Reasons to Assemble with the Saints

INTRODUCTION.

A.        Every first day of the week, the saints assemble together in this meeting place to worship our Father in heaven. On Wednesday evenings, we also assemble for a period of study and worship.

B.        Twice a year, this local congregation conducts two extended periods of worship and learning.

1.         We engage in a week of study and worship during our summer Bible Lectureship or Gospel Meeting.

2.         In the fall, we engage in a three-day period of study and worship during our fall Gospel Meeting.

C.        This upcoming Friday will begin this year’s fall Gospel Meeting with brother Ron Buxton, of El Reno, Oklahoma.

D.        The question I have for you is this: Have you already made plans to take this wonderful opportunity to assemble with the saints of this local congregation?

1.         I realize that this year, our meeting will “compete” with the holiday known as Halloween. However, even if you are diehard “Halloweener,” surely you can rearrange you schedule to get your “Halloweening” done before worship begins.

2.         Remember, you are local folks. We are not asking you to drive an hour for the Gospel Meeting. All we are asking is for you to be here on Friday night, twice on Saturday (two services on Saturday is done only once a year), and our normal times on Sunday.

E.        With this lesson, I will propose to you five reasons you should assemble with the saints, beginning with the assembling being a time for praise.

I.         A TIME FOR PRAISE.

            A.        When saints assemble to worship God, they assemble to praise His name.

            B.        Saints (Christians) are to proclaim the praises of God. (1 Peter 2:9)

            C.        Paul told the Gentiles to praise the Lord. (Romans 15:9-11)

            D.        Let the saints assemble together to sing praises to God. (Hebrews 2:10-12)

II.       A TIME FOR THANKSGIVING.

            A.        When saints assemble together, they offer up thanks to the Father above.

            B.        Through prayer, we offer thanks to our Father in heaven. (1 Timothy 2:1-2, 8)

            C.        Paul linked giving thanks to singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. (Ephesians 5:19-20)

            D.        Thanksgiving goes along with prayers and supplications. (Philippians 4:6)

III.      A TIME FOR ADMONITION.

            A.        When saints assemble together, they are to admonish one another and to receive admonition.

            B.        Paul told the brethren to admonish one another. (Romans 15:14)

            C.        Paul told the brethren in Colosse to teach and admonish one another through songs. (Colossians 3:16)

            D.        At times, to admonish someone is to encourage them. At other times, admonishing a brother means that you are warning that brother.

IV.      A TIME FOR EDIFICATION.

            A.        Along the same lines as admonition, when saints assemble together, they are to edify (build up) one another.

            B.        Paul told the brethren in Thessalonica to edify one another. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

            C.        Paul told the brethren in Rome to pursue that which edifies the brethren. (Romans 14:19; 15:2)

            D.        Regarding the assemble, Paul said that all things were to be done unto edifying. (1 Corinthians 14:26)

            E.        Edifying a brother (building that brother up) would be in line with provoking the brother unto love and good works. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

V.        A TIME FOR LEARNING.

            A.        Building upon edification, when saints assemble together, they learn and are reminded of the word of God.

            B.        Paul told Timothy to teach the brethren to avoid that which does not lead to godly edification. (1 Timothy 1:3-4)

            C.        Paul told Timothy to instruct the brethren. (1 Timothy 4:6-11; 2 Timothy 2:2)

            D.        The work of the evangelist is to preach the word of God. (2 Timothy 4:1-5)

CONCLUSION.

A.        Five reasons for assembling with the saints are . . .

1.         It is a time for praising God.

2.         It is a time for thanking the Lord.

3.         It is a time to admonish others and to be admonished.

4.         It is a time for edification.

5.         It is a time for learning.

B.        Most congregations have three types of members regarding assembling with the saints.

1.         One group of members will do their best to be present at every assembly. With these members, it is a rarity for them to miss the services.

2.         One group of members will only attend once a week or, at best, twice a week, no matter how many sermons they hear dealing with attendance.

3.         Then there is the middle group of members who desire to assemble with the saints, but are weak and allow other affairs to interfere with their assembling with the saints. I hope and pray that this lesson has served as a means of encouragement to you and will help you to be stronger in your attendance.

C.        I look forward to seeing each and every one of you this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at our fall Gospel Meeting.

Reasons to Assemble with the Saints -- October 24, 2004 -- File # 1533 - Gospel meetings

by John M. Duvall – Lawton, OK