Let Us Go to The House of The Lord
6305 Waterloo Road NW, Canal Winchester, Ohio; this is the address of our church, C3 Church. However, the Church is not limited, nor defined, by a building. The concept of "church" is that it's a body of believers in where Jesus Christ is the head.
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12).
He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything (Colossians 1:18).
Now, since the body of Christ is the church, let's look at why the gathering of believers is so important.
19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:19, NIV)
What does this mean for us? Hebrews 10:19-25 is an uplifting transition between two major sections of the book of Hebrews. Earlier verses convey a detailed explanation of why the new covenant is superior to the old covenant. The latter section of scripture is intended to inspire Christians to be confident, courageous, and uplifted in living out their faith. The following passage is thought to be a word of caution to believers about the danger of "falling away from the faith".
The verse I want to focus on while still acknowledging its full context is verse 25, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
The personal gathering with other Christians is not only suggested in the Bible: it is commanded.
A practical reason for this was mentioned in the prior verse 24, And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. A relationship with other believers is one way we can be encouraged to act on the belief we confess with our mouths. We are all called to "hold fast" through our spiritual maturity. Personally, I would not be where I am in my faith without the encouragement and gathering of the believers. The gathering of believers was, is, and will always be such a vital, foundational aspect of my faith.
If you reference the great commission, the church is to "make disciples". This requires being doers of the word, not just talking about it (Matthew 28:18-20). Verse 24 is a command to Christians to seek opportunities to encourage others to love and do good.
The greek term used within this verse is enkataleipontes, referring to "an abandonment or forsaking." The verse is saying to believers, do not abandon or forsake the gathering place. We as Christians have an obligation to gather and fellowship with one another. This concept is not only for discipleship, but so we can serve one another and meet each other's needs. So that we can encourage one another in life and faith. (Hebrews 3:13; Colossians 3:16).
The house of the Lord is more than a building we attend. It's more than an obligation. The gathering of believers is commanded because it is essential. We are one body in which Chris is the head.
"I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD.'” - Psalm 122:1
The house of the Lord is holy ground. All are welcome. And yes, I mean all. See you at the church.
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12).
He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything (Colossians 1:18).
Now, since the body of Christ is the church, let's look at why the gathering of believers is so important.
19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:19, NIV)
What does this mean for us? Hebrews 10:19-25 is an uplifting transition between two major sections of the book of Hebrews. Earlier verses convey a detailed explanation of why the new covenant is superior to the old covenant. The latter section of scripture is intended to inspire Christians to be confident, courageous, and uplifted in living out their faith. The following passage is thought to be a word of caution to believers about the danger of "falling away from the faith".
The verse I want to focus on while still acknowledging its full context is verse 25, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
The personal gathering with other Christians is not only suggested in the Bible: it is commanded.
A practical reason for this was mentioned in the prior verse 24, And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. A relationship with other believers is one way we can be encouraged to act on the belief we confess with our mouths. We are all called to "hold fast" through our spiritual maturity. Personally, I would not be where I am in my faith without the encouragement and gathering of the believers. The gathering of believers was, is, and will always be such a vital, foundational aspect of my faith.
If you reference the great commission, the church is to "make disciples". This requires being doers of the word, not just talking about it (Matthew 28:18-20). Verse 24 is a command to Christians to seek opportunities to encourage others to love and do good.
The greek term used within this verse is enkataleipontes, referring to "an abandonment or forsaking." The verse is saying to believers, do not abandon or forsake the gathering place. We as Christians have an obligation to gather and fellowship with one another. This concept is not only for discipleship, but so we can serve one another and meet each other's needs. So that we can encourage one another in life and faith. (Hebrews 3:13; Colossians 3:16).
The house of the Lord is more than a building we attend. It's more than an obligation. The gathering of believers is commanded because it is essential. We are one body in which Chris is the head.
"I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD.'” - Psalm 122:1
The house of the Lord is holy ground. All are welcome. And yes, I mean all. See you at the church.
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