Now that you have become a follower of Christ, you need to grow in your knowledge of Him and try to become like Him. An important part of this is meeting regularly with other followers to worship together and to encourage one another.
A fellowship or congregation of believers is called a church. It may not be possible for you to join an existing church. If that is the case, do not be discouraged. Even if there are only 2 or 3 of you, you are the church in that place. You can still meet together to worship, study God’s Word and give one another support. Jesus said, “… For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst.” (Matthew 18:20)
Even if you do not know anyone else who follows Christ, you can still set aside a regular time to study God’s Word and to worship.
When should the church meet?
From earliest times, the church has always met on the first day of the week, that is Sunday. The reason for choosing this time is that Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week. (See Mark 16:9.) It is also the day on which the church came into being. (You can read about this in Acts 2:1-41. Please note that the ‘day of Pentecost’ always falls on a Sunday.) Because of these events, Christ’s followers very soon began to call the first day of the week, “the Lord’s Day.” (For example, see Revelation 1:10.) Though we should live for Christ every day; though we should worship daily, the Lord’s Day is the day when we gather together as a church.
What to do in the church assembly.
From the accounts given in the New Testament we know what the followers of Christ did when they met together. We should follow their example. “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” (Acts 2:42)
The Apostle’s teaching
A portion of the time should be used to read and discuss Scripture, particularly, the New Testament writings. It is through the inspired writings of the Apostles in the New Testament that we, not only learn more about Christ but also, receive instruction about how to live our lives.
Many have the idea that this instruction must be given in the form of a sermon or religious lecture given by someone who is designated as a teacher or preacher. But there are other ways to study God’s Word or give instruction. The Bible says that in the early church, many people spoke and took part in giving instruction. (See 1 Corinthians 14:26-31.) Instead of one long sermon, there can be several short talks given by different people. Instead of a lecture on a passage of Scripture, it may be even more beneficial to have a discussion about it.
The emphasis of studying the Scriptures should not be to display head-knowledge, but to learn practical application. In other words, how can we learn to put what the Scripture teaches into practice in our daily lives? How can we become more like Christ?
Also note that teaching and instruction does not always have to be done through the spoken word. There is a place for music as well. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16)
The fellowship
We meet, not only to study God’s Word but, to encourage and help one another. As followers of Christ, we belong to God’s household. (See Ephesians 2:19.) We are family. In this spiritual family we should talk to each other and cooperate with one another just as the members of a physical family do. There should be opportunities in our assemblies where people can talk about their struggles, tell about how God is blessing them, ask advice, give counsel, encourage and pray for each other.
The breaking of bread
This refers to the symbolic meal Christ commanded His followers to eat in His memory. “For I received from the Lord that which also I delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night in which he was betrayed took bread. When he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “Take, eat. This is my body, which is broken for you. Do this in memory of me.” In the same way he also took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink, in memory of me.”” (1 Corinthians 11:23-25)
This memorial is the most important part of our meetings on the Lord’s Day. It should be the focal point of the entire assembly.
There is no fixed method by which to obey Jesus’ command. There are many ways in which the memorial meal can be observed. But, we suggest the following:
1) There should be a short talk which draws attention to some aspect of Jesus’ life or one of the teachings of the New Testament. The talk should show the connection to Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. If you are unsure about how to prepare such a talk, please see our tutorial on the subject.
2) After the talk, a prayer should be given to thank God for what He has done for us through Christ and for the bread and grape-juice which remind us of Christ’s sacrifice.
3) The bread and juice are distributed to each follower of Christ. After a short time of individual reflection, meditation and prayer, the bread and juice are eaten.
4) When this is completed, there should be another prayer of thanksgiving, or a song.
Prayer
Another very important part of our weekly assemblies is prayer. The Apostle Paul wrote, “I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men: for kings and all who are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
If you need instruction on how to pray, please see our tutorial on prayer.
Always keep two things in mind: 1) It is God’s desire for us to become like Christ. (See Romans 8:28-29 and Ephesians 4:11-16.) 2) Everything in the assembly is to be done for the strengthening and building up of the church. (See 1 Corinthians 14:26.)
If you follow these two principles and include the four things mentioned above in your assemblies (that is the Apostle’s teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayer), then your meetings will not only be pleasing to God, but you will grow and become strong in Christ.