Why Assemble for Worship?
C. D. Plum
Parkersburg, West Virginia
Many things could be said in answer to the subject of this article. I shall briefly mention a few of these things.
1. God has always wanted his people to assemble for worship of him. God's Old Testament people, the Jews, were told to: "REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY, TO KEEP IT HOLY" (Ex. 20:8). On the Sabbath, which was Saturday, God's people, the Jews, assembled for sacred worship. Even Christ, before his death on the cross, assembled with the Jews on the Sabbath day (Lu. 4:16). The Sabbath was the special assembling day for God's ancient people before he died on the cross (Col. 2:14-16L
After Christ's death on the cross, God arranged another and different assembling day for his people. God's New Testament people are called Christians. "And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch" (Acts 11:26). God gave the name Christian (Isa. 62: 2). God's New Testament people, Christians, are even told they may have to suffer because they dare to wear this name. Note the following: "Yet if any man SUFFER as a CHRISTIAN, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this name" (1 Pet. 4:16). The special assembling day for Christians is the first day of the week. Christians met in the days of the apostles, and Christians still meet in harmony with New Testament teaching on the first day of the week for sacred, solemn worship.
2. God wanted Christians to assemble in New Testament times to observe the communion in memory of his Son. Paul did such at Troas. Note what is said in Acts 20:7. "And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight" (1 Cot. 11;23-33). And again: "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come" (1 Cot. 16:1-2). Jesus has promised to be in such meetings. He said: "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matt. 18:20).
Let's Sum It Up
1. God has commanded that his people assemble for worship (Heb. 10:25).
2. There is apostolic authority and example for the Lords Supper to be observed in "memory of Jesus' on the first day of the week (1 Cor. 11:23-26; Acts 20:7; Phil. 4:9).
3. Jesus is present to meet with Christians when they assemble (Matt. 18:20) And since Christians want to be in the presence ox the ones they love, they assemble in order to be with Jesus.
TRUTH MAGAZINE XIV: 11, p.2
January 22, 1970
