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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. (NIV)
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Please remember that we are not saved by perfect church attendance. If one feels ill, probably is best to stay home, especially if a contagious illness is suspected – you do not want to spread your germs to others. However, if one would rather stay home to watch a game on TV, or go out shopping, or to the park, one might want to consider the wisdom of doing that. David, a man after God’s own heart was happy to go to church to be in the presence of the Lord – I think any sincere God-loving Christian should be able to say the same: I was glad when they said to me,“Let us go into the house of the Lord” (Ps 122:1).
Is it God’s will to go to church? Why is this important? Because sin is simply rebellion against the will of God. Going to church is not being in a building with other people, it is being in the presence of God. Jesus said, where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them. The people of a Israel loved going to the temple because they knew they would be in the presence of God. The writer of Hebrews gives us quite a few good reasons for going to church (i.e. meeting together) in chapter 10, where the quoted verse is found. Here are some examples. Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, [we need the reminder of Jesus sacrifice for us] by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, [we are the body of Christ and we need each other] and since we have a great priest over the house of God, [we need Jesus presence to help us worship God] let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, [we need to deepen our relationship with God and strengthen our faith] having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience [we need the assurance that our sins are forgiven] and having our bodies washed with pure water. [we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit] Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. [we need to be reminded of God’s faithfulness to strengthen our hope] And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, [we need to be inspired and challenged by other Christians] not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another [we need encouragement to continue doing the will of God when the days are so evil] Does this change your perspective on church? —and all the more as you see the Day approaching?
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