Would You Make Plans To Attend?

by Micky Galloway

In the Bible we have accounts of gatherings of the people of God for various reasons, reasons that were good and with divine approval. Any gathering approved of God should have the approval and support of all of God's people. Let us examine some of these assemblies that God approved and as we do please keep before you these questions: “If you had lived then, would you have been there?” “Would you and your family have been there?” “Would you make plans to attend these meetings?”

A meeting to read God's word. In Nehemiah 8:1-8 the people assembled from early morning until midday to hear God's word read to them. When Ezra opened the book of the law all the people stood up as Ezra read. They reverenced the occasion to hear God's word. The Jews had a similar service every sabbath. Jesus, our example, attended regularly (Luke 4:16). Would you have made plans to attend an assembly where God's word was read and studied?

A meeting on the first day of the week to break bread. In Acts 20:7 the disciples did not come together to exalt a famous personality, but to break bread. God is not pleased when the crowds gather to exalt a great preacher, but rather to hear and obey that which is preached. Would you have been in this assembly or would you have been entertaining company that day? Perhaps the whole family would have been absent from this assembly because all stayed home with one ailing member (Cf. Hebrews 10:25; Titus 2:14; 3:1).

A meeting to settle a controversy. There have always been controversial subjects. In Acts 15 the issue is stated clearly in verses 1-3. The problem involved the question of circumcising Gentiles and requiring them to keep the law. Those who taught error had their say (verses 5-7), then Peter, James, Paul, and Barnabas spoke revealing what God's will was on this matter (verses 8-9, 12, 22). Would you have been there to study this controversial issue? Perhaps in spite of announcements and pleadings by the apostles and elders, you would have stayed away claiming “It really doesn't make all that much difference anyway.” Let us be warned against this kind of drifting (Hebrews 2:1-3; Acts 20:29-30).

A meeting for prayer. In Acts 12:12 Peter, after being miraculously released from prison, “came to the house of Mary the mother of John … where many were gathered together and were praying.” James had been martyred by Herod and Peter had been condemned to die. These disciples understood the power of prayer. They did not just offer a brief prayer at home, but came together and apparently continued until late. Would you have been at such a gathering for prayer? Perhaps you would have remained at home or gone to some place of entertainment.

What about a gospel meeting? In Acts 10:23-33 Cornelius had called together his kinsmen and his near friends to “hear all things that have been commanded thee of the Lord.” Cornelius had sent to Joppa to bring Peter to Caesarea that he might preach the gospel. Cornelius had made considerable effort to be present and to assure the presence of others for this important occasion.

Joe Price will begin today a gospel meeting next week, continuing all week (November 3-8). He is prepared to study with us some very vital subjects. Will you plan to be here to “hear all things that have been commanded thee of the Lord”? Remember, failing to plan is planning to fail!