YBible Thoughts Y

October 4, 1998

The early church had some who did not realize the necessity of being present with the saints to worship the Lord. Paul encouraged those who were strong to exhort the neglectful ones to be present for the assembling(a continual action). Some were "leaving behind" that duty. Such a problem has existed down to the present day.

While the focus of this passage may be upon the assemblies of the first day of the week, there were other occasions in which the early church came together.

The first Christians in Jerusalem assembled day by day, "continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread(meals-jy) at home"(Acts 2:46). They realized the value of being together, learning together, and sharing what they had. There may be occasions when it is appropriate to assemble each day at present(gospel meetings, etc.).

There were other occasions when it was appropriate to gather the saints in an assembly(Acts 14:27) so that Paul and Barnabas might inform the saints concerning the work of Christ in the apostolic age. When Peter and John were released from prison, they gave a report to an assembly of brethren(Acts 4:23). Upon his release from Prison, Peter found "many gathered together...praying"(Acts 12:12). The early disciples assembled to carry out the work of the Lord's church(Acts 14:23). It is apparent that being with other saints as they studied and prayed was important to Christians in the early days of the church.

Being present for all services provides the opportunity to support the work of the local church. The services each week make it possible for the church to carry out the instructions of Paul as we provide for "the perfecting of the saints....unto the building up of the body of Christ"(Ephesians 4:12) in an effective manner. One of the means of obtaining that growth is the strength gained from our fellowship and study with one another(I Corinthians 16:13; Ephesians 6:10). Even strong Christians want the opportunity to grow by supporting the work of the local church.

The services offer multiple occasions of fellowship with the saints. "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship..."(Acts 2:42). In a world in which Christians are bombarded by the examples and contact with worldly minded people who care little, if any, about the Will of Christ, the opportunity to be with Christians, even for a short time, has great value for the saints.

An example of proper respect for the value of spiritual efforts is demonstrated. "Let no man despise they youth; but be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity"(I Timothy 5:12). Think: Would Paul or Timothy willfully miss an opportunity to assemble with the Lord's people? Would they not set an example to those whom they wanted to guide in the truth?

A determination to attend all of the services of the local church will be an "encouragement to the fainthearted" and help to "support the weak"(I Thessalonians 5:14). The encouragement of dedicated brethren has meant much to this writer through the years. Observing them making sacrifices in all areas, including being present for services, means much to fellow disciples. A negative example is left when little or no effort is made to be present when the church is assembled.

The opportunity to "exhort one another" and "build each other up" (I Thessalonians 4:11) is provided in all services. Can this be accomplished unless we have fellowship and association with one another? While some may take place during the week, it is this writer's experience that such is very limited--(we do meet once each month at someone's house)--but is that enough to grow, to strengthen the church, and to assist others in their faith...especially when several of the members are not present? Knowledge and edification needs to be shared with others, as much as possible.

"Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works"(Hebrews 10:24). As already pointed out, the services of the local church constitute a work of thechurch. We are considerate of other disciples when we act in such a way to provoke "unto love and good works." In light of the fact that verse 25(quoted at the beginning) talks about "assembling," there must be a great value attached to this practice by the apostle Paul. Can you think of anything that is better for a Christian than to assemble with other Christians to pray, sing, and study the word of God?

Borrowing a phrase from the apostle Paul, we should "Think on these things"(Philippians 4:8). What think ye?