Hebrews 10:24-25

24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,

25 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.

“One another” is a recurring theme in the New Testament.

The phrase appears 100 times and 59 of those are direct commands to how Christians are to relate to one another.

Well, once we understand that, it is quite obvious that God intends for us to be together, right?

In our passage today, it is more than His intention, it is His command.

(v.25) “not forsaking our own assembling together”

Now, some would be quick to say, “Wait a minute pastor, the word church is not used here so that doesn’t mean that we have to assemble at church!”

Well, I will be crystal clear here. One would literally have to ignore the entirety of the New Testament to conclude that the local church is not the primary meeting place for us as Christians.

The word “church” is used 118 times in the New Testament and at least 104 of those times, it is the local church!!

Wow! I think God did not want us to be the least bit confused about the vital importance of gathering together as Christians at our local church.

It is there that we “stimulate one another to love and good deeds.”

“Stimulate” means to stir up to action or to provoke.

In the world this word is used for negative and ungodly reasons many times, but not so with us. We are to stir one another up to love and show our love through our actions.

Now, we are to show the love of Jesus to all, BUT it begins with ONE ANOTHER.

(Galatians 6:10)

So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and ESPECIALLY to those who are of the household of the faith.

Hey, I could go on and on, but the bottom line is, we should not have to be begged or pleaded with or convinced to get up this morning and go to our local Bible, believing, Bible teaching, Bible practicing church. In fact, IF we are His, His Holy Spirit within us is longing to get there!!

Gotta go!! Church family time!!!