Act 2:40-47 (NASB)
"And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation!" So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved."
Why do we gather together on Sunday morning?
Heb 10:23-25 (NASB)
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near"
- Our hearts and minds are renewed, refreshed, upon hearing messages and teachings from those appointed with spiritual gifts.
- Our hearts are gladdened by joining together in praise and worship, in song and in prayer.
- We are held and seen accountable by our brothers and sisters
- Frequent gathering serves to strengthen and discipline us in our faith, we are designed as a corporate body of believers to share and strengthen each other. We have different gifts and the "church" works when all gifts are utilized.
- We are reminded of the needs of our bothers and sisters, not only here, but those who are far off
- We are reminded of the needs and sufferings of the world
- We learn new concepts, scriptures and understandings that otherwise might not come to mind so readily and easily. We are exhorted, as the Body of Christ, to cling to the truth.
- God enjoys the praises of his people and we are able to join in the praises of our fellow believers
- It is a Christian tradition
- Gathering with like minded believers pleases God.
"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."
1 Timothy 4:13 (NASB)
"Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching."
2 Timothy 4:1-4 (NASB)
"I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths."
Romans 12:2-8 (NASB)
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness."
Psalm 150 (NASB)
"Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty expanse.
Praise Him for His mighty deeds; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.
Praise Him with trumpet sound; Praise Him with harp and lyre.
Praise Him with timbrel and dancing; Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe.
Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!"
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