PG4Him
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Post by PG4Him on May 15, 2018 9:26:00 GMT -5
Every Christian has heard the verse about not forsaking assembly, always in the context of attending a local church. But why do we assemble? What is the point? That particular comment is in the middle of a very long sentence that spans several verses. Here’s the whole thing...
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” — Hebrews 10:23-25
Wait... we’re supposed to assemble together so we might stimulate good works? We encourage each other to hold fast our confession, go deeper in love, and produce good works? That’s the reason for assembly? Does your church do that?
Lest we think this is a fluke, consider the famous Bible verse about Scripture being profitable. Everyone knows the first half of that sentence. But what is it profitable for?
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” —II Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV
Wait a minute. All of this doctrine and instruction is done to equip us for every good work. Does your church do Bible study to produce every good work in your life?
If your church tells you that “good works” are some abstract byproduct of salvation, it isn’t following a Biblical model of instruction. We are told to instruct and inspire good work in each other. We are even told that doctrinal teaching must be to this end. I beg of you to consider how much of your church life is spent on this pursuit.
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Post by 2fw8212a on May 15, 2018 10:22:14 GMT -5
We are told to instruct and inspire good work in each other. We are even told that doctrinal teaching must be to this end. I beg of you to consider how much of your church life is spent on this pursuit. The church I go offers opportunity to help people in need of food and these things.
They have some groups that go out and visit people in need of spiritual help and such.
I would say it is more a love oriented church. And by love, I mean with biblical truth as well - love rejoices in the truth.God bless you in Jesus' name!
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Post by frienduff on May 15, 2018 10:26:21 GMT -5
Praise the Lord sister . This is why paul would say also to read his letters to the people and he also said in one place , to write these things for me it is not grievious but for you it is safe. he told timothy to stir up the gift that was given him . Peter even wrote how he said those things to stir them up . Both peter and paul wrote how direly important the holy scriptures were , how they gave instruction in righteousness. It was good for , yes correction , reproof, instruction in Righteousness , that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Paul says in another place to exhort one another daily unless one becomes hardened through the deceitfulness OF SIN . To remind to be holy , is stirring up and reminding , to remind that we should be walking as Christ is to stir up . John even reminded the church , and said he was not writing that letter because they did not know TRUTH , but because they do and was REMINDING them that NO LIE is of the truth. He was writing the letter to ensure the would not follow false ones teaching lies . James and all corrected and taught the pattern. They even used the law , ONLY as a means of correction . the law is to be used as a means to correct disobedience , not as a means to try and earn anything . An example . One quoated it and said THIS is the first commandment with promise . CHILDREN obey your parents . Remember . They were big on constant exhortations and reminders to be found in Christ without spot or blemish . If we read all their letters , even jude , we see that pattern huge . Reminding them to walk holy , reminding them that even as angels or the children that were brought out of eygpt , can fall from their first estate . If we sum up the letters of the apostels we see they were big on warning against false prophets , false ones who try and seduce the church . Now keep that in mind . Go to the letters to the churches . God warned in several places how He was angry at men who followed false doctrines and that it must be repented of . Doctrines of nicolations , of baal. And notice in one place God was angry because they ALLOWED , simply ALLOWED a false prophetess to teach and to seduce . This is why I have been saying . WE must be continuously exhorting one another to beware of false ones to keep teaching the things that are righteous and holy and instruction in righteousness. To be exhorting to contend for the true faith . I mean look in judes letter, That you will contend for the true faith , since certain men have come in and teaching lies , lasivisouness and so on . The days that the apostels lived in , were not MORE deceptive than these , and they were not MORE seducers in their days , ITS INCREASED ,which means we ought to have never decreased in the exortations , in fact we should be exhorting and MORE SO since we do see the day approaching . Look at all this false sensual love , unity , new age , all inclusive , prosperity , teachings going viral . Yet correction is seen huge as JUDGING and CONDMENING these days . THIS is going to only get worse . I got news, IT IS , its going to mushroom like a giant massive cloud of deception . WE must exhort daily , we must stirrup and we must contend for the faith . I don't know how else to plead out this warning . ITS began and its going to mushroom and this evil false doctrines will form one mind one heart and make a people ready to do honor unto the beast and to come against those few true lambs who by grace resisted the lie . WE are seriously running out of time . And once a man goes under this coming STRONG delusion . THEY DAMNED their is no coming back . THAT is obvious , paul said so , HE says why GOD sends the strong delusion and it is at the time of ANTI CHRIST . AND on the path we are on , its headed that way FAST .
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Post by tlsitd on May 15, 2018 11:36:41 GMT -5
If the people you're assembling with are like the apostate Christians described in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, you'd do better (according to what God's purpose for assembling is---instruction in sound doctrine to grow Christians to spiritual maturity and encouraging and reminding the saints to obey the doctrine to which they were called, and worshiping God ACCEPTABLY), to forsake assembling with them, just like 2 Timothy 3:5 says.
For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. (2 Timothy 4:3,4)
What makes you think Jesus wants Christians to assemble with people like these, when 'bad company ruins good morals'(1 Corinthians 15:33), and the Bible says to 'avoid' or 'turn away' from such Christians as those described in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, which is the prevailing condition of the churches today?
The reason pastors want you to not forsake assembling is not because they are genuinely concerned about your spiritual welfare, but because they are concerned about their livelihood---the very same reason they are careful to preach what people want to hear, rather than the whole counsel of God that HE wants them to preach. Don't be fooled. The heart is deceitful and desperately wicked---both the hearts of the people who hire men to teach them what they want to hear, and the hearts of the men who agree to do it.
Better to forsake assembling with rebels in order to be obedient to the Lord than to forsake the Lord to assemble with rebels. Assembling merely for assembly's sake is foolish. Do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will actually is for you, and don't just do things because they're traditional, or habitual, or because others told you to. Why would the Lord want you to do something that does more harm than good, or which does less good than just having one on One fellowship with Him does, or to be participant in, and financially supporting, something that doesn't please or honor Him? Think about it. (And more importantly, pray about it.)
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PG4Him
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Post by PG4Him on May 15, 2018 11:42:48 GMT -5
Sister Light, amen and amen, a thousand times amen. Putting a bunch of people into a building for a rock concert and a vaguely inspirational sermon does not count as biblical assembly. If that’s all you’re doing, you already have forsaken assembly.
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Post by Abby-Joy on May 15, 2018 11:54:54 GMT -5
This is the central verse of scripture (along with "touch NOT mine anointed and do my prophets no harm") that was hammered into our heads at the cult-church we were part of from 1994-2007. This was a christian "holiness" church by all outwatd appearances. But it was cult...
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Post by John on May 15, 2018 11:55:43 GMT -5
The reason I don't have a physical home church is because the churches in my area have turned from the truth. There is a church in Charlotte where the Pastor still encourages holy living. I once heard him say that in this day, with all the temptations we face, we need the church to help each other overcome. That is what we are supposed to do, but many do just the opposite. They tell people they are perfect as they are and there is nothing they can do to displease God who is their daddy. He can't see their sins through the blood line. We don't need to assemble together in the slime pits called churches.
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Post by tlsitd on May 15, 2018 12:37:32 GMT -5
The reason I don't have a physical home church is because the churches in my area have turned from the truth. There is a church in Charlotte where the Pastor still encourages holy living. I once heard him say that in this day, with all the temptations we face, we need the church to help each other overcome. That is what we are supposed to do, but many do just the opposite. They tell people they are perfect as they are and there is nothing they can do to displease God who is their daddy. He can't see their sins through the blood line. We don't need to assemble together in the slime pits called churches. It's depressing (and disgusting) to witness, but such are the times: We're in the midst of the rebellion of the saints that precedes the revealing of the antichrist. Fortunately, it's all coming to an end before too much longer. We're all making our choices, and we're all where we want to be, and doing what we're doing, for whatever reason we want to be there and do it---whether for ourselves, or because it's the Lord's will and we desire to do that. (God knows who is doing what and why; and He knows who truly loves Him and who does not.) And fortunately, you don't need a church to learn from the Lord, to obey the Lord, or to fellowship with and encourage other Christians (which we are to do all the more as we see the Day drawing near). At the time when we are supposed to be encouraging one another all the more in obedience to Jesus and in perseverance in well-doing, we are instead being encouraged to do the opposite by foolish and worldly Christians (or professing Christians) who really love themselves, this world, and money---not Jesus Christ---and who think they're waging some noble crusade by telling people that they don't have to obey the Lord, because they're "free" in Christ, and who don't know what they're talking about or realize the harm they're actually doing.
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PG4Him
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Post by PG4Him on May 15, 2018 13:42:57 GMT -5
The main thing is that we surround ourselves with people who exhort us daily. Where ever they may be, whatever shape they may take, if they are pulling us closer to Christ, then we need to keep their company. We need to support others who do the same. We should support the brother in, financially, socially, materially, and otherwise. Assembly should be a lifestyle. A lot of Christians tithe their 10% and then blow the other 90% on the world. I cannot imagine how they think this is the biblical model of fellowship.
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Cletus
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Post by Cletus on May 17, 2018 22:06:55 GMT -5
Each one of us living stones has a part of Christ that someone else needs.
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Post by frienduff on May 17, 2018 22:15:08 GMT -5
Each one of us living stones has a part of Christ that someone else needs. THAT is SPOT ON BROTHER CLETUS . no memember can say I have no need of you . THE SPIRIT works through each member to edify the body . Praise the LORD Cletus , praise the LORD .
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Post by frienduff on May 17, 2018 22:21:30 GMT -5
The reason I don't have a physical home church is because the churches in my area have turned from the truth. There is a church in Charlotte where the Pastor still encourages holy living. I once heard him say that in this day, with all the temptations we face, we need the church to help each other overcome. That is what we are supposed to do, but many do just the opposite. They tell people they are perfect as they are and there is nothing they can do to displease God who is their daddy. He can't see their sins through the blood line. We don't need to assemble together in the slime pits called churches. I believe some are getting the unction TIMES aer about to change . THEIR is a reason the tiny group was formed . We will know more of that reason as time goes on . FOR NOW for SURE its to exhort one another daily and have a place where we can have good fellowship . But I have the feeling this is but the beginning . TIMES WILL GET WORSE , and I truly believe GOD will have little groups come together , and they will be praising the LORD wherever they can meet . And some of us will even be possibly together at the end , when even the doors get kicked down and they are coming for us . WELL whatever the WILL OF GOD is , I SAY let the WILL OF GOD be done . But , a while back I had an intense unction , we need to DO THIS and apparently I was not the only one . here we are . I think first , websites will kick us off. but that is why we have this tiny spot so we can meet. BUT I think as time goes on , some of us may even meet in person . Their is a reason and as I said , I don't know the all of it , but whatever it is , THE LORD will make it known in time . FOR NOW lets just rejoice in the LORD , encourage and exhort and I strongly suggest we pay attention to dreams and share them . THE LORD communictates with us through dreams as well, AND the SPIRIT I know for a fact shows us things which do come . THAT I KNOW For a fact . it has revealed things to me , and months later they happen. its not often , but it has happened . Let us pay attention to the things that be of GOD . and know you all are loved .
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Post by Giller on Sept 18, 2018 13:34:37 GMT -5
Heb 10:24-25 (24) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: (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.
I really love these verses.
And yes the body of Christ needs each other.
And in saying that, we must be careful of our motives in assembling.
It is not assembling for the sake of assembling, but to assemble were God is truly leading you.
There are too many movements out there, some it is the house church movement, some you have to gather in a building and so forth.
But in reality it is none of these, for it does not matter if you gather in a house, or a building, what should matter the most is, what is there, is Christ truly and genuinely there?
Is Christ truly being preached?
Is the love of God there?
And even numbers do not matter, just be sensitive to the Spirit of God, and he will lead you, God is good.
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Post by John on Sept 18, 2018 13:52:30 GMT -5
Heb 10:24-25 (24) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: (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. I really love these verses. And yes the body of Christ needs each other. And in saying that, we must be careful of our motives in assembling. It is not assembling for the sake of assembling, but to assemble were God is truly leading you. There are too many movements out there, some it is the house church movement, some you have to gather in a building and so forth. But in reality it is none of these, for it does not matter if you gather in a house, or a building, what should matter the most is, what is there, is Christ truly and genuinely there? I Christ truly being preached? Is the love of God there? And even numbers do not matter, just be sensitive to the Spirit of God, and he will lead you, God is good. I agree. It is not about fancy cathedrals, but about being where God wants you, and among sincere born again Christians.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 7, 2019 15:07:10 GMT -5
Heb 10:24-25 (24) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: (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. I really love these verses. And yes the body of Christ needs each other. And in saying that, we must be careful of our motives in assembling. It is not assembling for the sake of assembling, but to assemble were God is truly leading you. There are too many movements out there, some it is the house church movement, some you have to gather in a building and so forth. But in reality it is none of these, for it does not matter if you gather in a house, or a building, what should matter the most is, what is there, is Christ truly and genuinely there? Is Christ truly being preached? Is the love of God there? And even numbers do not matter, just be sensitive to the Spirit of God, and he will lead you, God is good. I feel led to be here on narrow-way, on Worthy forums, and at my new mega-church! Being Spirit-led truly is easier than trying to figure out everything on your own.
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