Thursday, November 7, 2013

ASSEMBLE TOGETHER

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

Devotional Archive