Nov 12, 2016

Forsaking Not the Assembling Together - Blurry collection of thoughts

When I began this journey, I was reflecting why I didn't feel more impressed to go to a recent revival service.  I know well Hebrews 10:25, from where I pulled the title for this post.  In the past I've attended numerous prayer meetings, revival services, bible studies, in addition to other meetings of the church.  Yet now it isn't as easy to go - and I don't feel like an apostate because of it.

God has set a date in the future of judgement of the world.  The crux of this judgement will be answering Jesus's question "Who do you say that I am?"  With this answer secure, Jesus will then turn to a second judgement asking "What did you do with the knowledge given to you?"  This is a question that rings in my ears often and usually without a confident answer.  I know it has multiple parts; evangelism, leading, encouraging, doing good works, strengthening His church, following His teachings/commandments.
Following His Commandments - Growing up in church I've amassed a storehouse of teaching and scripture that heavily influences how I act and what I will do.  In today's society I would be a "Holy roller" leaning quicker to 'thou shalt not' than to 'and he ate with sinners and publicans.'  In God's timing I was asked to be a deacon in my early 20's; and this sparked my mind that I should lead a life that could be followed as an example.  As Paul called his churches to follow his example (because he devoted His life to following Christ's example), I've sought to do the same.  During the time since I've seen men's pleading with sinners rejected because of sins in their own lives.  Due to a dirty testimony, a sinner had a stumbling block placed before them - and I don't want to be a stumbling block, and I encourage others to protect their testimony also.
 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. Hebrews 10:25

For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your propertyknowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one.
 Therefore, do not throw away your confidencewhich has a great reward
For you have need of enduranceso that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. Hebrews 10:34-36

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; Hebrews 12:28

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. 
But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Hebrews 13:15-16

make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:21
As my life has proceeded, i have found many tasks brought my way.  I've attempted to do each in light of God's commands.  Many people trust me with a great deal of responsibility.  This necessitates protective instincts, a sharp mind, and consistent treatment.