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| PentecostalTheology.com
AS WE ASSEMBLE, WE STIR ONE ANOTHER TO LOVE AND GOOD WORKS – Ray E Horton
Believers are called to regularly assemble! Why? To keep one another alert, with hearts encouraged, and walking with the Lord, especially since the end of the last days is close approaching. The current pandemic situation must not keep us from the Biblical pattern.
In sense, you and I are the new Elijah. We are preparing the way. As John the Baptist did for Jesus’ first coming, so we together are forerunners of His second coming.
We live in an awesome time, but that puts responsibility upon us, His ambassadors, to spread the Good News. Yet, it is not hard, for we don’t do it in the flesh, but in the spirit. We are fully equipped, and Jesus will shine through us by the Holy Spirit.
Let us encourage one another and stir the embers into flame, young and old, weak or strong, for we have a great calling and destiny in Him
So, let us encourage one another and stir the embers into flame, young and old, weak or strong, for we have a great calling and destiny in Him, one that will bring us great joy and strength as we listen to His heart and let Him guide us to the end.
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:24-25).
What is the main reason we assemble?
What is the main reason we assemble? To consider one another; to encourage the good works that come of love; to exhort one another. And this should really be a priority for us! Why? Because we can “see the Day approaching.”
“Consider,” Strong’s G2657, Greek “katanoeo:” “to observe fully: behold, consider, discover, perceive.” In other words, to pay attention to and to get to know one another in order to see their need and be there for one another – we are family.
“Stir up,” Strong’s G3948, Greek “paroxusmos:” “incitement (to good).” In other Bible versions translated provoke, motivate, stimulate, spur. In other words, to actively encourage one another to:
“Love,” Strong’s G25, Greek “agape:” generally considered unconditional love, the God kind of love. That kind of love usually stirs up good actions out of a caring heart rather than selfish motivations. “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10).
“Exhorting one another,” Strong’s G3870, Greek “parakaleo:” “to call near, that is invite, invoke: beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) exhort (-ation), intreat, pray.” In other words, to invite another near to strongly encourage them in these things. Why beseech or strongly encourage? Because the times call for it.
The “Day,” Strong’s G2250, Greek “hemera” is “approaching,” Strong’s G1448, “eggizo.” The Day, Biblically, usually refers to “of the last day of this present age, the day Christ will return from heaven, raise the dead, hold the final judgment, and perfect His kingdom.” The word for “approaching” is defined “to make near…, approach, be at hand…”
Of course, since the last days began at Pentecost and the birth of the church, and continue until the Day of His return, all this applies to the entire time of the age of Grace, the past 2,000 + years. But we do see the signs of the times, and the Lord’s soon return increases the importance of us walking in love, and being there for one another.
Awaken from Spiritual Slumber for the Day Is Near
“Furthermore, knowing the time, now is the moment to awake from sleep. For now our salvation is nearer than when we believed” (Rom. 13:11). That is, the fullness of our salvation with the glorification of our bodies upon the Lord’s return. It is close, so let us awake from spiritual slumber.
That is what Heb. 10:24-25 is all about, regularly assembling to keep one another alert, with hearts encouraged, and walking with the Lord.
The devil sees his end is near in these last days and is increasingly active and desperate to pick off God’s children, and those who are isolated are vulnerable.
So, in conclusion, don’t be a lone ranger Christian. Gospel TV, Facebook ministry, books, and teaching tapes, are not sufficient. We need one another; we are the Body of Christ; together we are a mighty army for the advance of God’s Kingdom.
You need personal fellowship. Find a good church – maybe one that is not everything you want it to be (they are made up of human beings, after all, and no church is perfect). You can pray for it and encourage it in the right direction. Or, if there are none in your area, start one; a home fellowship will work.
But do assemble with other believers for mutual support in these last days.
