“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and to good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
As we have begun meeting together again as a church family, we recognize how important it is for believers to come together as the church. We are not called to be spiritual Lone Rangers. We are called to function together as the church. Remember: I am not the bride of Christ; you are not the bride of Christ; the church is the bride of Christ. Remember: I am not the body of Christ; you are not the body of Christ; the church is the body of Christ. We are members of the body, we are members of the bride, we are members of Christ.
Our text tells us that we are to stir one another up to love and to good works. We have to be together to do this, to encourage one another, to edify one another, to support one another. Our love for Christ is also expressed through our love for His church, for His body. As Paul teaches about the family, he instructs husbands, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” (Ephesians 5:25) Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. That should settle in our minds how important the church is.
Jesus also said that if we love Him, we will keep His commandments. Through His word, He commands us not to forsake meeting together as the church. Church attendance is not optional for the believer. The believer doesn’t come to church in obedience to the pastor, or in obedience to the church constitution, but comes in obedience to Christ, our Savior and our Lord.
We have come through a time when many restrictions have been placed on our gatherings. Now, as churches are reopening, as many churches have already reopened, each believer needs to consider when it is the right time for them to return. There are certainly a number of factors to consider, individual health conditions, and so on. We have never placed any pressure on anyone to return before they are ready. That is a decision each person must reach with the Lord’s guidance. However, God has not changed His word or His requirements. Ultimately, the church will be the obedient church, the body of Christ. We will not forsake meeting together to worship our Lord. Amen.
Pastor Haney
