Attendance
Last week, we ran an article by brother Fuller, in which we were encouraged to assemble with the local church, not just on the Lord's Day, but at any scheduled midweek studies or other occasions that are available. The end result will be the building of our faith, the encouragement of our brethren, and the glorification of the name of God. This week, I want us to consider attendance again, and specificaly with regard to when we are away from home.
Some may need to travel for work related reasons. Others may travel for more leisurely endeavours; perhaps a couple weeks of vacation, a weekend getaway, or a visit with family. Whatever the cause for travelling, it is important that we plan ahead for worship on the Lord's Day.
A Vacation From God?
Some when away from home, whether for business or pleasure, simply do not assemble with God's people when the Lord's Day comes. I understand that your routine and surroundings are different when in another location, but a Christian is a Christian, and the Lord's Day is the Lord's Day.
A vacation from work or our regular routine DOES NOT bring with it a vacation from serving the Lord. Whether we are at home of 3,000 miles from home, we ought to be meeting with the Lord's people for worship on the Lord's Day.
Some excuse themselves with the following:
- "I don't know where a church is."
- "I don't know anyone there."
- "I don't have a way to get there."
- "It's too far from where we're staying."
- "There is no church where we'll be."
Some may salve their conscience with these excuses, but do not suppose that the Lord will accept such. His command is for His people to assemble with one another on the first day of the week. In Acts 20:6-7, Paul arranged his plans so that he would be in Troas on the first day of the week to meet with the saints. We ought to follow his example.
To the above excuses, I say:
- Search beforehand to find where the nearest faithful congregation is.
- Enjoy the opportunity to meet new brothers and sisters.
- Make an effort to find a way to be there; call beforehand to ask for a ride if necessary.
“...a Christian is a Christian, and the Lord's Day is the Lord's Day.”
- Too far? Be thankful the cross wasn't "too far" for the Lord to go for you!
- If there is no church to meet with, then perhaps you need to find another place to travel to. Which is more important, your trip or the Lord?
Not Faithful, But Still OK?
It may be that a group is meeting in an area where we intend to be, who are worshipping as directed in the New Testament, but we are aware that they are not faithful to the Bible pattern in other respects (ie. misuse of resources, advocate social gospel, failure to stand for truth, etc.). Is it OK to worship with a group such as this every now and then? John tells us that we should not fellowship with those who do not abide in the doctrine of Christ. Shall we extend fellowship to a group who are not abiding by all of God's word? We do not need to be present when they are acting contrary to the will of God - John says we share in their evil deeds by having fellowship with them (2 John 9-11).
We'll Just Meet Ourselves
For some this is the solution to the problem of there not being a faithful assembly of God's people in the area where a trip is planned. A husband and wife, or a group of friends studying, praying and sharing bread and juice at a campsite, in a hotel room, or any other number of places is not a substitution for meeting with the Lord's people.
We cannot turn ourselves into a pseudo-church for a few moments on Sunday morning to satisfy the need to assemble. Paul met with the church that met in Troas (Acts 20). Instructions were given to the churches of Galatia and Corinth about their assembly (). Hebrews 10:25 commands that we "...not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together..." Though taking some bread and juice along with us on a trip might be convenient, it is NOT a fulfillment of God's command for Christians to meet together with one another. The assembly of God's people is accomplished in the local church.
Friend, let us take the assembly of the saints seriously. It is not just something to be engaged in when it is convenient to do so; it is something which God requires of us. Do not place yourself in a position where you are unable to meet with a faithful congregation of Christians.
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Answering The Atheist
The Atheist's Complaint:
Was Mahli the son of Levi? Ezra 8:18 says that he was, but Genesis 46:11; 1 Chronicles 6:1; 16, and 23:6 reveals that he wasn't. Is there a contradiction?
Response:
Mahli is not a direct son of Levi, as the questioner has noted from Genesis 46:11; 1 Chronicles 6:1; 16, and 23:6. Levi had three sons, "...Gershon, Kohath, and Merari." Who then is Mahli?
Several verses (Numbers 3:20; 1 Chronicles 6:19, 29, 47; 23:21, 23; and 24:26) reveal that there was a Mahli who was a son of Merari, and another Mahli, who was a grandson of Merari (and newphew to Mahli). That would make these men Levi's grandson and great-grandson.
As has been mentioned previously, the scope of the Hebrew word ben (translated most often as "son") is extremely generic. It can be used to refer to an individual's biological son, or a grandson, a nephew, or other kin. It does not necessitate, nor does the word mean a direct biological offspring.
There is no contradiction.
This article is in response to Skeptic's Annotated Bible.