As we begin a new year, it's crucial to remember who we are as believers and why we come together. The writer of Hebrews provides powerful insights into the foundation of our faith and the importance of gathering as a community of believers.

Just as birds naturally migrate and dogs shake off water when wet, humans have innate behaviors too. We laugh when tickled, scratch when we itch, and shiver when cold. But perhaps most importantly, humans have an innate longing for God.

The psalmist captures this beautifully: "As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God" (Psalm 42:1-2). This isn't learned behavior - it's built into our very nature.

Augustine said it perfectly: "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you." There's a God-shaped vacuum in every heart that only He can fill.

You've probably talked to someone who seems to have everything - money, success, the perfect life - yet they say "something's missing." That void can only be filled by a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

To understand why we gather, we need to understand what came before. The Old Covenant included the Law given to Moses - the Ten Commandments, civil laws, moral codes, and the sacrificial system. This covenant required constant animal sacrifices at the altar.

In the tabernacle and later the temple, there was a holy of holies - the most sacred place, separated by a thick curtain. Only the high priest could enter, and only once a year. The altar was constantly covered in blood from animal sacrifices.

What Changed When Jesus Died?
When Jesus died on the cross, something miraculous happened: "The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom" (Matthew 27:51). This symbolized the removal of the barrier between God and humanity.

Jesus became our perfect sacrifice. As John the Baptist declared, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" The writer of Hebrews explains that "it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins," but "by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified."

When we become followers of Christ, we experience an inward cleansing of the heart. This isn't just a ritualistic activity or checking a box - it's a complete transformation.
Think of it this way: There are two approaches to Christian living. In the first, a person sits on the throne of their own life, asking "How close can I get to the boundary without crossing the line?" They're focused on what they can get away with. However, when Jesus is at the center of your life, you're not worried about where the boundary is because you're running away from it toward Christ. That's true heart transformation.

How Does This Transformation Affect Everything?
When our heart is changed, it affects everything - our speech, activities, attitude, hope, mind, and actions. As Paul writes, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come" (2 Corinthians 5:17). This isn't like washing a car - it's like getting a completely new car.

The writer of Hebrews gives us clear direction: "Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another." A Christian's perseverance is a community event. We need each other's encouragement because following Christ can be costly. The narrow gate is narrow for a reason - it's not easy.

What Happens When We Try to Go It Alone?
Picture a herd of impalas on the African safari. When they stay together, they're protected. But when one wanders off alone, it becomes easy prey for lions. The same is true for believers. When we're together, we can encourage, instruct, and support each other. But when we become a "one-man show" and neglect church attendance and fellowship with other believers, we become vulnerable. As Peter warns, "Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

What Are the Two Components of Christian Life?
There's a vertical component - our relationship with God through worship. And there's a horizontal component - our relationships with fellow believers. Both are essential, and they're interconnected. If the vertical component isn't right, the horizontal won't be either. And if the horizontal isn't right, we can't get the vertical right either. We need both.

How Do We Worship Together vs. Individually?
There are two types of worship: individual and corporate. Monday through Saturday, we have individual worship - living out "whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." Then on Sunday, we come together for corporate worship. Here's the key: if we haven't had individual worship during the week, we won't experience true corporate worship on Sunday. Corporate worship is fueled by individual worship.

This week, commit to prioritizing both the vertical and horizontal components of your faith. Spend time in individual worship throughout the week, preparing your heart for corporate worship. Make gathering with other believers a non-negotiable priority, not something you do when it's convenient.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Am I experiencing true heart transformation, or am I just trying to modify my behavior?
• Do I see gathering with other believers as essential, or optional?
• How can I better encourage and "stir up" my fellow believers this week?
• What would change in my life if I truly understood that Jesus has given me direct access to God?

Remember, we're on this journey together. We gather not just because it's what we're supposed to do, but because we need each other. In a world full of spiritual predators, staying connected to the body of Christ isn't just recommended - it's essential for survival and growth in our faith.