Assemble

By David Norfleet

We’ve all heard it before: “Do we have to go to church?” It’s a question that many parents face, often at the end of a long week or after a gospel meeting. From a child’s perspective, the idea of skipping church for a movie or video game seems reasonable. After all, the logic might be that attending once or twice a month should be sufficient. While this viewpoint is understandable in children, it’s less acceptable when adopted by adults.

The question of why we should gather for worship is essential and deserves a thoughtful answer. Psalm 122:1 gives us a profound insight into this issue. The psalmist expresses joy and anticipation about going to the house of the Lord. The term “glad” here is more than just a feeling of contentment; it signifies a deep, rejoicing happiness.

In the Old Testament, God's people were commanded to assemble for worship on several occasions. For example, Isaiah 2:3, Jeremiah 31:6, and Micah 4:2 highlight the significance of these gatherings. These assemblies were not just ritualistic; they were vital to the spiritual life of the community. Leviticus 23:27, 35, and 37 provide further evidence of God's command for regular worship. The Israelites were called together by the sound of silver trumpets, as described in Numbers 10:2-3.

The New Testament also reinforces the importance of assembling. Early Christians frequently gathered, as seen in Acts 2:46, 5:12, 12:12, and 14:27. The instruction to not forsake assembling is explicit in Hebrews 10:25. So, why is it so critical to come together? Couldn’t we simply worship at home?

The Benefits of Assembling

• Focus and Refocus on God: When we assemble, we have an uninterrupted opportunity to focus solely on God. This time of worship helps us realign our priorities and redirect our attention to what truly matters. During the Lord’s Supper, for instance, self-examination becomes a natural part of our reflection on God (1 Corinthians 11:28).
• Spiritual Growth: Gathering for worship is crucial for our spiritual development. As we listen to God's word and participate in communal worship, we experience spiritual growth and transformation. 1 Corinthians 14:3 illustrates that worship edifies us, encouraging personal and collective growth in faith.
• Encouragement and Inspiration: Assemblies provide essential encouragement and inspiration. When we come together, we support each other through life's trials and triumphs. Ephesians 2:13-22 speaks of our unity in Christ, and the Swedish proverb, “a shared joy is a double joy,” encapsulates the joy we experience in community. God’s intention for us to be together is evident in Genesis 2:18 and Ecclesiastes 4:9-10.
• Proclaim Victory: Frequent gatherings are more than a routine; they are a means of spiritual warfare. Ignatius of Antioch, an early church father, noted that regular assembly helps defeat Satan’s schemes and promotes unity of faith. This concept is supported by James 3:13-18, which describes how wisdom and unity can counteract spiritual opposition.
• Awakening: Worship has a profound impact on our perception of reality. Life’s challenges can cloud our vision and distract us from what truly matters. Psalm 73:1-28 illustrates how worship can clear spiritual confusion and help us understand God’s ultimate purpose. The psalmist, initially troubled by the prosperity of the wicked, finds clarity and renewed focus through worship in the sanctuary.

The question remains: When the call to assemble goes forth, will you be there? Understanding the value of worship and community is crucial. Our regular gatherings are not mere duties but vital aspects of our spiritual health and growth. They offer focus, growth, encouragement, victory, and awakening. As we come together, we not only fulfill a command but also experience the rich blessings of shared faith and unity.

A Salute to the Faithful

By Norman Pence

Much of the writing, preaching, and visiting that is done today is directed toward the weak and unfaithful. Too often, we do not take time to salute those who are faithful to Christ and His teaching.

There is no sufficient way to show appreciation to those members who have remained “steadfast and unmovable” (1 Cor. 15:58) throughout the years. But you are to be commended for your faithfulness and attendance, even when other activities are taking place that you would normally attend. Whenever work needs to be done, we have come to know that, regardless, you will make the necessary sacrifices to be there and help in any way you can. It is a joy to be around and worship with Christians who display that loving willingness that says, “I am willing to do any and everything I can to help.” Your active desire to grow spiritually has encouraged others to have the same desire. Your love for lost souls has provided ways for many to be taught the truth and become active citizens of the Kingdom of God. Your faithful life has helped weak Christians to wake up, confess faults, and once again become not only hearers of the word, but doers also. You are the ones that constantly encourage the faithful teachers and preachers to remain firm in the truth, and we thank God for people like you.

You are also appreciated because you demand no special attention or praise to keep you happy and faithful in your service and assemblies for Bible study and worship. It’s not necessary for you to have your name mentioned from the pulpit or even written in the bulletin in order for you to make visits, help with the sick and shut-ins, or to invite friends to worship. You count it a blessing to have the opportunity to serve the Lord. You are a shining example to all that see you. And we believe it can be said of you that you are sincerely “seeking first the kingdom of God” (Mt. 6:33).

May God continue to bless you who labor so faithfully. The church will continue to grow because of you. Please don’t give up and thank you for your enduring efforts for Him.

“I Just Have to Work It Out Myself”

By Norman Pence

Philippians 2:12 says “...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Does this mean when I have problems and become discouraged, I can withdraw and isolate myself from other Christians while I “work it out by myself”? The term, work out, comes from the Greek word which means to work out fully, to finish. Put another way it means to “make every effort to obtain salvation” (Thayer). The Book of Hebrews was written to a people much like us. They were very much discouraged and ready to give up on Christianity. The message of the Book of Hebrews is: you have so much more in Christ and have come so far, don’t give it up now. Instead of isolating themselves from each other, they should take advantage of the strength and encouragement that “each joint supplies” (Eph. 4:16). The writer tells them to “consider one another to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…” (Heb. 10:24-25).  He further says a failure to do this is “willful sin” for which there is “no more sacrifice” but only a “terrifying expectation of judgment” (Heb. 10:26-27).

Working out your own salvation doesn’t mean doing it yourself but rather complete your salvation.  God has done His part in sending His Son to die, He is now risen from the dead and is at God’s right hand. God’s gracious plan of redemption is now complete. The rest is up to each of us as individuals to finish our salvation through loving obedience to God and mutual encouragement and building up of one another. We should “confess our faults to one another and pray for one another” (Jas. 5:16), restore those who are overcome and help them bear their burden (Gal. 6:1-2), “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Rom. 12:15), and pray at all times (Eph. 6:18). Perhaps too often we wait until we have a difficulty to overcome or wait until sin enters our life before we ask for the help and encouragement from other Christians instead of seeking their companionship and fellowship in order to prevent such.

“I just have to work it out myself” is one of the most destructive attitudes Satan plants in the minds of God’s people. Don’t believe it. “But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world” (1 Pet. 5:9). Take advantage of the encouragement and strength that can only come from God and those of “like precious faith” (2 Pet. 1:1). We cannot isolate ourselves and at the same time “bear one another’s burdens.” We cannot “provoke to love and good works” if we never associate with God’s family. We cannot overcome our depression if we never talk to God in prayer and listen to Him through a study of His word. Nearly everywhere the Apostle Paul went, especially on the 3rd journey, his first order of business was to look up the saints, to study, teach and pray with them and request their prayers on his behalf (Acts 20:7; 21:4, 17). He told the brethren at Rome, “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established-- that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me” (Rom. 1:11-12).  While we can’t impart spiritual gifts to one another, only the apostles had that power, we can give each other the gift of encouragement based on the mutual faith that we share. The phrase “I long” means “to intensely crave, or long for something.” Unfortunately, too many times what we “long for” the most in times of discouragement or weakness of faith on our part is to be left alone. This is contrary to everything the Gospel teaches. There are so many temptations and allurements in the world, and so many things that lead us astray.

The reason we should “fear and tremble” while working out our salvation is because there is great danger in losing our soul. If the soul is lost, all is lost.  And who can estimate the value of that soul which is in danger of being lost forever? May God help each of us to long for and be encouraged by the mutual faith we share.