Assembling Together
H.J. Vine emphasizes the critical importance of assembling together as believers to encourage one another in faith, especially as Christ's return approaches.
H.J. Vine emphasizes the importance of believers gathering together, especially as the return of Christ draws near. The exhortation in Hebrews 10:25 urges believers to not neglect assembling together but to encourage one another more as the day of Christ's coming approaches. Just as we eagerly anticipate the glorious gathering together with Christ in the air at His return, we are called to gather together now as the children of God, despite the challenges and distractions of the world. The unity and encouragement found in assembling together are vital for believers in these last days.
Text
"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" (Hebrews 10:25).
A seasonable exhortation! And while it becomes "the custom" of some to ignore it, it is increasingly to mark true believers as the day of the coming of Christ draws near. The injunction is to "complete assembling" of ourselves together. The word (episunagōgē) is once used elsewhere in regard to our complete assembling together to Christ in the air at His coming again (2 Thess. 2:1). Not one of the saints will fail to be at that glorious assembling together, but we are to be on that line NOW. The children of God should gather together, we should seek to get all together wherever we may be locally found.
Not only the scattering work of the wolf (John 10:12), but the pursuits of these "last days" militate against our being all found often together. Nevertheless the Word points us in that direction, "encouraging one another," and so much "the more" as we see the day approaching.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Importance of assembling together - Biblical basis for gathering - Consequences of neglecting assembly
- II points: - The role of encouragement in fellowship - Exhortation as a means of support - Building each other up in faith
- III points: - Signs of the times and their implications - Urgency of gathering in the last days - Preparation for Christ's return
- IV points: - Practical ways to assemble - Local gatherings and community - Virtual connections in modern times
Key Quotes
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another.” — H.J. Vine
“The injunction is to 'complete assembling' of ourselves together.” — H.J. Vine
“We are to be on that line NOW.” — H.J. Vine
Application Points
- Make a commitment to attend local gatherings regularly to strengthen your faith.
- Reach out to fellow believers to encourage them and foster a sense of community.
- Utilize technology to maintain connections with those who cannot gather physically.