There are many things that as believers we are encouraged to do. For example:

not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.Hebrews 10:25 NASB

In scripture there obviously is a day drawing near, and for us as believers, we are to recognize that fact. Jesus is coming.

2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. (KJV)

This day or that day is taught throughout scripture.

2 Timothy 1:18 The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well. (KJV)

This first verse above in Hebrews can present for us a conundrum in this time of CoVid-19 as that day is nearing. If we are to believe that this virus is a wake up call from God, to what is He awakening us? Is it to that day? We Christians and Messianic Jews have all along been assembling. We in the more conservative congregations have believed for years that this day is indeed drawing near. But in these days now when we do believe that this wake up call is pointing us to this coming day, we are unable to or in some cases we actually are forsaking our gathering together.

So what is the reality of this day in the mind of God? What is His call to us? Are we in denial? Today we have virtual gatherings. Is that the meaning of this verse? This CoVid virus is real for some. For the young and the healthy not so much.

As Believers we do not live our lives in fear, but we by faith know that God has our days numbered. So the virus does not control us, and men among us spreading fear do not control us, but the government in many ways does. But we are called by God and we are not to be entangled in the worlds affairs. Many question what this all means in a day when our government which was established based upon the freedoms that God has granted to man; and which therefore is stated to have led to a government of, for, and by its people. But when this people and government no longer observe their own call by God to establish and maintain a rule over all men as being equals under God, with justice for all; then what is our calling from God? Some are seeing that call as the correcting of perceived injustices which have been done by others in our government’s past.

Paul placed his calling by God over and above the rule of men who were placed by God to govern, and as a result he bore the chains to prove that point to us. He was no longer able to assemble together as a result, because he was a prisoner. So the encouragement to assemble was not seen by him as a greater calling than the calling of God on oneself. Each of us, if we are in Christ, has a call upon our own life. We are to honor that call. We are part of the whole body, but we are not all the same in our calling. But dose that mean that we are not all called to the same mind and the same doctrine?

2 Timothy 1:11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. (KJV)

The verses at the beginning of this post speak of a coming day (that day). What we do; whatvwe teach is going to affect how we are perceived by God on that day. Because of that fact, Paul said to Timothy:

2 Timothy 1:13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

Why did Paul think that it was up to Timothy to take part in this holding and keeping? Listen:

2 Timothy 1:15 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. (KJV)

What did that mean to Paul? What did it mean to Timothy? Paul had previously written to Timothy these words:

1 Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

And after giving that commandment Paul concludes his letter to Timothy, and to us with these words:

1 Timothy 6:14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: (KJV)

But Paul had also told Timothy why this was necessary in that first letter:

1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (KJV)

It is impossible to depart from something that you do not already possess. Yet some of you have departed from this very truth itself, by ignoring this truth. You depart, and believe and teach that no matter how one lives they cannot fall from this faith. This is why Paul makes Timothy responsible for holding and keeping these things.

You have been given the gift of eternal life, what have you done and will you do with it?

James 5:19 My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. (NASB)

Brethren, if you have strayed from the truth, it effects not only you, but those who hear you. Father protect our minds today in this day of deception. Evil is at work Lord. May Your Holy Spirit within us guide us into all truth. And may we hear Your voice today.