A Reset on Gathering

During a time when it has been difficult to meet together, we want to encourage people to meet together in person again for weekly worship.

SERMON OUTLINE

Gathering Together to Worship

• In the Old Testament
  • God’s idea, God’s command
  • Festivals at temple in Jerusalem
  • Psalm 100, the reset psalm
  • Synagogues
• In the New Testament
  • Jesus’ insistence on it
    • “Wherever 2 or 3 of you are gathered…” (Matthew 18:20)
    • “I will build my church…” (Matthew 16:18b)
• Institution of the Lord’s Supper
  • Early Christian gatherings
    • In addition to synagogue gatherings
    • House churches

Hebrews passage – Some Christians Gave Up Meeting Together

• Recipients probably Jewish Christians in Rome
• The fires of Rome (64 AD)
• Nero’s making Christians the scapegoats
• Danger of abandoning the Christian faith

Why We Need to Gather to Worship in Person Today

• Because we are in spiritual danger
• Because it pleases God
• Because the physical presence of other Christians is God’s gift to us

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Describe one difficulty and one blessing you experience when you go to in-person worship services.
2. Can you think of some good reasons for retaining online services (besides convenience?)
3. In what ways is gathering to worship now practicing for eternity?
4. Discuss this quote about gathering with other Christians: “What is an unspeakable gift of God for the lonely individual is easily disregarded and trodden under foot by those who have the gift every day.” (Bonhoeffer, Life Together).
5. The next questions are all about Psalm 100. Read it aloud first.
6. What does this psalm tell us about God’s acts?
7. What does it tell us about God’s character?
8. What does verse 3 tell us about our status and relationship with God?
9. In what ways do we see God’s faithfulness to all generations (verse 5) when we come to in-person worship services?

DIG DEEPER

• Watch “The Public Reading of Scripture” by The Bible Project.
• Look into these passages about gathering in the church:
  • Psalm 122
  • 1 Peter 2:9
  • Matthew 18:19-20
  • 1 Timothy 4:13
  • 1 Corinthians 14:26-33
• Memorize Psalm 100