Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-25
Welcome, New Believer! The last few topics we have covered have been heavy ones that we will most likely wrestle with in one way or another for the rest of our lives as Christians. Even today's topic can have a note of sadness in it because of the abuses of both leaders and members of various churches. It grieves me to consider that there are faithful Christians who love God and have accepted Christ's gift of grace but will never set foot in a church ever again because of the acts of people who call themselves Christians and justify their evil acts by twisting God's Word.
I must admit that in late 2020 I was in danger of becoming one of those Christians who desired nothing more to do with the Church. However, I had just returned from four months of training with the Navy. While I didn't pass that phase of service in the military I will forever be grateful for the many lessons I learned there; one of which was a great love for gathering together with my fellow believers after a long week of incredible mental and physical strain. I could not have survived that experience without their encouragement!
Finding a church that was willing to walk with me during a time of immense spiritual exhaustion and struggle at the end of that crazy year has been a blessing that has enriched my life and put me on a path of healing and growth such as I had not been on in a very long time. Having fellow believers to do battle with you against our Enemy who seeks our destruction is essential to the Christian life!
The Church is where we are to build one another up, encouraging one another to love and to be equipped for the good works we must accomplish as we seek the Kingdom of God. Without this support system of instruction, accountability, and reassurance we miss out on the full richness of the family we have been adopted into as Believers! We also put ourselves in greater danger of wandering off the path that has been set before us to live as God has called us to in the world but not of it any longer.
Whether you gather on the Sabbath, Sunday, or some other day don't neglect to gather with other believers especially as we see the Day when Christ shall return drawing nearer! If this needs to start with reconnecting with your mentor or another trusted Believer to have coffee or lunch then do that. It is okay to spend time searching for other Believers who are as dedicated to fulfilling the purpose of gathering with one another and handling the Word of truth rightly as you are! While you're searching remember the tips we went over a little while ago for Finding a Good Church.
If you have more questions about the importance of gathering with other Believers please leave them in the comments. I highly encourage you, if you haven't already, to seek out a mentor in your faith that can meet with you locally. This is one journey you were never meant to take alone!