Tag: hebrews

Gathering Together: A Call to Not Forsake the Assembly After COVID

Rev. Cecil Thorn


Over the past year, we have faced unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of us have had to adapt to new ways of worship, such as online services and social distancing measures. Today, I want to remind us of the importance of not forsaking the assembly, especially in light of the lessons we’ve learned during this difficult time. Let us turn to God’s Word to guide our thoughts on this matter.

Scripture Reading:
Please open your Bibles to Hebrews 10:24-25(ESV), which reads: “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.”

I. The Value of Assembly:
A. Community and Fellowship

  1. The assembly of believers provides a unique sense of community and fellowship.
  2. During the pandemic, we learned the importance of human connection and the longing for fellowship.

B. Spiritual Growth

  1. Coming together allows us to encourage and support one another in our faith journey.
  2. We grow spiritually through shared worship, prayer, and studying God’s Word together.

II. The Temptation to Forsake Assembly:
A. Online Convenience

  1. The convenience of online services may tempt us to stay in our comfort zones.
  2. While online worship has its place, it cannot fully replace the richness of in-person assembly.

B. Prioritizing Busyness

  1. Our busy lives can lead us to prioritize other commitments over church attendance.
  2. We must remember to place God at the center of our schedules.

III. The Command and Encouragement:
A. God’s Command

  1. Hebrews 10:25(ESV) reminds us not to neglect gathering together.
  2. This is not a suggestion but a command given for our spiritual well-being.

B. Encouraging One Another

  1. We are called to encourage and uplift our fellow believers.
  2. As we gather, we strengthen one another in faith and love.

IV. Post-COVID Assembly:
A. Gratitude

  1. Let us be grateful for the opportunity to gather once more.
  2. The pandemic taught us not to take our worship community for granted.

B. Adaptation

  1. We can use the lessons learned during COVID to enhance our worship experience.
  2. Embrace technology to reach those unable to attend in person.

Conclusion:
As we move forward after the trials of the COVID-19 pandemic, let us remember the importance of not forsaking the assembly. Our gatherings are more than rituals; they are vital for our growth, support, and obedience to God’s command. While we adapt to new circumstances, let us prioritize coming together, encouraging one another, and worshiping our Lord with gratitude in our hearts.

May we continue to strengthen our bonds as a faith community and, in doing so, bring glory to God. Amen.

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One response to “Gathering Together: A Call to Not Forsake the Assembly After COVID”

  1. Pastor Jimmy and Vickie Sanders Avatar
    Pastor Jimmy and Vickie Sanders

    Covid was a means for the government to control us. Believers should not fear the virus. We were deceived into believing that Covid 19 was a monster.

Feeling alone

When feeling alone I become inspired by my parents and many others that chose to serve Christ. My parents were young when they married and came from families where some siblings chose not to serve God.

Because they did not agree with the lifestyle that many siblings were living, they often were left out of many activities. This often made them feel alone. Other Christians that associated with my parents often did not live according to Bible beliefs in some areas–this too made them feel alone or different.

They continued to live according to what they knew to be true. This they explained is, “living by faith.”

Often when feeling different and alone, I was reminded that I was never alone. God was always watching, angels were constantly guarding me and Jesus gives us the power to feel wanted and loved through His sacrifice.

Now that I am older, I often wonder how hard it was for my parents to give us this advice when feeling so alone through the attitude or actions of church members, coworkers, extended family, life events, and sometimes themselves.

Jesus truly is our fortress and deliverer. (Isaiah 91:1-31(KJV))

Hebrews 13:51(KJV) says, “For he hath said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'”

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