The Importance of the Assembly

Far too many Christians in today’s world skip the assembly. Yes, the world has been crippled by a global pandemic for the past eighteen months, and some disciples have underlying health issues which make avoiding crowds quite wise. But others have allowed the things of this world to keep them from the assembly.

Christians have long gathered together to worship the God of heaven and earth:

• The first Christians “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42).
• “On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight” (Acts 20:7).
• “My brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another” (1 Cor 11:33).

Gathering with the saints on the first day of the week is imperative, not an option; you see, the assembly is vital to the Christian’s walk.

• Your presence in the assembly encourages other believers as they walk with Jesus: “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, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Heb 10:24-25). Your absence from the assembly discourages your fellow believers, and there is absolutely no way you can “stir up one another to love and good works” if you’re not present to do the stirring. Think of all the good that goes undone because a brother or sister doesn’t stir others up because he or she doesn’t attend the assembly.
• Your absence in the assembly shows a lack of priorities. The kingdom of God is to be first in one’s life (Matt 6:33)—above one’s comforts, above one’s job, above one’s family, above one’s fear over a virus. If you habitually miss the assembly, can you honestly say that the Lord Jesus Christ is first in your life?
• Your presence in the assembly provides opportunities for service. When you’re present with your fellow believers, you may learn of burdens you can help bear (cf. Gal 6:2). When brothers are present in the assembly, they can read Scripture or lead prayer or lead the congregation’s thoughts at the Lord’s Supper; you can’t do that from afar. When sisters are present in the assembly, they can greet guests, encourage the brokenhearted, and teach children; you can’t do that from home.

Early Christians faced sword, flame, and crucifixion if they worshiped on the Lord’s Day. In fact, they often met in secret to preserve their physical lives and continue their service to God in this world. Christians in this nation can worship without fear of persecution. If early brethren were willing to give up their lives to worship, can you not give up the things of this world to worship?

This article was originally written by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., for the weekly newsletter at Church of Christ Deer Park in Deer Park, Texas.