Why the church needs to meet together

An increasingly-connected world, the social media revolution, the global economy. Making the world an ever-smaller place.

It takes a fraction of a second to send a message from London to Sydney ... to think two hundred years ago it took four months - and with a high chance of never getting there. Today we rely heavily on internet communications and this is an integral part of our lives. But it doesn't govern everything.

Sometimes you need to be with a person ... and, well, Facebook is not enough.

The great apostle John said, in 2nd John verse 12,

Having many things to write to you, I don't want to do so with paper and ink, but I hope to come to you, and to speak face to face, that our joy may be made full.

I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen; but I hope to see you soon, and we will speak face to face. ...

John knew the importance of being there, face-to-face.

And, see this:

If anyone among you thinks himself to be religious while he doesn't bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, this man's religion is worthless. Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
(James chapter 1, verses 26-27)

Sometimes, the wealthy are very generous in giving to worthy causes. Some work extremely hard and long hours, give much away, but never make personal connections with the ones they wish to help. This isn't good. People in need don't just need our ‘long-distance’ assistance or our money. They need ... us!

The Bible teaches that christian mutual encouragement involves meeting together -

Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching.
(Hebrews chapter 10, verses 24-25)

First, note from the passage that it is a command for us to meet together.

• Also note how the communion - remembering the Lord's death with the bread and the wine - is done as an assembly (Acts 20:7)

Second, we see the power of encouragement and lifting each other up which can only come from being together.

Third, consider:

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
(Matthew chapter 18 verse 20)

There are only a few reasons where it wouldn't apply: such as serious illness, incapacitation, or being held in prison. And so, what if a brother or sister is seriously unable to attend meetings? I submit:

• Often in these cases we visit them after worship and bring them the communion, so that they may silently take of the bread and the fruit of the vine ... then we leave ...
• I submit this is wrong! Rather, we ought to be giving of our time to have a complete service with them, including singing and Bible, if at all possible. And we should spend further time in fellowship with them! - Otherwise, we are robbing them of their God-given right.

Read how early church was eager to meet as much as they could!

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, according as any man had need. And day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people ...
(Acts chapter 2, verses 42-47)

Through the difficult times, and the wonderful times - do I want the Lord to be with me? Or would a ‘long-distance’ relationship be sufficient? Of course I want Him to be with me, right near me!

And God wants this of His children also. To be right there, with Him, and also with one another.

We urge you to find a Biblical church you are able to get to.

The importance of a church practising the right things cannot be overestimated; neither can the importance of meeting with them.