Amplify Corporate Worship
Hebrews 10:24-25
“and let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
When the pandemic first hit, pastors jumped into action to get the Word out - preaching the Word of God through virtual streaming services. Churches that had never considered streaming jumped into action to reach their church family and community each week. Streaming was amplified. Today the gospel is reaching people across the world through this blessing that has come from the pandemic; it has Romans 8:28 written all over it.
But isn’t it like our enemy, the devil, to hijack something being used for God’s glory! With online services so easily at our fingertips, many are struggling to see the church family return to in-person gatherings. Of course, some are hesitant to return due to health concerns, social concerns and fear. But for many, I wonder if it could simply be laziness. I have had countless people tell me it is so much easier to get up later on Sunday morning, relax, get a cup of coffee and sit in the family room to watch church online rather than participate with their church.
Today we come to the next challenge to the “it is what it is” philosophy. We need to amplify corporate worship. We must amplify the responsibility we have as believers to gather together. Pastors tell me they feel discouraged because the people in their churches have not yet returned and many don’t show any signs of returning.
The Bible cannot be more clear on this matter, and therefore, we must clearly understand what it says. Participation in corporate worship is not optional, it is fundamental to our faith. Just consider these verses. (And this is by no means an exhaustive list.)
Acts 2:44 “And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common.”
Acts 2:46 “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.”
Ephesians 5:19 “Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.”
Psalm 95:1 “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!”
Matthew 18:25 “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
I Timothy 4:13 “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.”
The message is clear. We are to gather corporately for worship. Just as we amplified streaming when the time called for a drastic measure, we must now amplify gathering together for worship.
At a guest reception one Sunday, Pastor Adrian Rogers greeted the guests that attended that day. And just like every Sunday, there were guests from all over the world. One couple shared with him that they lived out west and considered him their personal pastor. Instead of attending a local church, they watched his television ministry. Pastor Rogers was appreciative and gracious, but reminded them of the importance of the corporate gathering of believers. That couple left refreshed spiritually and encouraged in their faith. But they left with something else - the challenge to get back to church.
What can we do? If you are a Christ follower, are physically able, and your church is a Bible-believing and preaching church, I encourage you to get back to the in-person gathering in your church, or find one you can attend. You need the gathering of fellow believers and your fellow believers need you.
And as pastors, just as we amplified getting the gospel out through streaming, let’s amplify regathering the body with boldness, encouragement and Bible teaching.