From time to time, I may start posting what looks like random thoughts. Though some might argue that I’m doing this already, I assure you that these are slightly different. In preparing for Bible lessons that I teach, I tend to talk through the lesson before I get to class. These posts will just be an extension of those talks. They might help someone else, or they might open a door to a conversation.

Hebrews 10:19-25

Verse 25 is pretty well known, Christians need to meet with other Christians and build each other up. We cannot go at it alone and expect everything to work out great. Even if there’s friction, that stirs up heat, and heat can lead to fire.

Is that all this is about? Jesus dying in our place, and rising from the grave opens a door for us. We are allowed to enter God’s presence without a 3rd party priest as a go between.

Because of that accessibility, we should hold onto out hope, and should approach with a true (clean) heart.

We should be concerned about one another. Don’t just say, “Oh, Joe Bob isn’t here today. Must have stayed up too late.” Try finding out what happened. On a related note, don’t just complain about someone, go talk to them. Maybe they want the problem solved just as much as you do.

That brings with it an encouragement for evangelism, something I acknowledge, but fall short on. Though addressed to Christians, the concern should be for all people. How else will they hear the gospel?

An empty chair, though mute, still speaks. We should always leave room for Jesus in our studies.

At the same time, we need to see an empty chair as an open spot for another student. Look for someone to invite to Wednesday night (or the night you have a study) and Sunday morning. Maybe the reason they don’t come is that you haven’t asked them.

That chair has a few more things to say before you look away. Where is the chair located? Is it part of the group, or set off to the side? Do you want Jesus and the new student to actually join you, or just sit there and allow you to make another tally mark on your good deeds list?