Worship: Not a Spectator Sport 3/12/2014

"Come, let us worship and bow down,
Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.
7 For He is our God,
And we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand.
Today, if you would hear His voice, 
Do not harden your hearts," Psalm 95:6-8

Last week, I ran into two different people, both former members of congregations that now "worship at home."  Perhaps you know of someone or several someones who fit this description.  Now, rather than going to the assembly on the Lord's day, they listen to the local Christian radio station, or watch one or more of the televangelists on cable, or do nothing at all.  Of course our brothers and sisters say they still love God, still believe in Him and pray regularly but just do not currently "go to church."

There are a variety of reasons why people pursue this avenue.  Some disagree with the way things are done at their local congregation.  Some have suffered hurt associated with someone who attends.  Some have looked into the mirror of their lives and found themselves unfit, lacking the ability to forgive themselves despite believing that they have been forgiven by God.  And some just flat out do not think it is necessary.  There are many other reasons that people give for such a tragic departure.

Beloved, I will be the first to tell you that the work of the church is not primarily done inside the church building but outside.  I would likewise say that worship is not confined to the church building in that we should all be in a constant state of worshiping our God.  But I will say that the assembly is a necessary component of our relationship with God and with each other.  Let me share with you just a few scriptures that bear this out.

• Acts 2:40-47-From its inception, the church (more accurately phrased "the assembly") has been about the people of God being and doing together
• Ephesians 4:11-16-We together form one body, made so by divine will for a divine and beneficial purpose
• John 10:14-16-Being identified as flock whose shepherd is Jesus, our togetherness is implicit
• 1 Corinthians 12:12-27-Each of us has a role in the body/assembly that we are gifted to fulfill and on which others depend
• Hebrews 10:24-26-The assembly is as much about others as it is about us and we should not forsake it

This is by no means an exhaustive list.  The word of God consistently speaks of believers as a people, a body, a flock and a church that is designed to be together in word, thought, deed and most certainly in worship.  While some televangelist have their uses, if a person is watching one, they are watching not just the preacher but those who are members of that congregation who have gathered together to worship.  Worship is not about spectating, but participating.  

May this be an encouragement to you and may you share it with those who you know that have forsaken the assembly.

One,

Lee

Not Forsaking the Assembly-2/16/2012

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." Heb 10:23-25

While it is true that none can get to heaven simply by virtue of knowing or associating with people who are on their way, doing so can help us along our way. Each of us is responsible for our own relationship with Christ, however, Christ would have us relate to (love) one another as well as himself. The Christian life is designed to be lived in fellowship with fellow believers. The benefits for doing so are countless.

One important benefit is the availability of help in times of need. This need can be just about anything, but perhaps the most important need is when faith begins to waiver. We have all been there. We have all wondered what life is all about, what it means when bad things happen to good people and if all of this is really real. The help available from stronger members of the body in times like these is surely represented in the proverb, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity" Prov 17:17.

The fact is, at one time or another, in one way or another, we need each other. This is why the Hebrew writer encourages us to avoid missing the appointed times of assembly, be it worship, bible study, prayer meetings or what have you. When the saints gather, it is most surely for a purpose designed to encourage, edify and educate all who are present. What effect do you suppose that the activities a person is doing instead of assembling with the saints has on their eternity?

Beloved, it is wonderful that we show up for Sunday morning worship services. Unfortunately, that is often the only time we see some of the family. Of course it is understood that not everyone is going to be able to make it to every event held at the building, or every single small group meeting, but the difference between the attendance on Sunday and the other times of gathering is astounding. Absences during non worship times are a way of life for most, rather than an occasional incident and even absences from worship are a way of life for some. Failure to establish the relationships and receive the teaching available during the assembly can be a dangerous thing. It is often these that complain that no one comes to "check on them" when in many cases, not enough presence was established to realize that 1 was missing from 100.

We are not just the "called out" but the called together. When one misses, not only do they deny themselves others but they deny others themselves. Let us endeavor to be together on earth as we will one day be together in heaven.

Rejoicing in the Lord,

Lee