Forsake Not The Fellowship

I was reading in Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Often I have had this verse dragged out to harangue the saints who have been skipping services. While there is some implication there that gathering together is of utmost importance, This was not intended to be a point of sermonizing about attendance, but something far richer.

Hebrews 10:23-24 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

A business man who operated on both sides of the U.S./ Canadian border in our area spoke of the government officials on either side. He said in Canada when an official showed up it was “How can we help you,” But on this side of the border it was “What are you doing wrong.”

In an age when “Accountability” seems to be the watchword for ministries, we may all too easily adopt the second approach. While that may be a needed part of accountability, I think we miss the point. The real crux of accountability is found in the preceding verse; that is a gathering together to stimulate doing right and fostering a good soil for well doing.

Paul says that we are to gather to teach and learn so as to (Ephesians 4:12 ) perfect the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” So “forsake not the assembling” might look like the following story from my former pastorate in Northern Maine.

He worked most Sundays and was often unable to come to services. When he could , he did. I remember one brother commenting “Hey, I haven’t seen ‘John” in Church lately, what’s up?”

I (maybe a bit sarcastically as I too need work on edifying) said; “That’s funny, I have?”

He looked puzzled. I said “Every Monday I have coffee with ‘John‘, and we discuss the sermon and what’s going on with the body. We are the church.”

He looked almost angry as he said “Ya but he hasn’t been HERE!”

I replied “Ahh, now isn’t it rather arrogant to expect brothers to come to us when we have the ability to go to them to help them be built up in the Holy Faith?”

Now don’t you all lie on me; don’t go and say that Pastor Steve is against gathering at church.” I am not. But I want to promote what I see all of you wanting to promote; a brotherhood that lasts from day to day and truly builds up brothers and sisters in the faith and promotes well doing.

You Ponder That!