The Significance of Gathering
Notes
Transcript
Introduction:
Introduction:
Gathering is important for a family, especially for a church family, even our college class. It has been a while since our class gathered, but we must understand the important of gathering. Today, as we gathered together, we will study the significance of gathering.
If you have your Bible, turn to Hebrews 10:19-25.
As you turn there, I am going to go over the context, because we don’t want to misinterpreting God’s word.
The author of Hebrews is unknown. Some scholars have suggested that it Paul, Barnabas, Silas, Apollos, Luke, Philip, Priscilla, Aquila, but we don’t know who written it. One of the theme of this book is that all believers now have a direct access to God under the new covenant and, therefore, may approach the throne of God boldly. Here in Hebrews 10, the author is talking about the perfect sacrifice, which is Jesus. Verses 19-25 is written as a three-fold admonition, which is one long sentence in the Greek text. This sentence intensifies the writer’s appeal. We are going to read all 7 verses, but we are going to focus on verse 25 which is the 3rd admonition.
Read Hebrews 10:19-25
Verses 19 to 24 telling us
All believers now have an open invitation to come into the holy place. As you recall, the holy place is only available for the priesthood. But since Jesus came to earth and died for us, we are now have access to the holy place because we are considered righteous in God’s eye because of Jesus death on the Cross. If you believed that Jesus died for your sin, then you have that access to God the father.
verse 20 telling us Jesus’ sacrifice provided a new and living way compared to the Old Covenant. This new way is through Jesus’ death on the cross.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Jesus is described as a great high priest and this statement in verse 21 is a proof of that. We no longer have a priest on earth that we have to go to to have an access to God, but Jesus is the great high priest, that we can access anytime, anywhere.
Verse 22 talks about that we should not only exercise faith, but also hope (23) and love (24). The basis of our faith is the fact that God is faithful to His promises concerning our future.
In verse 22, also mention that our bodies washed with pure water- this meant that water baptism as the outward sign of inward cleansing.
Now we get to verse 25 and it said:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
As I mentioned, we must understand the important of gathering. You might wonder why? Why is it important that a body of believer gather or not?
God says so (vs 25)
God says so (vs 25)
I don’t think that the writer is Hebrew couldn’t be any clearer. Verse 25 telling us not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together. God’s desire to have you regularly gathering together with His people. Now this doesn’t meant that you should stop your personal devotion and building your personal relationship with Christ. But we are to gather together, to exhorting one another especially as the days grow darker and the time of Christ’s return approached. And that could be anytime now.
Illustration: If you take a moment and look around the world today, people are rejecting Christ left and right. It would be perfect as the world going down hill fast. Think of the underground churches in other countries. Some people in China had to sing hymns no louder than a whisper for fear they would be discovered. Discovery would mean physical abuse, their children and possessions seized, possible imprisonment, or even death - but yet, they still meet regularly.
So what… You might think that. If you are like me, I normally think, yes, when God says gathered together for the good of the church is important. But what is the significance of gathering together beside God says so?
You gathered together as a body of believer, you will hear the preaching of the Word.
A. To Hear the Preaching of the Word
A. To Hear the Preaching of the Word
As a believer, you have the responsibility to teach and preach God’s word. Some people are older and wiser that all of us, and they have teach and preach God’s word longer that we are. So where is a good place to go to study and learn God’s word? Church.
When we gathering at church, we hear the preaching of God’s word preach and teach.
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
The Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, then that meant that it is essential for us believers to hearing the preaching of Scripture and that is vital for your spiritual well-being.
Illustration: The phrase “as the manner of some is (25)” show us that some Christians starting to get into the habit of not going to church. Watching church online is often how people justifying giving up on church attendance.
I don’t know about you, but when I watch church online, at home in my comfort house, I tend to be distracted very easy. Who else can be honest? I tend to get up, get a drink, a snack, going to the bathroom, and stare at my phone every time it buzzed.
They might be listening to a good preaching, (if they are discerning,) but without living in close fellowship with real people, one can never really experience the help and hope Christ offers through the involvement of the local church.
Another reason, that we gathered together is to sharpen each other.
B. When we gathered, we sharpen each other
B. When we gathered, we sharpen each other
Iron sharpeneth iron; So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
Christian gathering are intended to have a positive and helpful outcome, that is a source of encouragement and strength. Know this though: When iron rubs against iron, not only it become sharper, but it also causes sparks. It is just a process.
Just like a family, Christians will get annoyed at each other, because we are all sinners. As sinners, we often to offend each others because of our quirks, our bad habits. When a group of broken people gathered together, things will not be smooth at first.
O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
Jesus said that we will speak what is in our heart. God uses the interactions with others to show us the areas He would have us works on and become the reflection of Jesus Christ.
If you stopped attending church because people hurt you, didn’t measure up to your expectations, or are hypocritical, know that Satan has you right where he want you. Satan’s tactic is to divide and conquered. He want to get you alone by yourself, and separated you from the flock of God.
Illustration: When a pack of wolves or lions hunt, they tried to separated the weak from the flock. If you are weak in your faith, work on it, get stronger, and stick with God’s people.
To get stronger in faith, get involve.
C. Church is a good place to exercise your gift
C. Church is a good place to exercise your gift
From preaching to encouraging, hospitality to administrations, God equip you with gifts to serve Christ.
1 Corinthians 12
If you don’t know what your spiritual gift is, here are some if you want to know what your spiritual gift is. And if you want to serve in ministries in our church, let me know. If you are musical talented and want to lead our class in music before each service, that would be nice too.
When a church body is healthy, it’s members realize they are part of the congregation not only to receive but also to be a blessing.
I encourage you to get involve in our church if you haven’t already. Statistically, in most churches, 20 percent of the people do 80 percent of the work in the church. Each gift, each member of the church is important, therefore, we must use our gifts to serve Christ in the church.
Lastly, when we gathered, its give light to our community
D. Be a Light to Our Community
D. Be a Light to Our Community
Satan knows that the church is a place where the World will know that we are Christ’s disciples because of our love for one another. That is why is trying really hard to destroyed the church and its community. We must gathered together to be strong. When you commit to loving God and loving each others, the light shining from your Christ-honoring love is what the Holy Spirit can use to draw others to know Jesus. And this, is begin with You.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
This verses, not only talking about the church, but also about the individuals. You are the light of God, don’t hide it.
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
God tells us to gathered together, and don’t forsake it. We are to gather together to prepare and teach about the second coming of Christ. Hearing God’s word will change a person’s soul, using your spiritual gift will help the church to be healthy and be a light of the world.
I pray that the Holy Spirit would stirs your heart, and a desire and commitment to meet together, not just our weekly college class meeting, but together as God’s people to praise Him, to love other and shine brightly the Hope of Christ to our community and to a generation who don’t anything to do with Christ.
###