The Church DefinedSample

Gathering of Believers

Hebrews 10:24-25, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (NLT)

One of the aspects of our Christian faith that is unique, is our gathering together as a community of believers to worship God. The early church excelled in this, for we read in Acts 2:46, “They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity.” (NLT) We also read in Acts 20:7, “On the first day of the week, we gathered with the local believers to share in the Lord’s Supper.” (NLT)

There are several reasons why we come together as believers. The Lord assures us in Matthew 18:20, “Where two or three have come together in my name, I am there among them." (GW). Following the example of the early church, we congregate to hear the word of God being expounded, for fellowship, for breaking of bread and for prayer. (Acts 2:41-42) We also do so to encourage one another, build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11) and to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). In 1 Corinthians 14:26, this is what Paul says should happen when we gather together, “Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” (NKJV) Being in fellowship with other believers is a sure sign that we are walking in the light as He is in the light. I John 1:7

Technology has advanced remarkably, and we have numerous ways to worship, and to hear the word of God, right from the comfort of our homes. This may be a good option for our current situation, and for those who are unable to move out because of their ailments. While we must be careful, to not make our church attendance an obligatory ritual, we should be reminded that our gathering together as a body of believers in not optional. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us that we should value our coming together, not be negligent about it, but rather use these meetings to encourage and motivate each other for love and good works. This, we are encouraged to do, so that the church can be ready for the second coming of the Lord Jesus, which is close at hand.

Let me conclude with this thought-provoking quote by Pastor Rick Warren about the purpose of the church; “We are created for community, fashioned for fellowship and formed for a family and none of us can fulfill God’s purposes by ourselves.”