Why
We Must Meet Together Regularly
Introduction:
During the 1st century, Rome declared war on Christianity. Declared Christians as enemies of
the state and assembling together made a crime. In face of tremendous
persecution – Lord called Christians not to forsake the assembling of
themselves together. If there ever a generation who had real reason NOT to
assemble – it was this group. But…notice Heb.
10:23-25. If anyone argue that worship not essential; not that important; tell
that to the martyrs that died in obedience to Lord’s admonition.
I. The
Church in the FC met regularly.
A.
In
the beginning – it was everyday – Acts 2:42; 46
B.
Consider the frequency of
assembling of Christians in Asia Minor:
1.
Acts 20:7 – first day
of the week.
2.
1
Cor. 16:2 – Christians to lay by in store on the first day of the week.
3.
Sunday
= the obvious day of their regular assembly.
II.
Reasons why Christians Assemble.
A.
To worship/praise the one
true living God.
1.
Have we told God we love
Him & are thankful for all He has done for us?
2.
Look
at what our faith is to be based upon – serving God – 1 Thess.
1:9-10.
3.
We assemble together to
offer worship/praise/honor/give thanksgiving to God.
B.
To show love for Jesus. 1 John 4:19
1.
He
has done so much on our behalf – Isa. 53; Psa. 22
C.
To have communion w/our
Lord through the partaking of the Lord’s Supper
1.
1 Cor. 11:23-26 - It is a
memorial to Jesus & the fact of His resurrection.
2.
Acts
20:7 – it was the reason why disciples met together – done every FD
of the week.
D.
To Show Where Our Loyalty
Lies. How is your loyalty to Jesus?
1.
Our love for Him must be
incorruptible. Eph. 6:24.
E.
As an expression of our
life of service to God.
F.
To grow up in Christ. 2
Peter 3:18
1.
Eph.
4:15 - grow up…into Christ
2.
Col.
1:28 – be mature in Christ
3.
Coming
to worship will accelerate our growth.
G.
Spur & incite each
other to noble living.
1.
Heb. 10:24-25…3 reasons for
assembling together:
a)
To
stir/stimulate (NASV) one another to love.
b)
Stir/stimulate
to good deeds.
c)
Being
together will cause us to be more active/productive.
H.
To use spiritual talents. We
come together to build up one another in faith.
III. What
happens when the assembly is neglected?
A.
How long will a car battery
run w/o being charged?
B.
It is utterly impossible to
live a Christian life apart from regular worship!
IV.
Finally, How often should I Assemble?
A.
Love does not concern
itself w/minimums!
B.
Christians should assemble
together as much as possible.
Conclusion:
A.
How is your love for Jesus?
B.
Not Christian? Jesus died on your behalf. Does so YOU won’t have to pay price for
sin.