Hebrews 10:24And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 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.
This passage of scripture warns us against the practice of isolating ourselves from the general body of believers, and thus avoiding the fellowship and oneness which should characterize our entire Christian experience. In the days of Christ when He walked this earth as a man, He was often to be found spending much time in communion with His disciples, and through His constant interaction with them, a deep inseparable bond was developed, which could not be easily shaken or shattered. And it was this more than anything else that served to keep them in the hour of trial, for they could not bear the thought of being separated, as was evidenced by the very words of Peter. Let's read:
John 6:66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
The tendency to always recluse ourselves from the assembling of the saints, causes us to be out of touch with the needs and concerns of the body of believers, and even though it is now possible to view church services online, yet the warmth and hands-on fellowship, the hugs and encouragements, the testimonies and the benefits of corporate praise and prayer, are all lacking, and in it's place a stoical, hands-off approach to the Christian experience sets in. This is one of the setbacks of our electronic age, in that the personal touch, where we meet eye to eye, and the physical interaction of skin to skin, evaporates into a maze of online apps and services, which connect humanity electronically, but where the human touch is noticeably absent.
After Christ had ascended to heaven, the disciples, in obedience to His instructions, huddled together in the upper room, and were there for many days, praying, singing, fellowshipping, and breaking bread together, until an inseparable bond of brotherhood and unity was developed, and the Holy Ghost was poured out upon them. Furthermore, it was only after they had thus been brought into a state of total unity, that they were indeed ready to receive the outpouring of The Holy Spirit. And thus it was, that those fifty days provided a memorable and valuable experience which served the purpose of uniting the early Christians with a deep sense of mission, and this experience was to be often repeated, as they carried the triumphs of the cross to the entire then known world. Let's read:
Acts 1:12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet".... 13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
Acts 2:1And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
In our day, there is a strong temptation to ostracize ourselves on various pretexts, and even though in some cases the reasons or excuses may be valid, yet it is still the will of God that we make concerted efforts to commune and pray together, especially as we see the last great day approaching, when we would need the support and encouragement of each other, in a world that is becoming more and more averse to true Christianity. Let us therefore meet together in the "Upper rooms" of our day, breaking bread, and being united in heart, and singleness of purpose, so that the everlasting gospel, as given in Revelation chapter 14, can be dispensed throughout the entire world.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to do just that, and God will bless both our efforts and our fellowship, for this is the very essence of the entire Christian experience. Let's read:
Acts 2:41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized".... 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!