This question, and others that have to do with our service to the Lord in His church, must be answered in the light of Divine teaching. The New Testament requires us to have Bible authority for what we teach and practice in religion. Refer to Colossians 3:17 and 1 Peter 3:15. If we teach or practice anything in religion for which we do not have Bible authority, we should cease and desist in regard to that thing.

As the church, we assemble at various times and for various purposes. As the church, we should not assemble at any time or for any purpose for which there is no Bible authority. People, including the members of the church, may assemble, not as the church, at any time and for any legitimate purpose--social, political, etc.

In Hebrews 10:25, we find this statement: "Not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh." This verse contains the command to assemble. Failure to assemble, or teaching that assembling is unnecessary, is a violation of Bible authority. There has been a great deal of controversy surrounding this verse with regard to the assembly time to which it refers. Some contend that it refers only to the first day of the week, when the church assembles to observe the Lord's Supper. I am at a loss to understand the reasoning process that arrives at such a conclusion.

People argue that the "day" of Hebrews 10:25 refers to the first day of the week. But Thayer indicates that the word "day" in this passage refers to "the last day of the present age." Therefore, the exhorting occurs while the church is assembled and in view of the Judgment Day. As to the time or the day upon which the church assembles, it could be any time or day for which there is Divine authority. Actually, Hebrews 10:25 does not have reference to any particular day upon which to assemble, nor to any particular purpose for which to assemble. It is a command with reference to the act of assembling.

We find the command to observe the Lord's Supper in 1 Corinthians 11:24--"this do in remembrance of me." Acts 20:7 teaches that the first day of the week is the day upon which it is to be observed. "And upon the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul discoursed with them... and prolonged his speech until midnight." This verse also teaches that we are to assemble to observe the Lord's Supper. Hence, the New Testament teaches that the church is to assemble on the first day of the week to observe the Lord's Supper. This we do by Divine authority.

But we find that the gospel was preached when the disciples assembled to break bread (Acts 20:7). And we find that Jesus and his disciples sung a hymn when they were assembled at the time Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper (Matthew 26:30). So the church has Divine authority to assemble for the preaching of the gospel and the singing of hymns.

In Acts 2:42, we find that the Jerusalem church, "continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers." And in Acts 2:46 we read, "and day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart." Thus, we see that there is Divine authority for assembling for teaching, preaching, singing, and praying upon any or every day. The breaking of bread in Acts 20:7 is distinguished from the breaking of bread in Acts 2:46. Acts 20:7 refers to the Lord's Supper for which they assembled; while the breaking of bread in Acts 2:46 refers to common meals, which they ate at home. From 1 Corinthians 16:2, we derive Divine authority for contributing of our means on the first day of the week.

Thus, we have established the presence of Divine authority for assembling on the first day of the week to observe the Lord's Supper and contribute of our means, and for assembling on any or every day for teaching, preaching, praying, and singing.

Now we address another question: By whose authority are the appointments made to assemble on days other than the first day of the week and the hour to assemble on the first day of the week? The answer to this question resides with the authority the Lord delegated to certain men whom he made responsible for overseeing the church. In the light of New-Testament teaching, let us now enter into another phase of our study.

In Acts 20:28, we find the charge, given by Paul to the elders of the church at Ephesus--" feed the church of God." I doubt that anyone would deny that feeding the church refers to teaching God's word to the church. The frequency with which the elders are to have the church assemble to be fed (taught) is not set forth with the charge. The command to feed the church is general, and its performance is governed by circumstances. The elders have no authority to assemble the church for any purpose other than those authorized by the Lord. But they do have authority to assemble the church for the purpose of discharging their God-given responsibilities toward it. The same thing is true with regard to the time to assemble on the Lord's Day.

Additionally, I wish to emphasize the fact that church members are obligated to assemble, regardless of day or time, for the purposes set forth earlier in this article. Remember, we assemble for Divinely authorized purposes. And remember that the church's elders are responsible for arranging for its teaching. In Hebrews 13:17, we find this command to church members: "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit to them: for they watch in behalf of your souls, as they that shall give account; that they may do this with joy, and not with grief: for this were unprofitable for you." When they have the church assemble for teaching, the elders are watching for the souls under their charge. The elders are responsible for the spiritual welfare of the members, and the members are responsible for obeying the elders when it comes to things that are essential to the members' spiritual welfare.

God left the frequency with which the church is to assemble, as well as teaching methods, to the elders' discretion. They are free to employ any methods that do not violate New-Testament teaching. The church may be taught as one group or divided into classes or small groups. We must remember that, in every case, the purpose is to teach God's word.

Let's consider one more question: How should we decide these matters in a congregation which has no elders? There are churches in which elders cannot be appointed because there are no qualified men. How do they decide the hour the church assembles on the first day of the week? Cannot the other arrangements be made as easily as this one? The church needs to be taught about qualifications for elders and then decide whether or not it has men who qualify. And when the church arrives at assembly times, other than the first day of the week, for the purpose of teaching God's word, is the congregation's obligation to assemble any less than when there are elders? If so, why?

When Hebrews 10:25 was written, there were those who did not want to assemble. There are still those who do not want to assemble. It is the custom of some to forsake assembling. Naturally, these people seek to justify themselves by claiming that assembling--at least part of the time--is unnecessary. But such self-justification is only self-delusion. Those who willfully forsake assembling with the saints at any time they assemble for a purpose authorized by the Lord violate the plain teaching in God's word.

Brother Shropshire wrote this article in 1957. It appears that brethren then were having the same problems we are experiencing fifty years later! There really is "nothing new under the sun." The age-old problem concerning when we have to assemble really is not about attendance; it evidences a deeper, spiritual problem. Why do some Christians not wish to assemble? Too often, we place the burden of proof on the wrong group. Let those who believe the Scriptures teach that the church should assemble only once each week--on Sunday morning--prove it. It isn't surprising that those who make such arguments are usually spiritually deficient in other areas also. Can anyone explain how meeting with the saints less often, will spiritually strengthen Christians and better equip them to teach those outside the church?

People miss the other assemblies because they choose to. Please understand; I'm not talking about people who have health issues or who have family members with health issues. Every church has people without health issues who profess that God REQUIRES us to meet only once a week--on Sunday morning--to partake of the Lord's Supper and give of our means. All other services are optional. They claim that Bible classes, evening worship, and gospel meetings are not mandatory. Can they cite book, chapter, and verse for this belief? I have one final question-- if I can give the Lord only one hour a week now, how can I convince Him that I want to spend eternity with Him and all the saved, singing praises and worshipping Him? Do you think He would believe me? I wouldn't! (KMG)