LET US NOT NEGLECT OUR MEETING TOGETHER
Hebrews 10:25 says, “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
This is a favorite scripture verse for pastors! I’m seeing this scripture being used quite a bit right now and for good reason, we haven’t been able to gather the way we are meant to as the fellowship of believers.
I love how we’ve gained a greater appreciation and grasp of the meaning of this verse. I think that’s how it usually works. Going through difficulty makes you appreciate or sympathize. Our season of being away from other believers in physical worship and fellowship has caused us to appreciate the life and joy of being together. This is significant to me because I am a pastor who longs to see us live in community and togetherness as the early church did in Acts 2:42-47. I’ve experienced the joy, encouragement, and growth of being around fellow followers of Christ…there is nothing like it. I pray this fresh realization of our need to be together isn’t a fleeting passion but a long-lasting one! By the way, when we gather again, let’s make the most of it!
There are a lot of things we are learning that we won’t take for granted again and some things we’re not going to let go of again.
But I’m writing this quick message because my prayer and hope are that believers will also have the same passion for the verse before it, after it, and ALL scripture that instructs us to live as God would want for His children.
Hebrews 10:24 says, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” That verse is connected to the greatest commandment to love God and second is to love your neighbor.
Or how about Hebrews 10:26, "Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins.” This verse implies the importance of living pure and holy.
I also like Matthew 28:19-20 "Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.” A command we seem to neglect.
Here’s a verse I think we all could remember right now, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:29-32). We can neglect these important teachings too.
Here’s another tough one, “I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” (1 Corinthians 1:10) The church as a whole has a long way to go on applying this scripture.
I learned through reading the Bible over the years that God has a way to keep you in check and keep you humble. As you read the Bible you discover that… “ALL (emphasis mine) Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
We should always be doing our best to obey what God teaches but even more so when we are emphasizing certain scriptures for a cause. Let’s be consistent Christians, consistent followers of Christ. After all, our example is what helps us save the world… "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:12
With Love,
Pastor Ryan