Assembling

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (KJV)

There are a number of specific instructions given to mankind in the New Testament. Men and women are to believe (I John 3:16-23), repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38), grow in the faith (Hebrews 6:1-3), and a number of other things. One of these commands is to assemble. Or rather, we are forbidden from not assembling. The churches that we read about in the Bible met with much regularity. Acts 20:7-12 shows a church meeting on the first day of the week to partake of the Lord's Supper. Acts 2:46 shows that Christians met almost constantly (Not just a 2-3 times a week, but daily! How many today would be willing to assemble daily, I wonder?). The Lord has given us several purposes for the assembly, and if we choose not to gather together, we do not properly fulfill these tasks.

One of the more obvious purposes of the assembly is worship. While the assembly is not the sole worship we should offer to the Lord, it is one of the forms of worship required of the Christian. Acts 13:1-2, among other passages, shows this. If a person chooses to forsake the assembly, they choose to forsake one of the forms of worship required by the Almighty God.

Another clear purpose to the assembly is to learn and teach. I Timothy 4:13 is a command to public reading and teaching of scripture. Ephesians 5:18-21 and Colossians 3:16 are both passages which show how we are to teach one another in song. Most of the time we are assembled is spent teaching each other in one way or another. If we choose not to assemble ourselves, we choose to not teach or learn in this way. Much as forsaking the assembly is forbidden, lack of knowledge in regard to God's will is condemned.
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

Hosea 4:6 (KJV)

The assembly also serves as an encouragement. It can be difficult, at times, to truly serve Christ. Christians are often faced with discouragements and obstacles. Assembling with the saints, knowing that others face the same troubles, and helping one another through these trials is of great benefit. By his associations with other Christians, the apostle Paul was greatly encouraged (Romans 1:12, II Corinthians 7:4, Colossians 2:2, etc.). Moreover, not only will a person leave encouraged, but will encourage and strengthen others. In this way, through the assembly, we help others live a Christ-like life, that more may have eternal life.

Sometimes people have legitimate reasons to not be at the assembly (Luke 14:5), but more often than not is seems that people are willing to seize any excuse to forsake the assembly. In so doing, a number of people are caused hurt.

First, you hurt yourself by choosing to forsake the assembly. You choose to give up teaching and learning, encouragement, and choose to not worship the Lord as He wants to be worshiped. Rather than building up your strength and growing as a Christians, over time you will instead be weakened, even to the point of falling away from Christ (Galatians 5:4).

Second, you hurt others in the congregation. Instead of being an encouragement, the brethren are discouraged by the absence of those who choose not to assemble. Instead of being encouraged, the preacher and song leader are discouraged by a lack of care for God's word. Instead of having your knowledge shared with them, the brethren receive less teaching.

Third, if you have a family, you hurt them. Your children do not learn to place Christ in their lives as a priority, but rather as something that can be skipped when it seems inconvenient, and are discouraged in the faith (Colossians 3:20). The same if you have an unbelieving spouse. Your extended family will often see a lack of assembling as a lack of focus on Christ, perhaps even to the point of seeing it as hypocrisy. You do your family no favors by choosing to not assemble each and every time.

Fourth, you hurt the work of the local congregation. In the assembly, there are fewer who will take part. In growth, many will look at the church and see one that is dwindling, not growing, and so not take the time to learn God's word.

We cannot pick and choose which of the Lord's commands we obey. The command to assemble is as binding on us the Lord's commands to believe, love, and obey. In choosing to not assemble, we choose to disregard the Lord's command and we choose to discourage and place a stumbling block in front of others.

Fallen Outside the Promised Land

The book of Exodus and the first dozen or so chapters of Numbers record the time when the Israelites left their captivity and slavery in Egypt and marched towards the promised land of Canaan. Before leaving Egypt they saw first hand the awesome power of the Almighty in the plagues against Egypt. When they were leaving their servitude they were exposed to God's power and protection when they crossed the Red Sea on dry land. Along the way they were led by God by means of pillars of fire and cloud. Along the way they were given God's commandments. Along the way they saw evidence of God's displeasure with idolatry and rebellion. In the thirteenth chapter of Numbers, a dozen spies are sent into Canaan to search out the land. They returned with reports and evidence of a bountiful land, where the people of Israel could be richly blessed. Ten of the spies also returned with reports of the mighty men in the land. And in Numbers 14:1-10 Israel refuses to enter the promised land. As punishment for their rebellion against the Lord, they are caused to wander for 40 years in the wilderness until every one of them over the ave of 20, except for Joshua and Caleb, died and fell in the wilderness, outside of the promised land that they had come so close to reaching.

It is sometimes difficult for us to understand how the Israelites could have reacted that way. After all, they had been continually exposed to God's awesome power and protection. They had been shown the wrath of God against those who chose to rebel against Him. They had long known that the land had been promised to them. And yet they chose to not enter the promised land! And we look at it and marvel at their unwillingness.

Yet how often do we, and those around us, display the same attitude, and so fall outside of the promised land?

Israel knew they had been promised the land, and all they had to do was be willing to follow the Lord's instructions. Christians are likewise given such a promise. Christians have the promise of a heavenly country. (Hebrews 11:13-16) This promise, the promise of heaven and eternal life in the presence of God, is a great and precious promise. (II Peter1:4) And all we have to do is be willing to put our faith in the Lord and do the small acts required of us. So many will fall short of entering the promised land because of their unwillingness to submit obediently to the will of God.

Many balk at the idea of true repentance (Acts 3:19, 17:30): of putting the old man to death and putting on Christ. (Colossians 3:9, Galatians 3:27) Instead, many want to remain in their sinful lives, enjoying the passing pleasures of sin, yet still grasping salvation. Because of their continued walking in sin (whether it be gambling, drinking sexual immorality, foul language, greed, or any other sin), they will fall in the wilderness, never reaching the promised land that they might otherwise be so close to.
Many more refuse to submit to the Lord in baptism. (Acts 2:38, 22:16; John 2:5; I Peter 3:21) There any number of passages in the New Testament which teach that it is necessary to be baptized (that is, immersed) in order to have sin washed away and be granted salvation. Just as so many Israelites refused to obediently submit to God and fell in the wilderness, so will those who refuse to submit to the Lord in baptism.

Many fail to remain faithful to the Lord. (Matthew 24:13; Revelation 2:10) Many are appeased by being told that it is impossible to surrender salvation once the Lord has granted it. It is certainly true that nothing can forcibly separate us from this gift that has been granted. (John 10:28; Romans 8:39) It is also certainly true, however, that any person may choose to turn his or her back on God and surrender the gift that they have received. (Luke 8:13; Hebrews 6:6) Just as many of those among Israel's number had been faithful to the Lord for a time, but then turned aside and fell in the wilderness, many today will serve faithfully for a time, only to fall short of the promised land.

Just as most of those who were accountable fell in the wilderness, so most today will fall short and perish. (Matthew 7:14; Luke 13:22-25) The only alternative to this is to be like Joshua and Caleb. If we wish to enter the promised land, we must be wholeheartedly trusting and faithful. We must be willing to submit to the commands of the Lord, even when it is most difficult. Like the other ten spies, Joshua and Caleb saw the sons of Anak and the fortified cities. But unlike the other spies and the rest of the Israelites, they had the faith to do what was required of them to receive the promise.

Imagine the way it must have felt to be an Israelite and be told that although you had come so far and gotten so close to the promise, you had fallen short and would perish without ever setting foot in Canaan. If you do not faithfully obey the Lord, you will find yourself in much the same place come judgment day. It is with this in mind that the Hebrew writer warns Christians to live faithfully. (Hebrews 3:7-4:10) Moreover, the writer tells us exactly when we must be willing to place our faith in the Lord and serve Him obediently. In Hebrews 3:7-11, Hebrews 3:15, and Hebrews 4:7, three times in this short passage, the Hebrew writer states that today is the day.

You are not guaranteed another day. You are not guaranteed so much as another minute. And so it is important to examine yourself and see which path you are following. Is your life reflective of those who fell in the wilderness? Is your faith less than wholehearted? Is your faith and trust in the Lord weak and incomplete? Are you unwilling to obediently serve the Lord when it is difficult or appears perilous? Or are you more similar to Joshua and Caleb? Are you wholeheartedly following the Lord, putting complete trust in Him and His power? Are you willing to follow the Lord even when it is tough and everyone else around you opposes you?

When the Lord returns and many enter the promised land, will you be one of those permitted to enter? Or will you perish, having fallen in the wilderness and never able to enter the land of rest?

Some Lesser Known Judges

Beside the better known judges of Israel such as Gideon, Deborah, and Samson, there are some judges for whom only scant information is given, with some given only one short verse about them in scripture. Nonetheless, there are lessons we can learn from these leaders and saviors of Israel.

And after him came Shamgar the son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad; and he also saved Israel.

Judges 3:31 (NASB)

An oxgoad is essentially a pointed stick. Shamgar struck down 600 Philistines with such a tool. If we learn no other lesson, we should see the power of God in this. It is certainly not usual for a man, no matter how physically strong he may be, to defeat 600 men with a pointed stick. Only by the power of God would Shamgar have been able to accomplish this.

Now after Abimelech died, Tola the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar, arose to save Israel; and he lived in Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim. And he judged Israel twenty-three years. Then he died and was buried in Shamir.

Judges 10:1-2 (NASB)

Throughout Israelite history, the Israelites often found themselves confronted by larger and better equipped armies. Often when this happened, battle would be waged out of the hill country of Ephraim, where a smaller army could hide, strike from, and wage a guerrilla war against their oppressors. It seems perhaps that Tola waged such a war, and by it saved Israel. Again, the hand of God is seen in this. It also appears that Tola remained local in his work, and did not seek greater glory by moving from Shamir to a larger city or more prominent location.

And after him, Jair the Gileadite arose, and judged Israel twenty-two years. And he had thirty sons who rode on thirty donkeys, and they had thirty cities in the land of Gilead that are called Havvoth-jair to this day. And Jair died and was buried in Kamon.

Judges 10:3-4 (NASB)

With Jair we can learn a lesson in influence. Jair had 30 sons who in turn ruled over 30 cities, which became known as the cities of Jair. Through Jair's influence over and upbringing of his sons, and because of his son's prominent positions, the influence of Jair was felt by a great many people. We each have influence on others in our lives, and it is important that we influence people to follow after the Lord, and not after the things of this world.

Now Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel after him. And he had thirty sons, and thirty daughters whom he gave in marriage outside the family, and he brought in thirty daughters from outside for his sons. And he judged Israel seven years. Then Ibzan died and was buried in Bethlehem.

Judges 12:8-10 (NASB)

We learn a lesson from Ibzan regarding who can accomplish great things for the glory of God. Bethlehem was never a major city, with few people of great repute (most notably David and of course Jesus the Christ) being associated with the city. Nonetheless, Ibzan came from Bethlehem, apparently remained in Bethlehem, and nonetheless worked the Lord's work. We also see again the way one man can influence many. Through the marriages of his children to men and women from outside the clan, he would have expanded his influence, and been able to use this as a means to turn people back to God.

Now Elon the Zebulunite judged Israel after him; and he judged Israel ten years. Then Elon the Zebulunite died and was buried at Aijalon in the land of Zebulun.

Judges 12:11-12 (NASB)

When great heroes of the Bible are remembered, few are from Zebulun. Zebulun was a region often associated with idolatry and intermarriage with those outside of God's chosen people. Nonetheless, God selected Elon the Zebulunite to lead Israel. No matter how humble our origins may be, all can be effective in furthering the Lord's work.

Now Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite judged Israel after him. And he had forty sons and thirty grandsons who rode on seventy donkeys; and he judged Israel eight years. Then Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite died and was buried at Pirathon in the land of Ephraim, in the hill country of the Amalekites.

Judges 12:13-15 (NASB)

In Abdon we see something of an opposite to Elon. Here is a man who seems to be a man of standing and wealth. Rather than choosing to set his heart on such earthly treasures, Abdom led Israel according to God's will. Again, it appears that war was waged in the hill country. This time by a man who it seems would have given up much to engage in such an activity. We cannot allow possessions or the things of this world to keep us from doing the Lord's work.

What Did Other Bible People Teach About Baptism?

In recent weeks we have briefly examined what was taught about baptism by Jesus and by two of His apostles, Peter and Paul. This week we will consider what others in the New Testament taught regarding baptism as the conclusion of this series of articles.

And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Acts 22:16 (KJV)

These were some of the words spoken to Paul by Ananias when Paul was converted. The account is first found in Acts 9. The Lord gave instructions to Ananias to go to Paul, and Ananias complied. In speaking to Paul these things, Ananias did as the Lord wanted. And what the Lord commanded was baptism. Ananias was not instructing baptism because he though it was a neat idea, but because it was the Lord's will.

We also see in these instructions that baptism washes away sins. Baptism is not something done as a symbol that one has already had his or her sins removed, but is faithful obedience to have sins removed by God.

This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

Acts 18:25-26 (KJV)

This passage, if nothing else, should certainly show the importance of baptism and of holding a correct understanding of baptism. Apollos was a man who was dedicated, zealous, and knowledgeable. However, his understanding of baptism was not what is should have been. This was important enough that Aquila and Priscilla found it necessary to explain the Lord's instructions on baptism to him. An incomplete or incorrect understanding or teaching on baptism is unacceptable to the Lord, and it should be unacceptable to those who diligently strive to serve Christ.

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

Matthew 3:13-14 (KJV)

John had, of course, been teaching and practicing what was described as the baptism of John. One of the things worth noting in this passage is what John expresses here: the need to be baptized. He didn't state that it would be preferable to be baptized by Christ, but expressed need. In this passage we see that Christ found it necessary to be baptized. We see that John expresses that baptism is necessary. The conclusion that should be easily reached is that baptism is, in fact, necessary.

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.

Hebrews 6:1-3 (KJV)

The Hebrew writer, in giving instructions on first principles, included doctrine (teaching) on baptism. When we consider the essential nature of repentance (Acts 2:38, II Peter 3:9), of faith (Hebrews 11:6), of the apostles laying on hands (Acts 8:4-24), of the resurrection (I Corinthians 15) and of God's judgment and the eternal consequences thereof (Matthew 25:32-46), it should become clear that baptism is as important and essential.

Moreover, as it is included as one of the first principles, one of the few thing specifically so named in the Bible, we should all be able to come to an understanding and acceptance of it relatively quickly and easily. It should not be a subject in which we spend years of study to understand: it is something that we should be able to grasp and then obey. Some would seem to require great effort and diligence in explaining why the things stated in Scripture about baptism are not to be taken at face value and as they are most naturally and easily understood. The Holy Spirit, through the inspired writer, tells us that it is one of the basics and easily understood.

We have considered what Jesus Christ, the Son of God, taught and practiced regarding baptism. We have briefly looked at what one of His apostles, Peter, taught and practiced when it came to baptism. We examined the apostle Paul's instructions and obedience to baptism. And this week we have looked at what was taught and done by other Christians. Hopefully this series of articles has been of benefit in understanding the nature and purpose of baptism, and in instructing others in what the word of God has to say on such an important subject.