Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus,  by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh,  and having a High Priest over the house of God,  LET US draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.  LET US hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.  And LET US consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,  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 10:19-25

We now have access to the holy of holies - the Presence of God where priests would only enter once a year on the day of atonement. Now it’s 24/7 access!

We are the redeemed - we are invited to draw near (when the bible writers say, “let us,” they means you).

• With a true heart - sincerity, vulnerability, openness.
• Full assurance of faith - confidence in our salvation.
• Heart sprinkled - (reference to the sprinkling of the blood of sacrifice over the altar and the people for atonement of sin) from evil conscience - mind re-wired and restored.
• Bodies washed - spiritually clean and renewed.

 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.  Hebrews 10:23

• No wavering - our hope of heaven is linked to the shared life we develop with other believers while here on earth.
• We maintain hope because god is faithful (we are not supposed to settle our hope on people).

And LET US consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,  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 10:24-25

We are exhorted to consider each other. This means more than just to notice others. It means we think about what they need and who they are. We value and honor them and their contribution to our shared life.

• Novel thought - We go to church for OTHERS, not just for ourselves. Worship God. Love and serve others. Personal benefit.
• Stir one another up - This isn’t about upsetting people it’s about lighting a fire in them (Or under them) to inspire exploits of love and service in the community and the world.
• Calling out original design, divine calling and heavenly purpose in others. We need a loving, prophetic community that champions others to go after their destiny.

• The body of christ functions best when gathered. The world needs this testimony
• Spiritual family is created through sharing our common faith, values and goals.
• Believers together in relationship, fellowship and ministry are a vibrant declaration of the living christ to the world.

ASSEMBLING OURSELVES (some assembly required - there’s nothing worse than missing pieces when you are trying to put something together!)

A growing building - relational, living stones that when built into a building host the Presence of God. “Grows” instead of “constructed" speaks to developing maturity rather than ministry skill or spiritual effort alone.

Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,  in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.  Ephesians 2:19-22

Joined and knitted together - A joint is where separate pieces fit together in a body to allow MOBILITY.

...from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 4:16 

Don’t minimize or forsake this discipline. It is vital for spiritual vitality and effective ministry to the world.

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.  Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,  and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,  praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.  Acts 2:42-47 

When we gather, we have the opportunity to experience god’s love together. Apart from our community and relational responsibility to love, we will never be able to express god to the world.

• Because we are offended.
• Because we just need some space and alone time.
• Because we don’t want people judging us/ telling us what to do.
• Because we are bored (spiritual apathy).
• Because no one here understands us.
• Because we don’t fit in.
• Because we want to do something else today.

 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.  John 13:34-35

• We need a better motive than religious obligation for gathering. Love is that motive. Love for God, our brothers and sisters and the world.
• It isn’t just about gathering a crowd. Believers together in relationship, fellowship and ministry are a vibrant declaration of the Living Christ to the world.
• There is no demonstrating love without the “one another’s”.
• The secret of continuous spiritual renewal is in our ability to love others.

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.  Proverbs 19:20

These books will give you a practical knowledge of what gathering as Believers is suppose be, the Biblical foundation and purpose of gathering, and how to live that out.