Let Us Go to The House of The Lord

Author: Jacob Tynes
Editor: Danielle Milliken
Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-25
Song: House of Miracles
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.

No Comments


Recent

Archive

Categories

Tags

#GivingTuesday 2024 21 day fast C3 Kids COVID-19 Canal Winchester Christmas Eve Christmas Continue The Story Foster Families God With You Love Gives Luke Reopening Services all church back to school baptism baptized battle big give birthday boundaries build camp castles celebration childlike faith child church camp church clothed clouds colossians comfort commitment community groups community group community connect couples courses daniel fast darkness date night deep waters devotional devo difficulties dream night dress for the occasion easter egg hunt eggstravaganza events faith family game night family night family outreach fasting fast fighting finances first time guest focus free groceries freedom free generosity give me Jesus give giving gratitude groups healing health hope how to pray invite event join a team joy journey july 4 jump start kingdom marriage conference marriage messiah missions movie on the lawn new to c3 no service online outreach overcoming partnership partner peace picnic plan your visit planning center profile planning center podcast praise pray for our kids pray for sunday services pray for the kingdom pray for the next generation pray for your church family pray for your church pray for your family pray for your future pray for your leaders pray for yourself prayer and fasting prayer pray prepare purpose rain random acts of kindness regain joy relationship revival salvation school supplies scripture searching serve our city serve serving shame spiritual gifts step out summer take heart teacher appreciation team member thanksgiving the daily five the house of the Lord the joy journey toy story 4 trials tribulations tutorial uncharted venture multiplication network vision vmn volunteer worship night worship you are with me zoom party