Why We Must Assemble Together More Often

Introduction

Text -

Hebrews 10:23–25 NASB95

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.

Questions and Issues

Why do some Christians and Churches enjoy the fellowship, while others don’t?

Are we giving enough time to fellowship with other Christians? Other Churches?

Why should Christians and Churches put more effort on gathering together?

Paul’s Arguments (see text)

Are we giving enough time to fellowship with other Christians? Other Churches?

Verse 23 talks about personal responsibility - we need to hold fast the confession o four hope without wavering

Verse 24 and 25 talks about our responsibility to our fellow believers

give careful thought how to encourage them

spend time with them

Verse 25 talks about the reason for the gathering together - the “day” is drawing near

Main Points

Some Christians actually forsake the assembling together

It has become a habit to some!

habit - practice, customary way of operation or behavior

Ways in which Christians forsake fellowship

not coming to church for any reason or excuse

coming to church but spending time with the brethren

spending time, but focusing conversation on earthly matters

not seeking fellowships with other churches

Matthew 23:37 NASB95

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling.

The “gathering together” is the visible manifestation of God’s eternal plan

John 11:51–52 NASB95

Now he did not say this on his own initiative, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but in order that He might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.

John 10:16 NASB95

“I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.

The “gathering together” is a source of strength for the church

Acts 4:24–31 NASB95

And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, “O Lord, it is You who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that is in them, who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said, ‘Why did the Gentiles rage, And the peoples devise futile things? ‘The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the Lord and against His Christ.’ “For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur. “And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.

Acts 4.24-30

Notice:

the rulers and scribes were gathered together against the church ()

the believers see this in prophecy ()

the church responds by gathering together ()

God blesses their gathering! ()

The “gathering together” is specially connected with the Lord’s return

Hebrews 10:25 NASB95

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.

Matthew 24:28 NKJV

For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.

Note: carcass, grk. dead body, eagle food

Matthew 24.

Luke 17:37 NKJV

And they answered and said to Him, “Where, Lord?” So He said to them, “Wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together.”

Note: body, grk. soma, body; a living body, Body of Christ

Isaiah 60.1-4

Isaiah 60:1–5 NASB95

“Arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. “For behold, darkness will cover the earth And deep darkness the peoples; But the Lord will rise upon you And His glory will appear upon you. “Nations will come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising. “Lift up your eyes round about and see; They all gather together, they come to you. Your sons will come from afar, And your daughters will be carried in the arms. “Then you will see and be radiant, And your heart will thrill and rejoice; Because the abundance of the sea will be turned to you, The wealth of the nations will come to you.

Notice:

The church is called to “rise and shine” with the glory of the LORD

While deep darkness covers the sinful world, God intends to shine His glory over His people!

the “light” of God among us will cause nations to come

the sons and daughters of the church will gather together and rejoice

with the gathering of the saints come the riches of the nations!

Conclusion

I believe the people of this church should gather more often for the fellowship in the Word.

Examples/testimonies

I believe this church should get involved more often in fellowship with other churches.

examples/testimonies