Assembling together - November 5th, 2011

²³ Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, ²⁵ 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 10:23-25

History and Context:

The author of the book of Hebrews is unknown. In the early church some suspected it to be Paul but the letter does not carry the same style or wordings that Paul used. We do know that it is someone highly educated in the Old Testament and we also can assume that it was a greek speaking Jew as they quote often from the Septuagint, the Greek version of the old testament. Hebrews was probably written between 60 and 70 AD. the book is clearly addressing a group of Greek speaking Jewish Christians who have been Christians for a long time but apparently are wavering in their faith and considering a return to Judaism. The author of Hebrews is reminding them of why a life with Christ is so much better than what they had before.

The Text:

As mentioned above, it seems that the recipients of this letter were wavering from their faith. In this sscripture the author tells them directly to not waver, then continues to give them advice on how they can keep from wavering. They had endured a lot through their time as Christians but the author says that as long as they remember to continually meet together, and encourage each other, they will be able to stand strong together until Christ's return.

The Challenge:

this is why it is important to regularly meet with fellow Christians. In our society that meeting has become what we call church, but it doesn't necessarily have to look like the traditional view of church. The importance here is that Christians regularly meet together in an opportunity to encourage and strengthen each other. If you do not have this kind of meeting regularly than I encourage you to find one. Without it you are left alone and that was never God's intention.

The Prayer:

Lord, help me to find a place in which I can be regularly encouraged, strengthened, and built up by fellow believers.

or

Lord, thank you for the group of believers that you have given me and help me to continue not to forsake the meeting together. Also strengthen me to be an encouragement and strength to those in my church or group.