Why do we Gather?

Intro

For nearly 2000 years gathering as Christians has brought suffering. It brought persecution and pain upon those who gathered in His name.

It was a way of life for those who followed Jesus. A badge of honor. “I suffer with Christ.”

John 15:18–19 ESV

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

For most of the history of this thing called church, we have been a persecuted people. Today in the USA we live in a very unique period, because we may not be persecuted, but we have become “Seduced” by the ease of the modern world.

But my friends the world is changing and it is changing quickly. I do not believe my children will have the same ease that I have enjoyed until now.

With this changing world it is important to remind one another why we meet together, because if you do not understand the reason why we MUST gather, then you will fall when the trial comes.

Nationwide ⅓ of Christians ceased attending church after covid. That was barely persecution. The government said shut down and churches said, “For how long?” I know of several churches that stayed closed for 2 years.

You see if you stayed open and you got the attention of the government they tried to crush churches all over the western world. Including this country and this state. My question is, if the church folded so quickly, when the government asked “relatively nicely,” how will we stand when the gates of hell upon our doors.

As we take the next few minutes let's look at why the author told the early church in Hebrews to not stop meeting together.

If anyone had a reason to keep their faith quiet it was the early church. But it was understood that you cannot hide the Gospel.

Lets look at 3 reasons why We must Meet together

Hebrews 10:23–25 ESV

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

The Day Drawing Near.

My friends the day of His return is very near. yet it is harder than ever to get people to gather.

When We Meet Together: We Push one another Closer to Christ

We come together to hear the Word, to Worship, and build community. All of these things are critical to you

We come to uplift the name of Christ.

We gather to spur one another on to good works.

We gather to stir the Fire within us.

Proverbs 27:17 ESV

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

When We Meet Together: We Build The Church

Matthew 7:24–25 ESV

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.

Your presence at church matters! When you miss there is a hole in the body.

If you skip, especially for selfish reasons (Disney, the beach), the church is harmed.

When you take the local church seriously, the local church is healthier.

You cannot declare church attendance is important to me, then skip at your convenience. You are lying to yourself.

Many would skip church, but not work. WHy? Well work is important.

When We Meet Together: We show the World what we Treasure.

Matthew 5:14–16 ESV

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

If you don’t take church seriously, don’t be surprised when those around you don’t either.

Some people would never miss work, but would miss church half the year. What is their priority? It isn't, church.

Again, when that is how we live, it’s no wonder no one we invite wants to come. Most of the christians they know don’t want to go.

In The Church we must align our hearts with His. In these last days, God calls on us to meet more often, not less.

Closing: 4 Week Challenge

Video of Canadian Pastors being arrested.