Other than for some unusual difficulty in our lives, the answer to the above question can be found in our attendance/participation in services and gatherings that are designed to promote worship, unity, edification and/or encouragement.Question: How much thought and desire have you been giving to the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? If I really long for His return, then I also will be making every effort to strengthen myself against sin and also do all I can to help others find and hold fast to salvation in Jesus Christ.
The Hebrew writer says that we need to “hold fast without wavering” (Hebrews 10:23). Two admonitions are given to help that faithful consistency. One is to stimulate/spur one another to love and good deeds. The other is to be sure we are not forsaking the opportunities to assemble with our brothers and sisters in Christ! The goal for both is “encouragement” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Brethren, Satan is the great deceiver! (Revelation 12:9). He wants us to believe that a once-a-week assembly meets our spiritual requirement. Beyond that, we can go our own way and do our own thing.
That approach to participation in the body of Christ, often results in frequent excuses for missing even the one assembly. It also often produces spiritually malnourished Christians. And it definitely neglects the responsibility to stimulate our brothers and sisters in their desire to “hold fast without wavering”!
Jesus is coming! If He came today, would He find that you have been “holding fast” and that you have been actively encouraging your brothers and sisters to do the same? —John Helbig
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
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