MEETING TOGETHER AS THE BIBLE SAYS

In the Bible, Jesus Christ met together often with his disciples (Luke 11:1; Mark 6:31-32; Luke 22:14). In aspiring to be like our Lord and Savior, the Bible says: “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” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

THE EARLY CHRISTIANS MET TOGETHER

The New Testament testify of God’s people assembling together. They met together in the Temple, and went from house to house fellowshipping, breaking bread, and praying to God and for one another (Acts 2:42; 12:5).  They Met for worship and communion (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). Came together to encouraged and built one another other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Coming together and having everything in common, they shared their possessions and goods and supported each other In various ways (Acts 2:44-45).

 And collectively, working together, they effectively spread the gospel of Christ Jesus at home and abroad, so unbelievers might be saved. The apostle Paul, who established and wrote letters to many churches telling them to assemble together, also visited and assembled together with them. (Acts and other writings of Paul).

REASONS GIVEN BY SOME TODAY FOR NOT MEETING TOGETHER

A Pew Research reports on reasons people gave for not regularly going to church:

• 28% say they do not go because they are not believers. These are highly educated.
• Among self-identified Christians  the predominant reason is  “they practice their faith in other ways .”
• They “haven’t found a church or house of worship they like.”
• They “dislike the sermons.”
• They “do not feel welcome at religious services.”
• One in four (26%) cites logistical reasons for not going to religious meetings, such as “not having enough time or being in poor health.

BLESSINGS THAT MAY COME FROM OUR MEETING TOGETHER

Absent pandemics, the following are apparently some ways our coming together with others believers that would please God, while benefiting us and others: 

• Meeting and working collectively, we may be  supportive of one another in showing Christ’s love, and being more effective in sharing the good news of salvation to unbelievers, like those in the Pew Research.
• If they do not respond to our invitation to come to church worship services, we could perhaps invite them to situations that may be more to their liking—gatherings to eat, Christian plays, movies, musicals, sports, home Bible studies, etc.
• In meeting and praying together, the Spirit may decide who among us to send to help someone with a need. He might send some of us to visit someone who  is sick and need encouragement (Acts 13:2). We might take them gifts they would appreciate. If they are amenable, we might read suitable Bible psalms or scriptures to them.  
• As led by the Spirit, we might assist them in other ways, or help members of their family, including children, with some of their needs. God draws people with love and kindness (Jeremiah 31:3; John 3:16).

MEETING TOGETHER IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE BIBLE

It seems many Christians today communicate with others via social media, but without physically meeting together. I also use social media to communicate with others about our Lord. This is a good way of contacting many people, believers and nonbelievers, regarding Jesus Christ, who might not otherwise be reached. However, I also physically meet  together with other believers, for I am convinced the Scripture tells us to do this (Hebrews 10:25). I have relocated several times, and each time through praying to the Lord, he has led me to places where I could meet and fellowship together with Spirit-filled believers (1 John 5:14-15). 

God always knows what is best for us. He gave his only begotten sinless Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us while we were still sinners and did not know him (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). Although we do not always know what is best for us, by trusting and complying with God’s biblical Word, he will lead us in the right path to growing us into the likeness of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ (Proverbs 3:5-6; Romans 8:29).