help you through some
of the worst times of your life. They
will encourage you and build you up, spur you on, and hold you accountable when
necessary. Friends in Christ are such an
amazing gift!
God asks us to hold fast in unswerving loyalty to Christ. We need the encouragement of God’s people to
help us become strong and vibrant Christians. Attending church regularly for mutual
encouragement is a means of receiving and giving this kind of support. Don’t think you can do life on your own. You need the support of your church and
Christian friends. You need the bond. In this world full of discouragement it is
our duty to help people assemble in the house of God and to stir them up to
love and ministry. Are you actively
involved in encouraging people to assemble in the House of God? Are you encouraging and praying for your
friends? Start today! It is not too late!
Scripture to Claim:
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 ESV
