Monday Morning Encouragement -- Assembly Required

 

"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 10:24-25

One day I passed a church with a sign outside that read, "What goes on here, leaves here." 

What a great quote! Jesus never intended for Christians to gather in His name as a kind of social club. Keeping what they have learned and experienced to themselves in elite membership. Nor did He want His children to neglect getting together for worship. 

There is no substitution for gathering together with other believers to corporately worship our Lord and Savior. I understand that there are times when attending church is not possible, due to illness or perhaps a work schedule or some other obligation which we cannot avoid. I've certainly had those experiences in my own life, so there's no judgment from me here!

However, I have found that the love and support I get from my church family inside the building where we worship and pray together, and are taught from the scriptures, has been a big reason for my growth as a Christian, and has aided me in "running the race set before me" (Hebrews 12:1). I don't know about you, but I need the encouragement I get from my brothers and sisters in Christ on Sunday. They really do "stimulate me to love and good deeds." And I hope I do the same for them.

The purpose of Christ's body the Church is to spread the good news of His gospel and make disciples, to encourage one another in the faith,  to care for and love one another, and to worship, study and pray together. 

For the Christian, assembly is required.

Today's music video Only A Holy God, Holy, Holy, Holy is a beautiful song of worship. It was recorded live at the Getty Music Conference. This is the Church worshiping God!

I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.

Remember Israel in your prayers.