So Much the More

“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

I have heard people say they don’t attend church because they can worship God in any place. While that is true, it is so important to know that church is so much more than a place… in fact, the church is truly not the physical place. It is the gathering together of others who love the Lord, having fellowship with them, singing and praising God and learning more about Jesus together! My church is also the place where I receive solid Bible-based teaching from God’s Word from those whom the Lord has called to instruct the body of Christ. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16)

Here is one of the messages my pastor, Tim Campbell, shared in his online devotions. With his permission, I am sharing it and hoping you are as encouraged as I was upon reading it.

“It is clear that the culture in the world is bearing down upon those who follow Christ. Of course, the antagonists lump together anyone who uses the name of Christ as a Christian without looking at their true life and testimony. But nonetheless, the pressure is on. Jesus taught His disciples that this would come, and that this should not deter them from the essential mission of preaching and propagating the Gospel. Israel was an example of that in Egypt. They lived with the principles of Godly leadership, started by Joseph, for 400 years in Egypt. When the Egyptians forgot Joseph and Pharaoh began to fear and oppress them, they continued to thrive. It was as if the more they were persecuted, the more they grew. That was because they endured the afflictions and looked to God. In the end, God sent a deliverer to take them out of Egypt to the Promised Land.

It appears to me that there is a great lesson for the real Christians today who stand for Christ. We should expect adversity because Christ told us it would be so and because Satan is relentless in His attempt to stop the Gospel. Some in the church, have cowered to the adversity and tried to appease the humanistic crowd. Some don’t want to wear the name of Christ. Some don’t want to be identified with the local new testament church and fulfill its mission. But the Christian who will thrive no matter what is a “so much the more” Christian. When the pressure comes, they stand taller and proclaim the message clearer. When they began to contrast more against the wickedness invading society, they don’t chameleon but greatly rejoice that they shine more for Christ. When others began to neglect to serve the Lord at church, they say, count me in! When the character of their associates at work declines, they stay true to God and shine in their business. When families began to criticize and say church worship is no longer important, they make sure their whole family is in the house of God and His presence so much the more.

What area of your life needs “so much the more”? Worship, church, Bible study, prayer, Christian fellowship, service, witness…? Take it to the Jesus level and say ‘so much the more’!”

You will notice we say “brother and sister” ’round here,

It’s because we’re a family and these are so near;

When one has a heartache, we all share the tears,

And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.

I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God,

I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood!

Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,

For I’m part of the family, the family of God.

(from “The Family of God” by Bill & Gloria Gaither)

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” – Ephesians 6:13

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Are you a “so much the more” Christian?