Qidron said:
I'm having a problem with these statements.
Heb 10:24 Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good.
Heb 10:25 Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer.
If this is doctrind it is the Lord's doctrine, not man's.
I understand your doctrine and write the following with all due respect . These are my thoughts when I read/hear that doctrine :
Actually , that is your interpretation of that passage , not the Lord's doctrine . The quoting of that passage in such a way throws out one of the major themes of that writing of "Hebrews" . It is really amazing that people do such . The author has already dismissed that way of interpreting that passage . That interpretation also contradicts much of Paul's writings about righteousness based on works of the law .
I recognize that we are each one of us the church, and that in a gathering of two the Lord is most certainly with us. I also recognize a need for assembling together. More than just two is what is encouraged in this portion of scripture. What kind of proof do you need?
There is no mention of "two" in that passage . And , as those who quote a certain passage for their "go to church" doctrine ... "two or three come together in my name" - *not* "two or more" . Now , if two or more is fine , so is three or less .
The proof *I* need is the Lord telling me . I am a part of the New Covenant - the way of the Spirit and not the way of the written code . The Scriptures also state that one should put to death those who break the Sabbath as the Sabbath is to be celebrated according to the Scriptures . How many of those that quote the passage in the book called "Hebrews" obey *that* passage concerning the Sabbath ? If they allow themselves any reason to disobey a single command from the Scriptures , they have no right to throw any other supposed "command" in any other's face as if they should obey .
How about proof that the way that people currently "meet" is the way that the author of Hebrews is writing about ? How about proof in saying what exactly is the auther saying is the way they are giving up meeting together ? How about the *fact* that many people will pass by other groups on their way to a meeting ? *That* is forsaking the asssembly for the sake of the others . If there is not an intent to assemble with all in their area equally , there is a forsaking of the assembly .
There is much hypocracy in using that passage . The whole idea of being committed to a singular group is by definition forsaking those not in the group . How about outlining how to exactly fulfill that passage ? How often should one be meeting one another to obtain righteousness ? What consists of a meeting in order to not earn the fires of Hell ? What is the exact criteria of meeting is the author proposing ? If it is a Law , then those questions would be easily answered .
Look at the Lord ... He went out in the desert for 40 days . How's *that* for giving up meeting together ?