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The Blessings of Christian Fellowship, June 9
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of
some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see
the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25
.
Those who are of the household of faith should never neglect the
assembling of themselves together; for this is God’s appointed means
of leading His children into unity, in order that in Christian love and
fellowship they may help, strengthen, and encourage one another....
As brethren of our Lord, we are called with a holy calling to a holy,
happy life. Having entered the narrow path of obedience, let us refresh
our minds by communion with one another and with God. As we see
the day of God approaching, let us meet often to study His Word and to
exhort one another to be faithful unto the end. These earthly assemblies
are God’s appointed means by which we have opportunity to speak with
one another and to gather all the help possible to prepare, in the right way,
to receive in the heavenly assemblies the fulfillment of the pledges of our
inheritance.
Remember that in every assembly you meet with Christ, the Master
of assemblies. Encourage a personal interest in one another; for it is not
enough simply to know men. We must know men
in Christ Jesus
. We are
enjoined to “consider one another.” This is the keynote of the gospel. The
keynote of the world is self.
I would encourage those who assemble in little companies to worship
God. Brethren and sisters, be not disheartened because you are so few
in number. The tree that stands alone upon the plain, strikes its roots
deeper into the earth, spreads out its branches farther on every side, and
grows stronger and more symmetrical while wrestling singly with the
tempest of rejoicing in the sunshine. So the Christian, cut off from earthly
dependence, may learn to rely wholly upon God, and may gain strength
and courage from every conflict.
May the Lord bless the scattered and lonely ones, and make them
efficient workers for Him.
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