Every Christian is instructed in the Scriptures concerning his God-ordained duties to the church, which no Christian should neglect. Neglecting his duties to the church is dishonouring and defying God who commanded them. Dereliction of one’s responsibilities to the church is also tantamount to obstructing the cause of His kingdom. No real child of God would abandon his duty in his Father’s house.
It has always been Christians’ practice to meet together in an appointed place, on the appointed day, at the appointed time, for participating in worship, receiving instruction of the Word, fellowship, prayer, observance of sacraments, etc. The following are some of the New Testament passages that record the believers’ commitment to gather as a church:
Though verses below were taken from the apostle Paul’s correction of the Corinthian Christians’ misconduct, they provide abundant evidence to their regular gathering together as a church:
After early Christians were prohibited from entering the temple and synagogues of the Jews, they often met in believers’ homes, which could accommodate many who could gather. When Aquila and Priscilla were in Rome, they hosted a church gathering in the house where they lived (Rom 16:5). The believers in Rome were spread throughout the city and met together in different locations in the city. One of the congregations was that which met in the house of Aquila and Priscilla. Similar house churches existed in other cites also (cf. 1 Cor 16:19; Col 4:15; Philem 2). At times, they gathered in large buildings, such as schools (e.g. the school of Tyrannus - Acts 19:9).
Those who neglected the church meetings were cited as bad examples whom genuine Christians should avoid. Christians were exhorted to be participants of church gatherings: “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25). The words, “the assembling of ourselves together”, refer to church gatherings, such as worship services, Bible Studies, prayer meetings, etc. The Greek word used here (episynagōgē) suggests some official assembling of the believers.
Apparently, some had been neglecting the Christians’ public gathering. They wilfully deserted the “communion of the saints”, which was regarded as serious spiritual misconduct. Their failure in attending the church gatherings could have been due to a lack of interest in the worship, laziness, engagement in worldly affairs, or falling away from the faith.
Christian assemblies are summoned to provide spiritual nourishment for the believers through worship, mutual service and fellowship – i.e. to “consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works… exhorting one another…” By coming together, Christians are expected to strengthen and stimulate one another in their spiritual walk. Having close and regular fellowship with other believers is an absolute necessity for spiritual growth and fruit-bearing. Association with other Christians provides every believer with spiritual nourishment and growth. Immeasurable good can come from spiritual association and activities with other Christians. The New Testament lends no support to the idea of lone Christians. On the contrary, it condemns such a notion.
Attending church gatherings must be a habit maintained by every genuine Christian. It ought to be every Christian’s practice unless prevented by some exigencies. If a Christian is compelled to be absent from the church, it must be a sorely painful matter to him - and he must return to the church meetings at the earliest possible opportunity.
A Christian’s absence from the church meetings will deprive him of the spiritual blessings that God provides through them. On the other hand, when members of the church attend the church’s pre-announced meetings, they bring cheer and encouragement to the pastor(s) / elders / preachers whom God has ordained to minister His Word in the church for the edification of every church member.
A deserter of church assemblies discourages and prevents his family members from fulfilling their God-ordained duty of attending the church regularly. His disinterest and abandonment of church meetings become a terrible example and influence on others around him, especially those closely related to him. He is also neglecting his duty to call others to hear the preaching of the Gospel. He thus becomes a great waster of opportunities for his and others’ spiritual progress.
Every Christian must be committed to building up his family life around the church, and not the world. The family that regularly participates in church meetings and activities will be well-grounded in the truths of God’s Word and the love of Christian fellowship. Active participation in church meetings and activities will protect the family against the worldliness that lures the youths away from godliness and service to the Lord. Consistent involvement in the events of the church will be profitable for the family’s spiritual progress. “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness” (Psalm 84:10).
It is both the duty and privilege of believers to go into the LORD’s house. There they will find spiritual pleasure, and rejoice in the abundance of divine peace and comfort. There they will have their spiritual strength renewed, spiritual enthusiasm revived. So, let us prayerfully desire and prepare to be in the LORD’s house with His people – “LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth” (Psalm 26:8).
May each of our testimonies be as the psalmist’s: “I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday” (Psalm 42:4). I end this article with a prayer that every Gethsemanean will testify with joy and sincerity, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD” (Psalm 122:1).