Assemblies of the Saints
Many churches have corporate assemblies a few times throughout the week. Hopefully, individually or in groups Christians have the opportunity to see each other socially or spiritually outside of such assemblies. Statistically, sound, in depth, examination of scripture where the bible student is able to ultimately articulate the purpose of scripture with understanding is directly related to their attendance of Christian assemblies. The weaker and less challenging scriptural examinations are, the more dismal the retention. People want to know their God, understand their purpose, and know how they can engage. If they feel they have a role or bond, their involvement increases. This is true for all ages. If you want to retain, truly train. People who are challenged and learning want to gather more and walk in the light. History demonstrates this. They also seek out those of like mind for reasons beyond worship and study. They do so for encouragement, comfort, and a fellowship of life.
Peter and the apostles shared the gospel on the day of Pentecost. Thousands heard and responded, to the gospel call. As Jews were converted to Christianity, they were excited. They wanted to talk and share this moment with others! So, they willingly spent day after day listening to teaching at the temple and discussing these amazing times over meals at their homes. No one commanded them to assemble together like this, they did it because they were in awe of the moment (Acts 2:42-47). Their minds were engaged with the joy of Christianity. The yoke was easy; the burden was light.
Historically, Jesus rose on the first day of the week (Mark 16:9). He had told his disciples to remember Him in the partaking of fruit of the vine and unleavened bread (Luke 22:19). This commanded practice was observed by the first century Church on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). It was discussed by the apostle Paul in I Corinthians 11 and the day became known as the Lord’s day (Revelation 1:10). Writings outside of scripture by Ignatius, Irenaeus, Origen, Justin Martyr, Clement, and others noted the first day assembly and partaking of the Lord’s supper. Durations of these gatherings were from brief to lengthy and occurred in either morning or night. The Christian practice to gather to remember Christ on the first day of the week is the only specific example of a time to gather given in scripture. All others were based upon choice or chance. The yoke was easy; the burden was light.
The writings of Pliny the younger (112 A.D.) suggest Sunday evening gatherings of Christians to share meals were occurring, but no second study or worship time on the first day of the week. Following this time frame, the Church of England was noted as having afternoon services on Sundays in the 1600s. When the puritans came to American during this era, they held second services. They practiced it and considered themselves more pious than those churches who did not gather a second time. How much have times not changed! Americans began to regularly have evening meetings in the 1800s as gas lamps became available. WWII introduced 24/7 work schedules and this brought about many evening assemblies. After this time though, evening assemblies began to decline. Even with innovations such as “Life Groups” the trend proceeded downward. Second or third assemblies on the first day of the week have not been a prevalent occurrence throughout history, nor did the Lord or His apostles every mandate such. The yoke was easy; the burden was light.
Midweek gatherings are evident in the immediate aftermath of the day of Pentecost. Acts 2:46 and Acts 5:42 record the excitement of the people and the work of the apostles. People would later gather together over persecution or need such as a lack of food. Beyond this timeframe, it is recorded that during the middle ages, monks would gather for evening and morning prayer. In the heart of the restoration movement (1500s), John Calvin held midweek meetings. In the 1800’s, D.L. Moody and others held mid-week prayer meetings and preaching assemblies. Circuit preachers and tent meetings brought about many mid-week services. As with the Sunday evening services, WWII saw the increase in many mid-week assemblies by women whose husbands were off to war. However, when the men returned, mid-week and second Sunday services again fell off and have been on the decline for decades. Consciously or unconsciously, this was a closer return to the first century. The yoke was easy; the burden was light.
The increase in gathering with WWII has been mentioned a couple of times so far. The time frame was one of peril or potential peril. Family life was disrupted. Lives were lost. Faith was challenged. Times were threatening. The unique times drew people together. In the first century, close to 70 AD, the Hebrew writer spoke of coming persecution. Prophecy had pointed its finger at that time. In Hebrews 10:24-25, the call was for the Jewish saints to assemble together more frequently as the danger of that day grew near. Spend time with one another, love one another, encourage one another, help one another. Do not let one another forget who Christ is and why He died. Do not turn back to Judaism in the face of this great threat. This was not a command for more corporate worship. This was a call to assemble in any way possible with Christians who may not be alive much longer due to the threat of the Roman armies. Lift them up, do not let them leave the faith. In times of trial or persecution, modern day Christians should likewise seek out one another for social and spiritual strength as first century Christians were encouraged.
When taking a peek at history, services beyond the commanded first day of the week to remember Jesus in the Lord’s Supper have always been optional and based upon time and conditions. There will always be those who feel that gathering more frequently makes them more pious than others. There will always be those like the Pharisees or Boston movement who want to regulate every part of a Christian’s life with the nice sounding theme of “it’s for your own good”. However, no individual or group of individuals has the authority to bind or lose what God has not already done so in heaven. Do not allow guilt to be laid upon your shoulders by mandates of fleshly motives. If you desire to assemble more frequently with fellow Christians in small groups or large, socially or spiritually, in homes or central locations, may God bless you in your walk. Do not neglect what God has commanded and embrace with joy what He has left to your free will.