Topic(s):  Christian Life, Church

Todd Clippard

A look at the history of the early church assembling together in the New Testament should help us answer this question.

Of the very first church, it is said "they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together . . . Acts 2:42-44

Acts 20:7 -- "And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread . . . "

1 Corinthians 11:18-20 -- the church came together in one place.

Hebrews 2:12 -- "I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee . . ."

Hebrews 10:25 -- Forsaking not the assembling of yourselves together.

God's church is a body made up of many members. Each local congregation is designed by God to function together. Assembling alone at one's house defeats the purposes of assembling together.

I think these verses show the need to assemble together with those of like precious faith. If one were physically unable to be present at the assemblies, this would be a different matter altogether. But to intentionally absent oneself from the assembly is not what God intends for His children.