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Is It Necessary to Attend Every Assembly of the Church?r by Jerry L. Henderson

Is It Necessary to Attend Every Assembly of the Church? Jerry L. Henderson henderson@centuryinter.net Acts 2:41-47 INTRODUCTION: A. This question asked by members of Lord's church at times. B. The very fact that the question is asked shows that there is a doubt in the mind of people when they do not attend regularly. C. Since we have just finished looking at worship and the acts we engage in as worship, I thought it good that we examine the "necessity" of attendance at these assemblies for worship DISCUSSION: I. FIRST LET'S EXAMINE THE WORD "NECESSARY" A. The word involves the idea of "compulsion", no choice B. Many things necessary, but not done on that basis only 1. Supporting our families is necessary, yet it is done out of love and concern for them rather than necessity 2. Obedience to God is necessary, yet we should obey out of love and not just from necessity C. If we assemble just because we feel like we "have to" then the assembling is not doing us much good. II. WE ARE TAUGHT BY COMMAND AND EXAMPLE TO ASSEMBLE ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK AS WELL AS OTHER TIMES A. Not forsaking the assembling Heb.10:25 B. Early disciples came together Acts 20:7 C. How often must we assemble 1. One, two, three, or four times a week? 2. I am persuaded that Heb.10:25 is not talking about the first day of the week only 3. Early disciples assembled daily Acts 2:46,47 4. Don't know if the whole church came together on daily basis, but did assemble at times other than first day III. EXAMINE SOME BIBLE PRINCIPLES THAT SHOULD GOVERN THIS QUESTION A. Love for God 1. If ye love me keep my commandments Jhn.14:15 a. God has commanded b. Remember practice of early Church Acts 2:42; 20:7 2. Notice Paul's advice in Phil.4:9 3. We should want to worship together Psa.122:1 B. Associates: Christ and other Christians Matt.18:20 1. There are some bad in, and some good out; but they are that way in spite of the church not because of it. 2. Most people who are immoral and dishonest get nothing out of a fervent prayer, a spiritual song or an inspiring sermon. It only adds to their misery and for most part this kind of person will not attend assembly 3. Notice where Peter and John went Acts 4:23 4. Where else can you consistently find good people striving to do the will of God 5. If we don't enjoy the company of Christ and other Christians on earth how will we enjoy it in heaven? Jhn.14:1-3 C. Blessings received Eph.1:3 1. Our faith is increased Rom.10:17 2. We are encouraged, comforted and edified 1Thess.5:11 3. It cause us to forget our fleshly nature and be lifted up to a higher standard of living 4. We get by giving Acts 20:35 Mal.3:10 5. If you don't receive blessing from assembling together with the saints, then you might need to some examining D. Spiritual food 1. Elders are responsible for feeding the flock 1Pet.5:2 a. We are to submit to their oversight Heb.13:17 b. Each time we assemble we receive spiritual food 2. Some say "I can study at home" (maybe you can) but what about your example to others a. Young in the faith need to be taught b. Husband or wife - spouse not a member c. Children imitate parents d. Neighbors are watching you 3. Do you consider secular school work more important 4. Do you consider your secular work more important Matt.6:33 CONCLUSION: A. There are times when it is not necessary (compulsory) to attend, otherwise we could never miss the assembly without sinning and having to make a public confession 1. Sickness in the family that must be cared for? 2. Our occupation ???? 3. But I wonder about some of our reasons (excuses) B. In the early church the indication is that the disciples enjoyed worshipping God and associating with other Christians Acts 4:23 C. If we had the attitude that they had or the attitude of David in Psa.122:1 we wouldn't consider it a necessity but a joy to assemble together, whatever time it was D. Some want a "Brylcream religion" "a little dab will do you"; well it won't do you 1. Forsaking the assembly is a symptom of heart trouble 2. Forsaking the assembly has become one of those "common" and "respectable" sins??? E. We are held accountable for all our actions individually and that includes the reasons why we miss the assembly of the saints 1Cor.3:8 Jerry L. Henderson Preacher for Highway 5 South church of Christ 3220 Turnage Tr., Mountain Home, AR 72653 Phone (501) 424-9642 http://www.secis.com/~jshend/jerryhenderson/jerry.html http://www.mtncom.com/cip/hy5schcr.htm

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