1. 1 Pet. 2:2

2. “NOT FORSAKING THE ASSEMBLING” I. A COMMAND A. Commanded In The Old Law (Num. 9:2-5). 1. Authorized reason for missing (9:6-12). 2. Unauthorized reasons for missing (9:13). 3. Yearly, Monthly, Weekly occasions. 4. A just recompense even for simple neglect (Heb. 2:2-3). B. Commanded In The New Law (Heb. 10:25). “not forsaking our own assembling together” 1. If at all possible, are we assembling?

3. “NOT FORSAKING THE ASSEMBLING” II. THE FIRST CENTURY CHURCH A. “Upon the first day of the week” (Acts 20:7). B. Laying by in store (1 Cor. 16:2). “On every first day of the week” (YLT) “On the first day of each week” (MNT) “On the first day of every week” (RSV, TCNT, WNT) “Cada primer día de la semana” (RV) C. “And they continued stedfastly in...” (Acts 2:42, 1).

4. “NOT FORSAKING THE ASSEMBLING” II. THE FIRST CENTURY CHURCH D. Other Days Also (Acts) 1. All that believed were together (2:44). 2. Assembled together for prayer (4:31). 3. Gathered for prayer (12:12). 4. Assembled to review the work (14:27). 5. Gathered together for congregational discipline (1 Cor. 5:4). 6. “And day by day, continuing stedfastly” (Acts 2:46).

5. “NOT FORSAKING THE ASSEMBLING” III. PROPER ATTITUDE A. “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go unto the house of Jehovah.” (Ps. 122:1) B. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” (1 John 5:3) C. “But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness;” (Matt. 6:33). D. “As newborn babes, long for the spiritual milk” (1 Pet. 2:2). E. Do we willing to enjoy fellowship in TRUTH?

6. “NOT FORSAKING THE ASSEMBLING” IV. BLESSINGS OF ASSEMBLING A. Opportunity to teach/learn (Col. 3:16). B. Develop humility (1 Cor. 11:27-33). C. Develop generosity (1 Cor. 16:1-3). D. Express our love for God (John 14:15). E. Exercise our faith in prayer (Acts 12:5). F. A part of holding onto our hope & serving others (Heb. 10:23-25). G. Avoids consequences of sin (Heb. 10:26-31)!

7. “NOT FORSAKING THE ASSEMBLING” CONCLUSION: A. A Command Of God! B. A Diligent Practice Of The Original Church! C. A Joy To Those Of Willing Heart! D. A Bundle Of Blessings & Opportunities! Are There Times When We Could Be Here, But Allow Ourselves Not To Be? Think Of WHAT Is Missed And WHY! “...And so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh.” (Heb. 20:24)!