When the Saints Assemble

Hebrews 10:24-25

Throughout the Bible we read about the assemblies of God's people.  In the Old Testament The Israelites assembled first at the tabernacle and then at the temple.  The practice of meeting in synagogues began with the Babylonian captivity and continued into New Testament times.  The risen Lord appeared to an assembly of the disciples (Luke 24:33-36).  Other portions of the New Testament teach us that the early church assembled regularly on the Lord's Day as well as at other times.  Frank Cox listed four reasons the modern Christian should continue this practice.

1. That we may meet with the Lord; that we may commune with him and his people (Matthew 18:20).  In his presence there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11).
2. Because the meetings afford an excellent opportunity for mutual helpfulness.  The Church has been compared to a heap of embers, which, when separated, soon languish, darken and grow cold; but if placed together, glow with a ruddy and intense heat.
3. Because the meetings promote the growth and extension of the gospel.  the greatest institution that this old world has ever known or ever will know is the church of the Lord.  But if the saints should cease to assemble, the church would fail.
4. Because the meetings fortify us for the day of calamity - "the day approaching."  To the Hebrew Christians this was the day of Jerusalem's doom.  To present-day Christians this is the day of judgment.  In view of the approaching day - let us not forsake the meetings of the Lord's people.

Meeting with the saints is one of the best things we can do for ourselves and for one another.  Let us all make a commitment to be here when the saints of God assemble.

Thomas Sneed

Pond Church of Christ