On Assembling

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” ~Hebrews 10:24-25

“Worshipping congregations should meet in God’s name, and enter into His courts with praise; they should be together in His fear, and attend upon every part of his service without distraction; and it is His pleasure that they be dismissed with His blessing.” — Archibald Hall, ca. 1770

How important to you is assembling with the body of Christ in the name of Christ for the worship of Christ? Is it second in priority to assembling as a covenant family to share a meal, watch a movie, or celebrate a special occasion? Is it second to finding a place to relax and read your Bible or take a nap? Is it, perhaps, second to many other things — even good things — that you haven’t managed to do throughout the week? Dear Christian, assembling with the body of Christ is of utmost importance for the people of God. It is so important that God Himself designated a day for such a practice, not only for His glory, but for our good.

When we think of Scripture texts that encourage assembling for worship, we tend to go to Hebrews 10:25, and rightly so. It offers a warning against the habit of missing the worship assembly, as some are prone to do. It ends with an eschatological encouragement; that is, we are reminded our assembling now is anticipatory of the great Day of the Lord, on which all God’s people will be assembled for eternal worship. We should long to worship “all the more” as the time draws closer for Christ to return. 

But consider verse 24. Scripture makes an interesting assertion about the value of assembling for corporate worship. It is more than practice for eternity. It’s more than obligatory Sabbath keeping. It is the method by which God intends for us to stir one another to love and good works! It is, by God’s design, the chief form of Christian discipleship and community building. It’s even a matter of public witness. All of these things are a part of the value and necessity of assembling for corporate worship.

Are family meals a part of God’s design for healthy Christian families? Yes! Are rest and private worship vital Christian disciplines? By all means! Is working hard and being productive throughout the week an essential way we glorify God in all we do? Of course! But none of these things is given such priority by God for the mutual encouragement and nurture of our faith. In none of these expressions of Christian living does the whole body of Christ gather for community and confession and conviction and consolation. We need to assemble in order to experience the warmth of Christian fellowship and encouragement, and to receive the blessing of God’s presence with the assembled people. Come to worship, Christian, and be stirred up to greater love for God, for each other, and for the good works He intends for us to do — all to His glory.   

Rev. Kyle Lockhart, Pastor of Teaching & Spiritual Formation