The Lord's Day - (Part 2)

We learned in our last week’s bulletin that the Lord’s Day, the first day of the week, was special, unique and different.   We also learned the Lord’s Supper was part of the Lord’s Day assembly.  Three questions were asked concerning assembly in the New Testament.  We now turn to Scripture to answer these three questions. The greatest revelation concerning assembly is found in I Corinthians 10-16.

DID THE CHURCH ASSEMBLE?

Yes!  “You come together” (1 Corinthians 11:17 NKJV), “When you come together” vv. 18, 20, 33).  “Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place” (14:23).  The New Testament church assembled steadfastly.  They were not to forsake the assembly (Hebrews 10:25).

WHEN DID THE CHURCH ASSEMBLE?

The Lord’s Day (Revelation 1:10) was the first day of the week.  “On the first day of the [the Greek word kata’ in this context means “every”] week” (I Corinthians 16:2).

There was a treasury involving all members.  Brethren could lay by in store any day at home.  The “Lord's Day.”  The “Lord’s Supper.”  The Greek word is unique - “Lordian.” The command to give was to all congregations.  Paul taught such “in all the churches” (I Corinthians 7:17).

History totally agrees!  The Lord’s Day was the first day of the week. The Didache, Justin Martyr, Dionysius of Corinth, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian - to name a few contemporaneous writers who agree.

The church may assembly any time for various reasons.  But the Sunday assembly was different.  “Do you not have houses to eat and drink in?” (I Corinthians 11:22).  Brethren have private prayer closets (Matthew 6:6), but individuals don’t have private Lord’s Supper closets.  They didn’t partake at home before they came.  What is acceptable at home may not be scriptural in the assembly.

Again, there were rules governing the assembly.  Obviously, drunkenness was wrong (I Corinthians 11:21).  In this very difficult chapter, dress was considered. Immodesty and irreverence must not be part of our wardrobe.  Dress has something to say about our worship.  Corinth would feel at home today with bizarre worship.  Paul said their assemblies did more harm than good (v. 17).  Worship is not a concert, a performance or entertainment.  It is not to display the talents of men but to glorify God.  Worship must not be reduced to a circus or to silliness.  Laugh if you will - it is still in Scripture, “Let all things be done decently and in order” (14:40).  Without interpreters, people promoting their spiritual rights were to keep their mouths shut (v. 28).  They were to speak one at a time.

WHAT DID THEY DO WHEN THEY ASSEMBLED?

They were into the Word!  Preaching and the Lord’s Supper were emphasized. Preaching is not talent - this represents God in worship.  Preachers do not speak for God; they allow God to speak for Himself in truth and doctrine.  We assemble to hear the voice of God!  The term Paul used most often was “edify” (1 Corinthians 14:5, 12, 17, 26, 31; 10:23).  When it does not edify, don’t do it!  Call the forms “acts,” “items,” “mediums,” “outlets,” whatever you will.  When the church assembled, it did something.

They prayed (Acts 4:31).  Members expected preachers to be prepared to preach. Nothing is more important than congregational prayers.  One should prepare for it like teaching.  Brethren should hear it and say, “Amen.”

They sang (I Corinthians 14:15).  Only Christianity is known for singing.  Muslims and Hindus are not known for it.  All Christians participate in song. The silence of instruments is thundering (deafening) in the New Testament!  Jews had instruments. Pagans had instruments, Christians didn’t.

They fellowshipped.  First Corinthians 12 and 13 are in the “Assembly Section.”  We are a body of love.  They came around the Lord’s Table (10:21).  Corn bread and peas do not belong there.  The Lord’s Supper is an examination time.  Be there every Sunday!

By Charles Hodge
“Reprinted with permission, Gospel Advocate”