John 4:23,24 “true worshipers in spirit & in truth”

Certain Commands God has Given to Man that Cannot Be Changed Without Transgression of God’s Law Obedience to become a Christian – Mark 16:15,16 Organization of church – Philippians 1:1; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2 Work of church- Teaching Pure Gospel

Certain Commands God has Given to Man that Cannot Be Changed Without Transgression of God’s Law Worship Must Follow Pattern of NT Acts 2:47 “added daily” Acts 2:42 “apostle’s doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread & in prayers”

WHY DO WE ASSEMBLE TOGETHER?

Apostolic Approved Examples Acts 20:7-12 –Divine Direction – 1 st Day a regular day of assembly for 1 st Century church –Church at Troas Met on 1 st Day of Week to Observe Lord’s Supper 1 Corinthians 16:1,2 – directed them as he had already done to others – “lay by in store, as God had prospered them”

“Continued Steadfastly” Acts 2:46 – “continuing daily with one accord” “DAILY” – not TWO or THREE times a week “Steadfast” = “standing fast” – broke bread regularly Acts 20:7 – every 1 st day of the week

Divine Approval for Other Assemblies Acts 20:7 – Sunday meeting lasted past midnight Acts 12:12 – weeknight for prayer Acts 2:46 – daily in the temple, Lord added saved DAILY Acts 5:42 – daily did not cease teaching & preaching Jesus Christ Acts 16:5 –increased in number daily

How Often Should We Assemble Today? Submit to oversight of elders – Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1-4 Elders have Divine Authority to set the Time & Place Wilfully refusing to come is open rebellion to oversight of the elders, and consequently open rebellion to God – Luke 10:16

THINK ABOUT THIS: Sunday Bible Class, Assembly for Worship, Wednesday Bible Class About FOUR HOURS total out of 168 hours in the week to assemble together to worship God. Slightly more than 2% of our week devoted to assembling with saints How much devoted to other endeavors? Matthew 6:33

WHY DO WE ASSEMBLE TOGETHER?

Edification “Edify” – “architecture. i.e. a structure; figuratively, confirmation.” “building up” Ephesians 4:12 “edifying of the body of Christ” Ephesians 4:15,16 “grow up in all things” “effective working, every part, growth of body for edifying of itself in love.”

Edifying is a Group Effort Each part of the Body {member of the church}, doing their part. Church not built up or edified as it should be without regularly scheduled meetings, well attended by members of the body. By virtue of our obedience to the Gospel, we accept our responsibility to do OUR PART in building up Body

Edifying is a Group Effort Church = “pillar & ground of the truth” 1 Timothy 3:15 Colossians 4:16 – read epistles Singing for purpose of “teaching & admonishing one another” Colossians 3:16 Needed Personally – Jude 20,21 “building yourselves up on your most holy faith”

WHY DO WE ASSEMBLE TOGETHER?

Consider One Another – Provoke Love & Good Works Hebrews 10:19-25 Coming together in congregation: –Worship to God & studying His Word will Move us to more faithful service to Him on a daily basis, & a closer relationship with His people. “assembling of ourselves together” Brethren need us here- Acts 15:32-36

Consider One Another – Provoke Love & Good Works Hebrews 10:19-25 It is a dangerous world- 1 Peter 5:8-9 How many hours per week are we exposed to things that offer us temptation? It is Easy to Fall – 1 Corinthians 10:12

Consider One Another – Provoke Love & Good Works Hebrews 10:19-25 Churches tend toward apostasy – Acts 20:29; 2 Timothy 4:1-5 To prevent this we must be VIGILENT If we are not here, we cannot know and guard against the small steps that lead to this

NEXT WEEK: More on “Why We Assemble Together for Worship” “Who gets hurt when we do not attend regularly?” Sobering questions about “Seeking First the Kingdom of God & His Righteousness…”