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. vv.24-25
Read chapter 10
Has someone ever told you that you have to go to church if you are a follower of Christ? No where in scripture does it say that a believer of Jesus Christ must go to a building society calls a church. This passage in Hebrews is often used to prove that but no where in this verse does it say the word church. First off the Greek word for church is ekklesia and had nothing to do with a building, but was rather a group of people that were "out called" by God, but again this word is not found in this passage we're talking about. What is said here is to not forsake assembling or gathering with other believers and followers of Christ so that they can exhort or encourage one another, stirring up love and good works. After just talking about Jesus Christ as the High Priest in the last couple chapters, the writer is encouraging the Jews to still continue to gather though they can each now enter the Holiest of Holies without relying on a priest. He's calling them to go further.
Now don't use this verse as an excuse not to go to church, but realize that fellowship with other believers is very much needed in our walk as Christians in this world to have encouragement, growth, and accountability as we wait for the Kingdom come. What causes you to desire to go to public worship or assemble with believers or not?
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