Introduction:

1. Being a “one another people” demands being a together people.

2. The root meaning of the term translated church in the New Testament is a called assembly (Acts 19:32, 39, 41).

3. Called assemblies are founded upon shared values and intended to promote a united purpose of the called group.

4. The Christian assembly rests upon the greatest foundation of all and promotes the greatest purpose of all.

Discussion:

I. Our Confidence in Christ

A. Jesus’ sacrifice brought what the law could not: redemption, sanctification, forgiveness (Hebrews 8:8-12; 9:11-14; 10:10, 14, 17).

B. Thereby, He gave us confident access to God by the agency of His high priesthood (Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:22-25; 10:19-21).

II. Our Approaching and Clinging to God

A. Such access is of no value if we fail to approach Him.

B. We draw near with true, pure, faithful hearts (Hebrews 10:22).

C. We hold fast to our faith because He is faithful (Hebrews 10:23).

III. Our Responsibility to One Another

A. We do not hold these truths in isolation; we must consider one another to stir up love and good works (Hebrews 10:24; 1 Corinthians 12:7).

B. It is for this cause that we are not to forsake the assemblies of the church (Hebrews 10:25).

1. Christ died to grant us our access to God (Hebrews 10:19-21; Ephesians 2:18).

2. Christ died to unite us all in one body (Ephesians 2:14-16).

3. For this cause, we must draw near to God, draw near to one another, and help keep one another’s lights shining bright.