Hebrews 10:24-25

^“24 Let us consider how we can stir up one another to love. Let us help one another to do good works. ²⁵ And let us not give up meeting together. Some are in the habit of doing this. Instead, let us encourage one another with words of hope. Let us do this even more as you see Christ’s return approaching.”

The message I continue to receive from this passage is togetherness. God truly does not intend for us to “do life” alone. This type of thinking does not even match Jesus’ life here on earth. Jesus surrounded Himself with His own inner circle in order to teach, sharpen, and save. Why – so these apostles and disciples would go forth and spread the gospel. This is exactly our calling today; it has not changed as His Word never changes.

After a long work week, there is nothing more reinforcing and refreshing than spending time with your very own community. Just this evening, peace, love, and laughter were common themes as I watched several “intense” games of dominos. You see, I don’t play games – shocker I know! As sad as that may sound, I never enjoyed board games, card games, etc. Don’t get me wrong, my enjoyment comes in a different way. I’ve always been a multi-stimuli receptive personality – in other words – I love to listen and watch!

As the polystyrene plastic of each domino slid and banged across the dining room table, I couldn’t help but be transformed into a scene from “Alice in Wonderland.” There appeared to be a beautiful marriage of six to eight different conversations, singing, joking, laughing, dancing, and encouraging all at once. As it was even stated, “…to the introvert, this would drive him or her mad.” Yet, it was beautiful – peaceful even. I truly understand why; there is no condemnation in this house, in this group, in this place. There is zero tolerance for critique, arrogance, pride, and above all things judgement.

With eyes wide open, you take it all in and place the stimulation deep within your systematic recharger. You can only sit back and thank God for such a community. This brought me straight to the passage in Hebrews tonight. We can see that we are instructed to help each other and encourage each other. Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, “Two people are better than one. They can help each other in everything they do.” Again, we are not designed to do life alone.

This passage also makes it clear that we must encourage each other to meet in the name of Jesus – through worship, prayer, and thanksgiving. This type of meeting within the assembly is not about what you can GET but what you can GIVE. This is a fundamental error in church attendance today. We are not to attend expecting to GET but to GIVE. We must give our worship to the One who is worthy of praise. We must give our attention in learning and sharpening. We must give of our talents in any way that pleases the Father. However, sadly, the devil has confused many believers into believing church is about pleasing them. We must look back to the very first church and gain wisdom. Seek a positive, Christian-community that you can share life together.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta