“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to STIMULATE (paroxusmos: rouse to action) ONE ANOTHER to love and good deeds, NOT FORSAKING OUR OWN ASSEMBLING TOGETHER, as is the habit of some, but ENCOURAGING ONE ANOTHER; and all the more as you see THE DAY DRAWING NEAR. For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins…” (Heb. 10:23-26) A survey by the Pew Research Center in April found more than 90% of regular churchgoers in the United States saying their churches had closed their doors to combat the spread of the coronavirus, with the vast majority saying that worship services had moved entirely online. According to the National COVID-19 Church Attendance Project 2021, In January, 40% returned in April 57% had returned. That means that 43% who were attending are no longer attending. Just what the devil wants to keep us from gathering together because,
“…if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. “For where TWO OR THREE HAVE GATHERED TOGETHER in My name, I AM THERE IN THEIR MIDST (mesos: in the middle of them).“ (Matt. 18:19-20) The writer of Hebrews was inspired by the Lord to say assemble together, “…all THE MORE as you see THE DAY DRAWING NEAR.” And what did Jesus say about His return? “So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, THIS GENERATION WILL BY NO MEANS PASS AWAY till ALL THESE THINGS TAKE PLACE. Heaven and earth will pass away, but MY WORDS will by no means PASS AWAY.” (Matt. 24:33-35) He was referring to the birth of Israel as a nation on May 14th 1948, that was 74 years ago in May. Moses, who wrote the 90th Psalm said, “The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are EIGHTY YEARS…” (Psalms 90:10) The average lifespan today is 79 years, we’re so close!
LET’S GET BACK IN CHURCH!
-Bill Stockham