Do Not Forsake Assembling Together

It seems that in today’s technological and fast-paced age, the church assembled is still a reality, but not the priority it was in previous days. The author Hebrews clearly instructs believers to exhort one another day after day, and not to forsake assembling as biblical communities, so that we will not be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin (Heb. 3:12-13; 10:25-27). While going to a church service once a week to worship in song, to hear the Word preached, and to participate in the ordinances is better than nothing at all, it must also be admitted that this is not sufficient. God’s people were not made to be mere passive observers; instead we should be involved in the details of one another’s lives. There should be a rejoicing with rejoice, and a weeping with those who weep. There should be celebration of God’s grace, and exhortation regarding the manifestation of sin. There should be love and a mutual pursuit of holiness. There should be mutual mission and a desire to minister in specific and varied ways. These kinds of things are what should constitute the life of the church, and that may involve delving more deeply into the life of God’s people than one has previously. But it is worthwhile, knowing the church serves as an important means for the perseverance of our faith. Owen reminds us of this fact and encourages us to live in community and know His people well.

By God’s all-wise appointment, our assemblies are the food and the nourishment of our souls. It is the main way whereby we publicly identify with Christ and His Gospel. We evidence our love for Christ by our loyalty and support of one another in opposition to all false worship. Many things will rise up in competition to the diligent attendance of our assemblies. We must recognize and refuse to give into anything that is opposed to what Christ commands. The total falling away of a graceless professor always begins with this neglect, this disassociation with God’s people.

Jeremy Kimble (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Assistant Professor of Theological Studies at Cedarville University. He is an editor for Credo Magazine as well as the author of That His Spirit May Be Saved: Church Discipline as a Means to Repentance and Perseverance and numerous book reviews. He is married to Rachel and has two children, Hannah and Jonathan.