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16th October 2024
WednesdayReflection
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'Phil Hopper shares'
'Lead Pastor'
Do Not Forsake the Assembling Together
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Hebrews 10:25 says,?"...
"Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer."
Yet these words apply more today than ever.
Assembling is necessary for our strength and protection.
We are to apply this verse even more as we draw closer to Jesus' return because we will experience resistance to do so.
A word of warning from Hebrews 10:25 There will be spiritual forces that resist the saints assembling.
Quite possibly, the biggest reason we are not to forsake the assembling together is that this is God's instruction for divine protection.
1 Peter 5:8 reminds us to be vigilant because the adversary walks about like a lion, seeking to devour.
How does a lion walk when he is seeking to devour?
He looks for the prey in isolation.
In this passage, the Greek word used for assembling is "episunagoge," which suggests an official meeting.
This could include worship, praying, reading, teaching, hearing, and studying the Word.
The spiritual reality of "do not forsake the assembling together" is more than an official meeting.
It's a call to be empowered by God and do life together.
As the Body of Christ, we are to be living proof of a loving God.
Hebrews 10:24 says, "... consider one another in order to stir up love and good works," and verse 25 mentions "exhorting one another".
Stirring Up Love: The word for "stirring up" means to incite or provoke in the best sense.
To incite or provoke others in love does not mean loving 'just happens.'
Instead, we are to intentionally love, loving those who aren't always lovable.
We are to encourage them to grow in their faith journey and "work out your own salvation" as Philippians 2:12-13 says, encouraging them to water the gift of salvation from within to fruition.
When we isolate and do not strongly encourage each other in our faith journey, our hearts are at risk of hardening.
Forsaking fellowship gives place to discouragement, doubt, and depression, which multiply in isolation.
Without fellowship, there is no stirring up love or exhorting one another.
The story of Esther in the Bible is a perfect example of purposes not missed.
Mordecai, her adopted father, stirred her up in love and exhorted her to see she was placed in her position for a purpose, for "such a time as this."
Without fellowship or communication through letters and messages passed back and forth by those around them, Esther would have missed her purpose.
Mordecai reminded her that God's plans would prevail, even if she didn't step up. God's plans will move forward, but personal involvement may be missed.
His purposes are cultivated in community.
Personal prayer is critical in our relationship with Jesus, but the Bible is clear that there is also power in corporate prayer, gathering in one accord.
Prayer meetings - prayers over and for each other as a group - are precious and pleasant to God.
(Revelation 8:4).
The writer of Hebrews makes it clear we are to do this even more so as Jesus' return draws closer.
So then, how will you start to assemble?
Reach out to a friend.
Gather with others in prayer.
Study the Word in a group.
In whatever way the Lord leads you to assemble, know it is for your protection.
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This is an edited version.
The full article and Bible references are avaiable on request
'At Abundant Life (Church)'
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We've seen over and over again that we grow, learn, and live changed lives through biblical community.
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The Abundant Life staff is here to come alongside you in community to teach, grow, pray, encourage, and equip you as you fulfill your mission for His kingdom.
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