Not neglecting to meet together 

Christians are exhorted not to neglect meeting together in a place of worship. And there are very sound reasons for this. The Bible says, “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).

The believers relationship with Christ, makes us members of His body. Paul writing to the Corinthian Church says, “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27). Therefore, shouldn’t we come together in a local place for worship, prayer, thanksgiving and fellowship; thereby finding strength, encouragement, and joy in each other’s company? 

Gathering together also gives us a deep sense of belonging, and preserves unity and togetherness among God’s people. There is always lots of inspiration in unity. United we stand, divided we fall.

The Lord Jesus has promised to be present when His people gather together. He said, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20). There’s no greater motivation than this. 

The Hebrew text also says, “and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Heb.10:25).  Since the Lord’s return is imminent we must therefore embrace every opportunity to come together as He permits. 

The Bible makes it abundantly clear that no one knows when the return of Christ will take place. It says, “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only” (Matthew 24:36).

Whereas we don’t know when this great event will actually occur; let us live in anticipation of it; being obedient to God’s word, by “not neglecting to meet together.” Zephaniah 1:14 says, “The great day of the LORD is near, near and hastening fast.” 

David was glad to be in the house of the Lord. He  expressed it this way: “I was glad when that said to me, let us go to the house of the LORD” (Psalm 122:1).

David also said, “One thing I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple” (Psalm 27:4).

David seemed committed to the one thing he asked of the LORD. It demonstrates his triumphant faith and firm objective in life which was to be in the temple (the place of worship) as long as the Lord permitted him to live. Also by saying he would seek after the one thing, reveals David’s strong love for His God, and what matters most in his life. Very inspiring!

Psalm 65:4 is another Psalm by David in which he wrote: “Blessed is the one you chose and bring near, to dwell in your courts!  We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness your temple!” (Psalm 65:4).

Being present in a house of worship expresses our “oneness” with our Lord, our love for Him, our nearness to Him, and the spiritual benefits that we receive. 

The Lord’s Supper or holy communion is one of two sacraments left by the Lord for Christians to observe in the gathered company. In so doing we remember His shed blood and death on the Cross. 

Here’s the instruction: “For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is my body which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). 

These instructions are not intended for individuals to do in their home or elsewhere; hence we must be in a place of worship and be obedient to the Lord’s command.

Attending Church services have great spiritual benefits. It is an opportunity to be taught biblical doctrines so that members can grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let us therefore “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise” (Psalm 100:4).