Have you ever had that lost, confused feeling mid-week when you can’t remember what day it is? You scratch your head, and ask “How is it Tuesday already?” You try to figure out why you feel this way, and then it hits you. “I missed Sunday worship.” Sunday morning is that weekly appointment at the beginning of each new week that’s reserved for corporate worship. And it can really throw us off when we miss it.
But beyond the “what-day-is-it” effect, neglecting corporate gathering on Sunday has a far greater impact on us. For starters, it leaves a relational “hole” in my soul. We were made by God for community, so it is no wonder why community is important to each one of us. And yet, we can sabotage our need for community when we allow earthly distractions get in the way. In some cases, our church relationships can be as strong as familial bonds. These important relationships need regular attention. Missing a few weeks can leave us in a rough place.
God’s word teaches us even more about the significance of regularly gathering for fellowship and worship. Let’s look at three verses in the New Testament, that exhort us to gather together for regular gospel-centered worship.
In Hebrew 10:24-25, the writer admonishes, “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.”
We are told not to succumb to the outside pressures or those inward motivations that would keep us from gathering with other believers. Instead, we should gather for encouragement in the gospel, which results in genuine love for one another and good works. This mutual edification can only be accomplished when we meet together.
And this concept of regular gatherings goes beyond Sunday morning. Acts 2:42 states, “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Here we are shown a picture of the early church. Christians gathered regularly for teaching and fellowship. They made it a priority to gather around the word of God, breaking bread together (sharing meals), and praying with one another. Community groups are the way we accomplish this same function. When we meet regularly to study and submit to God’s word and pray for each other, our faith is strengthened.
Jesus says in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Jesus is present with his gathered people. The Holy Spirit who unites us together in Christ is present during our worship gatherings, our community group meetings, and everywhere his people are. And His ministry is to bring us into a greater love for Jesus Christ. He has promised to be present with us even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). Our part is to make room in our lives to gather with other believers.
Protecting corporate worship and community groups is a function of our heart’s priorities. Who or what is first in your life? As God’s children, our desire to be closer to God. Everyone’s life is full of complexity and responsibilities. Many factors work against regularly gathering for fellowship, encouragement, and corporate worship. If you are finding it a challenge, take time this week to pray for the Holy Spirit to prioritize gospel-centered fellowship and community. Ask him to give you a greater desire for community with God’s people and a greater love for him.