Dear Aaron brought up a good question about what happens if we forsake God.

I hope I do not appear arogant but this is an area that is of concern as many of us have watched a falling away take place over the years. Sometimes we see it in churches but sometimes the words or actions of individuals show it in their hearts. A case in point are the judgemental Christians that twist the word of God for personal gain or to judge others.

I hope I do don't anger Aaron with this as I find it admirable that one has the desire to inquire rather than quietly wonder. If so, the moderators may pull this post and I am sorry.

If the sons of Noah had forsaken the assembling of themselves in the ark (church) with the preacher of righteousness they would have perished with an ungodly world.

If the children of Israel had not assembled at the mount they would not have heard the voice of God. Many see the glory but hear not the voice.

If Abraham's family had not gathered to be circumcised ( a type and shadow of circumcision of the heart) they would not have been part of the covenant. (a type and shadow of the mercy to be fulfilled)

Isaiah said the Lord's train filled the temple. He is glorified when we gather to praise him.

There are other references to those who rebelled and were cut off.

Even Vashti lost her place due to rebellion and Saul had his mercy removed because he did what he thought was right rather than being obedient.

Moses was vexed until he spake without advisement and things went wrong. It is church, of course, where our hearts are purified by faith received from the word preached and it is from the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

The scriptures say, is any afflicted, let him pray and if ill call on the elders of the church to anoint him with oil and pray over him. That's hard to do when you're not in church to be anointed.

Even dear Paul spoke of those who are sick by taking communion when not worthy.

That is one that a lot of churches don't want to share but Paul did say if we take communion unworthily we can eat and drink damnation unto ourselves.

The first step in being counted worthy is to have faith and to be obedient.

The children of Israel forsook God many times and were given into the hand of their enemies. Yet, when they cried out to God he was faithful to deliver them. That was for our learning.

In that manner we can learn how to be obedient and remember who to cry out to if we go astray.

The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. Let's hope we don't forsake our mercy by heeding lying vanitie as Jonah said.

That was a perfect question and I hope that I don't appear arogant in answering. I paraphrased the scriptures as I don't have the book smarts to remember book and verse.

I do so hope this blesses someone or makes their walk with God a little easier.

May God bless you.

Tiffany