THE BENEFITS OF ASSEMBLING

We live in a world where technology affords us opportunities to do things quickly and easily, many times with little to no help from others. We have smartphones and tablets that we can use to get the latest information on any given topic, without having to ask anyone. If we want to connect with someone, we can use our devices to do so, and when we call them, instead of just hearing a voice, we can also see them ‘face to face.’ Technology is a good thing, but it also could make us think we do not need to gather with other Christians. The New Testament instructs us of the importance of assembling with the local church. The Hebrew writer warned that we must “not [forsake] the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). Since the Word of God is timeless and true, this not only applied to Christians during the time this was written, but it also applies to us today. So, the question is: despite all the advances that enable us to go solo, why should Christians assemble? What are the benefits of assembling ourselves together? I am so glad you asked! Now, let us notice some important benefits of assembling with the Saints of God.

One important benefit of assembling with the Saints is Encouragement. This ought to be the first point we consider since it is mentioned in the immediate context about not forsaking the assembly. In the prior verse, the Hebrews writer said, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,” (Hebrews 10:24). How do we stir up one another in this way? We do so by not forsaking our own assembling together. We assemble so we can encourage one another. Encouragement is reciprocal. We assemble to be encouraged by our brethren, but we do not simply attend for our own benefit. Through our attendance and participation, we can also be an encouragement to our brethren. However, the opposite of that is also true. By not attending, we are being a discouragement to our brethren! We must remember that each person has had different experiences during the previous week and will have to encounter other types of challenges in the upcoming week. These tests can sometimes cause us to get discouraged, so we are to build one another up as we face them (Hebrews 3:12-13; 1 Corinthians 15:58). Assembling ourselves together is a way for each of us to get the strength we need to face these tests (1 Peter 5:8-9; James 1:2-4). The encouragement we can receive by coming together and sharing with one another is invaluable.

Another important benefit of assembling with the Saints is Evangelism. From time to time, there will be visitors that come into our assemblies. Many times, these visitors are not Christians. Often, they come by invitation of a family member, friend, or co-worker who is a member of the congregation. Occasionally someone from the community will visit, not knowing anyone in the group. Paul wrote to the Corinthians and mentioned occasions in which visitors might come into their assemblies (1 Corinthians 14:23-25). He said that this was an opportunity for them to be taught which would hopefully lead them to become followers of God. Evangelism is certainly not the primary purpose of the assembly. Neither is the assembly the primary method we ought to use to reach the lost (Matthew 28:19-20). However, opportunities do present themselves there. It is important that we assemble with the Saints so that when these opportunities arise, we might be able to help these visitors. We will also be able to show them an example of commitment – that we really do take our service to God seriously and make it a priority!

Lastly, one important benefit of assembling is Edification. When we assemble ourselves together, we can learn from one another. Yes, we can certainly listen to a sermon or teaching online, but there’s nothing like sitting next to someone hearing the message or teaching and seeing the light bulbs of realization come on. When we are in Sunday morning or Wednesday night Bible classes, we can share our experiences, which help us to better see how the Word of God can be applied to our lives today. We can ask questions about what we are learning (something we cannot do listening to an online lesson), and others can help reinforce the lessons in our minds. The assembling of Christians is a vital context for spiritual growth and edification (1 Peter 2:1-3). Ephesians 4:11-13 explains that Christ gave various gifts to the church “for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…” Through teaching, preaching, and working, the assembly serves as a means for Christians to grow in their faith and knowledge of God.

As we have seen from the New Testament, the assembling of a local church is both important and beneficial. As the Hebrew writer said, do not forsake the assembly. Take advantage of every opportunity to meet with your brethren in the assemblies of the local church. Yes, I understand that life can get busy, and technology gives us the opportunity to hear God’s Word wherever we may be, but nothing can replace Christians coming together to fellowship with each other, encourage each other, learn together, and pray for one another (Acts 2:42-47). So, I encourage you today to put your electronic devices away, get up, and go assemble with the Saints of God. I promise that you’ll be blessed by the experience and will be able to share that blessing with others. I hope to see you in service soon!

Tobias Hatchett