The Worship Assembly: A Time of Encouragement
In our last segment, we looked at worship as a lifestyle. While it is true that worship is something that every Christian offers to God daily, there clearly are times where worship is a corporate experience. The importance of Christians assembling together is underscored by the fact that the word of God tells us to not forsake our habit of assembling together (Hebrews 10:25). A major point of emphasis in the passage is often overlooked as people generally are focused on the command: do not forsake the assembly. The point is that when Christians assemble they are to receive encouragement from one another (Hebrews 10:23-25). The idea of mutually encouraging one another necessarily involves community within the body of believers.
Encouragement in spiritual formation and discipleship is accomplished within the body of believers, the family of God. As Christians, we are members of the body of Christ. Every aspect of our life as a Christian is a body issue. Being a part of the body necessitates community. We are a society of believers in Jesus Christ: the Jesus society. The community of people around us is the incubator in which we grow. The depth and quality of our growth will depend on the community that surrounds us.
A vital part of community is the encouragement Christians receive from one another.
One specific arena of encouragement is the assembly. But how is encouragement to take place in an assembly. First, Christians ought to greet one another warmly. The common way for Christians in the first century to greet one another was with a “holy kiss.” Whether we literally kiss one another or not, we should openly greet one another in such a way as to convey love, honor, and joy towards the brother or sister who is greeted.
Another way Christians are encouraged in worship assemblies is the atmosphere, ambience, or environment of the occasion. I am not speaking of the building where the assembly takes place, but rather the interest level, enthusiasm, and spirituality of the worship service. Christians should let others know by their actions that they are excited to be at worship. The way we speak, sing, pray, teach, and greet one another, all indicate whether the event is one that encourages others or not. Let’s be honest, some assemblies are anything but encouraging.
Our worship services should be a natural extension of who we are, and what we have been doing throughout our week. If we have been praising God and serving Him all week, it is a very natural thing to gather together with others and join our spirits in worshipping God. If we have connected with one another during the week through bible study groups, prayer meetings, conversations about the Lord and His work, and serving one another, we will joyously assemble together to lift up the name of our Lord Jesus, and celebrate all He does in our lives.
It is encouraging to come together and share the greatness, glory, and goodness of Jesus in us.
Encouragement in spiritual formation and discipleship is accomplished within the body of believers, the family of God. As Christians, we are members of the body of Christ. Every aspect of our life as a Christian is a body issue. Being a part of the body necessitates community. We are a society of believers in Jesus Christ: the Jesus society. The community of people around us is the incubator in which we grow. The depth and quality of our growth will depend on the community that surrounds us.
A vital part of community is the encouragement Christians receive from one another.
One specific arena of encouragement is the assembly. But how is encouragement to take place in an assembly. First, Christians ought to greet one another warmly. The common way for Christians in the first century to greet one another was with a “holy kiss.” Whether we literally kiss one another or not, we should openly greet one another in such a way as to convey love, honor, and joy towards the brother or sister who is greeted.
Another way Christians are encouraged in worship assemblies is the atmosphere, ambience, or environment of the occasion. I am not speaking of the building where the assembly takes place, but rather the interest level, enthusiasm, and spirituality of the worship service. Christians should let others know by their actions that they are excited to be at worship. The way we speak, sing, pray, teach, and greet one another, all indicate whether the event is one that encourages others or not. Let’s be honest, some assemblies are anything but encouraging.
Our worship services should be a natural extension of who we are, and what we have been doing throughout our week. If we have been praising God and serving Him all week, it is a very natural thing to gather together with others and join our spirits in worshipping God. If we have connected with one another during the week through bible study groups, prayer meetings, conversations about the Lord and His work, and serving one another, we will joyously assemble together to lift up the name of our Lord Jesus, and celebrate all He does in our lives.
It is encouraging to come together and share the greatness, glory, and goodness of Jesus in us.
I was reading in Robert Webber's "Divine Embrace" the other day. He says that worship is made up two activities: contemplation and participation. This was helpful to me. When we assemble together in larger or small gatherings, or when we engage in personal devotions, we are engaged in contemplation of the glory of God, and we sing, praise and focus our minds on Him! When we live out our faith in daily life, serving others, taking care of our responsibilities, telling others the good news, etc., we are participating in the life of God. BTW, isn't it amazing that God allows us to participate in what he's doing! As you have made clear in this post, life is worship when our hearts are oriented toward God in Christ through faith.
ReplyDeleteP.S., I hope you plan to continue your blog now that you have moved to Texas. You may have to update your URL address, though. If you do, please let all of us "Followers" know where the new URL is! Thanks