Do Not Give Up Meeting Together

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25, NKJV)

You have probably heard sermons about the topic of ‘Not Forsaking The Assembly Of Ourselves.’ This passage reminds and stirs up spiritually distracted believers to be zealous in attending Christian gatherings. Also, it is frequently quoted to encourage believers in hostile regions or countries where the Christian way of worship is prohibited, that despite the threat, they are urged not to give up gatherings.

Apparently, many modern Christians have stopped going to church gatherings – their reasons for quitting vary but most primarily due to the Covid19 pandemic with the imposed varying restrictions by the Law to gather socially. But for some who were faithful and courageous did not stop meeting physically. Meanwhile, other believers who cannot come or reluctant to come did not just sit back or feel discouraged but took advantage of all available gadgets, social media platforms, and connections. They continued to encourage and exhort one another. They let constant communication flow in whatever method they can to keep it going.

We, on our part, established a time and simultaneously worshiped the Lord God altogether at the comfort of each home. Live online, we sing praise and worship in one accord, followed by the preaching of the Word. We held Zoom meetings for our Prayer Meetings, Bible Studies and kept the fellowship alive.

But now, should we get comfortable in the comfort of our homes isolated from physical fellowship? Be reminded and be watchful of the enemies’ traps. Constant or lengthy isolation leads to idleness, prone to temptation, and falling into sin. Let us not allow ourselves to be caught off-guard and be devoured by the devil.

Now that the authorities lifted the Covid19 pandemic restrictions, it is time to come and gather together. God did not create us to be alone. He even said in Genesis 2:18, “it is not good that man should be alone…” Moreover, remember that none outweighs God’s command that we, His followers, must live in constant communication with one another as the Body of Christ. Just think about this – as illustrated by our Lord Jesus Christ in John chapter 15, a dismembered or severed branch from the vine would render it unfruitful and eventually lead to its demise. We did come to realize that isolation is physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually unhealthy. To name a few, it leads to anxiety, depression, and other psychological and health issues.

I do hope that we consider the importance of gathering together in fellowship. Let us take advantage of the opportunity before it’s too late, for there will be a day that we will be prohibited and absolutely banned from gathering together. Let us be excited in worshipping God together, holding and laying hands as we pray for one another. Let us enjoy the God-given comfort through the body of believers. After all, it is the best way to express God’s love and exercise good works when we physically meet and fellowship together. And finally, together, let us receive the outpouring of God’s blessings and peace as we exalt Him and present ourselves to Him in unity.

– Contributed by Ptr Neil Marlon Crisostomo