Day 4 - Week 49 - Hebrews 10:25 "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."

As instruction to us on how to successfully live as Christians, the writer of Hebrews tells us not to forsake the assembling together with other Christians.  Why is it important in our Christian walk to stay in fellowship with fellow believers?

One reason is included in our verse...because believers exhort other believers when we meet together.  Exhortation - Greek word, "Parakaleo"...and listen to some of the definitions:

to admonish to console, to encourage and strengthen by consolation, to comfort to encourage, strengthen to instruct, teach I see all of these things happening within the church family.  The church is a place of admonishment when we need correction; the church is a place where we are consoled when we are in need of comfort and consolation; the church is a place to find encouragement and strength when we are are feeling weak; the church is the place where we receive instruction in understanding God's Word.  See why it is so important to find a church home and attend regularly?  Without this piece of our Christian life, we cannot grow in the same manner that we can when we have it firmly in place.  God knows that this life is hard, and He knows that going through it alongside a community of like-minded believers makes the journey not only easier for us to bear, but also that we will learn it's lessons in a more profound way.  Others help us to understand.   Our perspectives may be limited and sometimes skewed by past experience...but a solid Christian sojourner can sometimes be just the voice we need to hear to help us see what it is that God is showing us through our current circumstance. The Christian life is not meant to be travelled alone.  We are called to be humbled into receiving help from others along the way, and to be that same help to those who come along beside us in their time of need.  Just as Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 1:4... He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. I have been fortunate to have been in a church environment all of my life.  It seems the most natural thing in the world to me.  But I know there are many others who have not had that background that being in church every Sunday morning would seem, if not a chore, at least compulsory rather than what you really wanted to be doing on a Sunday morning.  But I promise you, if you will prayerfully seek a church where you can come together with other believers in worship, find true Christian fellowship, and start learning more of God and His will for you, you will grow to love this time so much.  You will grow to love the people that you see and the smiles on their faces as they worship their Father. I'll close with these verses from Ecclesiastes 4 reminding us of the strength in being bound together... Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:  If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!   Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?   Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.