"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" (Heb. 10:25).

Some 50 years ago, when I first obeyed the Gospel of Christ, we didn't pass many Lord's days without hearing a sermon or at least part of a sermon which included the tenth chapter of Hebrews, verse 25. Members of the body of Christ, their elders, deacons and preachers took verse 25 as a command from God, delivered by the Holy Spirit to members of the church. It was considered a command to be obeyed, and those who violated that command knowingly and wilfully without a "providential" reason considered themselves sinners.

Time is filled with swift transition. First, the world began to compromise or vice versa with people of religion, and the Lord's day became a day when business and industry operated as usual, men and women were expected to work various shifts, which engulfed the Lord's day and prevented attendance at worship or Bible classes.

The entertainment industry, major sports such as the National Football League and National Baseball Association made Sunday the premier day for their promotions. While in the old days (40 or 50 years ago), someone might sneak off "fishing" on Sunday, suddenly, the Lord's day became the one day of the week when everybody "did their own thing" with no hesitation.

Over a period of months and years, members of the church gradually fell in line with the world. Many Christians adjusted to the world to the point that they gave little thought to working on Sunday, even when they were not required to do so. Young people, following Dad and Mom's example, began to take jobs, knowing full well that they would be taken away from the one day of the week when their focus should be on spiritual things. Thus, they began to starve themselves to death spiritually, and either left the church or took their worldly ways into the church.

Brethren, we need to go back and study Hebrews chapter 10 verse 23 through verse 30. Believe me, God was serious when He inspired this Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16-17). "All Scripture" includes Hebrews 10:23-30.

We are surely to "hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering," verse 23.

We certainly must "consider one another to provoke unto love and good works," verse 24.

God meant it when He cautioned us not to forsake the "ASSEMBLING of ourselves together, AS THE MANNER OF SOME IS..." (verse 25). Notice, the Holy Spirit did not say, "the assembly" (Sunday morning) but rather, the "the assembling," whenever the saints assemble for worship or edification.

The conjunction or preposition, "for" which begins verse 26 connects back to verse 25 and warns, "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins." Our Lord suffered and died for all of us one time, and He won't do it again. The redeeming power of the blood has been released once for all time, and there is none other.

God makes it plain to the unfaithful in verse 27, "But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation which shall devour the adversaries." Judgment is coming for all and it will begin at the house of God!

Under the law of Moses, the Old Testament, a man was stoned to death at God's bidding by the whole congregation of the children of Israel because he was discovered picking up sticks on the Sabbath Day (Numbers 15:32).

God warns us (Christians), "Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?" (the Holy Spirit, verse 29).

"...Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people" verse 30.

Recently, I was asked to preach for a rural congregation which supports the work I do with the elderly and infirm. I centered my lesson on Hebrews chapter 10; I didn't compromise with business, industry, sports or entertainment. Know what? Three precious souls responded because of negligence in attendance and dedication to Christ. How many more needed to do so? How many in the brotherhood have forgotten God's specific command in Hebrews chapter 10? How many still believe it to be a sin to forsake the assembling? God does! So does His Son, and likewise the Holy Spirit!

Blessed are the teachers who set a good example before their students in all things: for they are worthy of their calling.

Blessed are the teachers who know their subject: for their students shall learn much.

Blessed are the teachers who share with their students that which they have learned: for this is practical.

Blessed are the teachers who strive to understand their students: for they will be able to comfort and guide them.

Blessed are the teachers who make provision for differences in individuals: for their students will rise up and praise them for their understanding.

Blessed are the teachers who exhibit self-control: for they shall influence their students to do likewise.

Blessed are the teachers who make their work interesting and profitable: for they shall attract many into their classes.

Blessed are the teachers who maintain good classroom order: for they are leading their students toward self-discipline.

Blessed art thou, O teacher, though your reward may seem small, and some may criticize you, and rebuke you, and say all manner of discouraging things to you. Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for yours is a great work!

r SHUT-INS: Pauline Irvin, Nellie Wallace, Mary Dexter, Annie Nauman, Faye Jackson, Clydie Morrow, Frances Massengill, Doug Kimbrough, Sula Perry, Harry Prater, Lucille Leatherwood, Dorothy Johnson.

GOSPEL MEETING: February 25-March 3 with David Paden doing the preaching.

FOOD ITEM: Fruit Juice

A certain Christian lady once said to a friend, "The church costs too much. They are always asking for money."

"Some time ago a little boy was born into our home," replied her friend. "He cost me a lot of money from the beginning. He had a big appetite. He needed clothes, medicine, toys and even a puppy. Then he went to school, and that cost a lot more, later went to college; then he began dating, and that cost a small fortune! But in his senior year at college he died and since the funeral he has not cost me a penny. Now which situation do you think I would rather have?"

After a significant pause she continued, "As long as this congregation lives it will cost. When it dies for want of support, it will not cost us anything. A living church has the most vital message for all the world today, therefore I am going to give and pray with everything I have to keep the church alive."