Hebrews 10:25

Hebrews 10:25

Don't give up meeting together!

We have probably all met people who claim to be followers of Christ, who say that they believe in God and the Bible and that they have real faith, but they don’t go to church. They may be loosely linked with some kind of fellowship group or help out at a charitable event but church? No! Many have said to me, “I find God best when I’m walking in the countryside or contemplating in my garden. I don’t need church.” 

What often irks these people is the shallowness of some churchgoers, the squabbles and politics that often drive congregations and the idea of being lectured from the pulpit. Christianity has become so complicated and the pursuit of truth so individual that there are many who prefer their own version of the faith to that which is taught by the Bible. That is, if they can find a church that comprehensively teaches the Scriptures! What they miss of course, is the thrill of exploring the Word, the excitement and joy of singing God’s praise with others, the richness of true Christian fellowship and the power of corporate prayer. As you will have detected, I do have some sympathy with some of these people, church attendance has been, at times, an experience fraught with tension, despair and anguish at the behaviour of some so-called Christians. On the other hand, fellowship with God’s people has also been a huge part of my spiritual journey and one more normally filled with joy, love and God’s blessing. These qualities do exist and will grow if we make it our task to promote them. Bible footnotes instruct us that “Not giving up meeting together” in this verse alludes to desertion and abandonment. The verse is referring to those who have walked away completely and want nothing more to do with the body of Christ. It’s a strange form of Christianity that completely abandons the very thing that Jesus came to build! How sad and how insulting to our Lord who seeks to carry on building His church despite the obstacles. We are not isolated beings, we are part of a family, that is the whole point! So let us make it our goal to encourage one another, especially in these days when we see the Day of the Lord approaching. 

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