Not Forsaking the Assembly
In Hebrews 10:25, the writer warns us not to forsake our own assembling together as the custom of some is. The the writer continues to tell us why being in the assembly is vital: exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day drawing nigh. Dear brother, do you know so much that you do not need the exhortation and encouragement of your brethren? Then you absolutely NEED to be in the assembly, because I desperately need for you to be there to exhort and encourage me!
In Colossians 3:5, Paul gives warning of at least five things for which cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience. He says that covetousness is idolatry. Idolatry is soundly condemned in the New Testament (I Corinthians 10:14; Galatians 5:20; Colossians 3:5; 1 Corinthians 5:11; Ephesians 5:5; 1 Corinthians 6:9; 1 Corinthians 10:7). These references make it quite clear that anyone practicing idol worship will not enjoy the benefits of Heaven.
Okay, so what does idolatry have to do with the assembly of the saints, or, as we usually call it, the church service? Just this…Anything you put before your service to God is, to you, an idol. If watching football on Sunday night is more important than the assembly, then football is your idol. I love to watch football…but I love God more. If you feel justified in not attending on Wednesday night because you are tired, then your own self is your idol. If you fail to attend because you just don’t like the teacher or you don’t get anything out of the way he teaches, then your feelings are your idol. It is always possible to get something out of the teaching of God’s Word, even if all you do is sit there and think about what is being said and how it could be improved upon. Dear friend, don’t let petty idolatry keep you out of Heaven!
Another reason for being in every assembly…every time the doors open, as we used to say…is that that is where God expects you to be. We have no idea when our Lord Jesus Christ will return. We only know that each minute brings the time closer. Think about this: If God comes at 6:15 PM on Sunday night or at 7:23 PM on Wednesday night, would you rather be in the assembly of the saints or having to explain to Jesus why you were not there?
When we meet in the assembly, we sing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). This is another reason not to miss, even if you think you are a poor singer. Songs are offered as praise to God, but they are also a method of teaching and encouraging each other. I know many men (and women) who are well versed in the Bible, but I know not one single person who does not need to be encouraged and taught more!
Finally, I encourage you to look carefully at Matthew 10:32-33. Again, you ask, what does this have to do with not attending the assembly? If someone in a position of power whom you admire were to invite you to a party, would you go? Of course, you would! Well, Jesus has invited you to attend the services of His church, and has promised that He will be there (Matthew 18:20). Are you ashamed to be seen with the Lord? When you neglect the assembly of the saints, you are telling the world that you do not care to be seen with those who love Jesus, that you have more important things to do than to gather with those who are worshiping the Lord. That is the same as saying you are ashamed of Jesus. To be a true follower of Jesus, you must be proud that you are a Christian, and that you have the opportunity to meet with other Christians to worship, fellowship, and exhort each other.
So, in closing, I say to you: Do not forsake any assembly of the church. Jesus is there and He expects you to be there, also. Do not let Satan persuade you to put anything before your love of the Lord. It is far better to miss whatever you have been doing instead of attending Sunday night and Wednesday night that to have only that to keep you company if it causes you to miss Heaven.
What say ye?
Posted on September 2nd, 2010 by doc
Filed under: Authority of Scripture, Christian life, Salvation, Security, Spiritual Warfare, Worship | No Comments »
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