Mike Focht 9/26/2025
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 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 more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:23-25
Here is reasonable and practical help for those seeking to remain faithful and hold on to historic and biblical Christian faith. Go to church. Gather where other Christians are gathering. This Scripture encourages us with five reasons to gather together.
1) Gather, because assembling with other believers is an act of obedience. The writer admits that some do not think it is important to gather with other believers and worship God, but the Holy Spirit is directly rebuking their manner. Don’t listen to those people. Don’t buy their excuses. Don’t be one of those people. There is no good reason a sheep won’t gather into the fold with other sheep. A solitary sheep is lost, foolish, sick, wounded, or dying. A solitary sheep is in a dangerous position.
In our day and age, I must also make the point to gather with actual people and not merely virtual people. The internet is an excellent resource if it is impossible for you to gather with other believers physically. Still, there is no excuse for the rebellious heart that refuses to gather and willingly forsakes the assembly. We must not allow comfort to be an idol. Be an obedient child of God and gather with Christians. Yes, God sees the heart, including the disobedient heart refusing to honor His Word by forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some.
2) Gather, because God, who promises to meet us in the gathering, will be faithful. He who promised is faithful. God gives unique promises to those who gather in His name, and right now, we all need all that God has for us. Don’t miss out on anything. Why wouldn’t we join every gathering we can? This pursuit of God is not out of legalism, but out of faith and longing! Seek God where you know He will be found. God loves to bless those who come to His house to sup with Him. Seek and you will find.
3) Gather, because you need the love, accountability, and exhortation of other Christians. Certainly, this will happen primarily as the Word of God is preached. Still, the godly influence of other Christians in love with their Savior will wash over you in readings, in prayers, in worship, and in times of sharing and fellowship. For some reason, God has designed the Christian life to be interdependent. He made us to need one another. Alone, we are partial. Together, we are a whole and healthy body. Surround your life with as many godly people as you possibly can. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.
4) Gather, because you are a valuable part of the body. Exhorting one another. Not only do you need the influence of the body of Christ, but the body of Christ needs you! Satan uses condemnation to keep many away from the gathering of believers. Don’t allow shame to drive you to isolation and disobedience. You are more than your sin. God desires to work in and through all His children. The body of Christ is the field that you will grow in, so even if you are not actively serving at the moment, you must continue investing and growing in that field. In time, you will be producing mature Christian fruit that your local Christian fellowship will need.
That said, I would like to repeat that right now may not be the time to jump into a place of service immediately. Take time to grow and mature. God will work in you before He works through you. God is never in a rush. Also, when God brings us to the place where He pushes us to serve, be very open with the pastors or ministry leaders as to where you are coming from, and then gladly jump into the open door of service God gives. Remember what Jesus said to Peter, And when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.
5) Gather, because Jesus is coming back very soon. We do not have any time to waste. We should become very comfortable with the house of God and the God of the house before He takes us to be with Him forever. When the Lord returns, where do you want Him to find you? I would be thrilled if He returned when I was already with Him and His people. And so much more as you see the Day approaching!