 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
Times A Week
By Roger A. Scully, Jr.
These rules are not hidden messages, which gives one special power of ratiocination, but rather rules of common
sense, which are used in everyday life. Yet it remains, however, that few learn to apply these rules, at least when it
comes to biblical interpretation. One such sister occupies space in a small town where I have held two gospel
meetings to date. This sister, the last night of the last meeting I held there, handed me a paper containing several
sentences and 26 Scripture references. The first sentence said, “The path Jesus left to follow.” Then there were the
26 references, then this inquiry: “My question is where do you find 3 times a week in the Bible.” I must assume that
she is speaking of three times a week to assemble as a church, for this is the only three times a week as relates to
us of which I am aware. She then said, “I have given you book, chapter and verse, and may I please have the
same.” To these statements and Scripture references I now call attention.
I will first start by noting the last statement of the sister’s letter: “I have given you book, chapter and verse.” I start
here for good reason. The problem with our dear sister is in her approach to Scripture. Just because one has given
Scripture reference does not mean that the person is correct in his assumptions. In Matthew 4.6 Satan, in tempting
Jesus, gave book, chapter and verse. He quoted Psalm 91.11, 12. Yet, he did not handle aright the word of truth,
hence was in need of being corrected. So, in response to Satan Jesus also quoted Scripture (Dt 8.3; 6.16, 13),
showing that just because one has quoted Scripture does not make him correct. The proper use of Scripture is what
makes one correct, and, as we shall see, our sister has failed to properly use Scripture.
The first thing I noted, after looking up every reference given by our sister, is that only 1 of the 26 had anything to
do with assembling together, that being Ac 20.7. The other references were from the gospel accounts which spake
of Jesus teaching in the synagogue. The first thing I wonder about our sister’s scripture references is why she left
out Acts 2.46, which speaks of Christians coming together daily. I am sure that she is simply not aware of the
passage’s existence, or at least this pardon is extended to her giving her the benefit of the doubt. This, now, raises
and interesting thought: For one to draw proper conclusions it is necessary for this person to consult all of that
which the Bible reveals on the matter. When it comes to assembling, it is obvious that our sister has not consulted all
that the Bible says on the matter, hence she should not have set out to draw the conclusions she has. (One may
think my response thus far to be harsh and critical, to which I answer, yes, what of it? It is obvious that this sister is
desirous to be an antagonist, who, from observation, only desires to attend the worship service of God on Sunday
morning).
Next, I call attention to John 16.13 wherein Jesus said he was going to send the Spirit of truth to guide the
apostles into all truth, the implication being that there were more things for them to learn and teach than that which
Jesus taught them. This would involve, of course, matters pertaining to the assembly. Jesus did not attend a
Christian service three times a week because there were no Christian services to attend during his day. Jesus lived
under the Law of Moses (Gal 4.4), and spake in Matthew 16.18 of the church being something yet future from his
time on earth; something that would be established after his death (Matt 16:18ff). The church was not established
until Acts 2; hence Jesus did not attend three times a week. I am assuming that this was the point our sister
attempted to make in citing the verses of the gospel accounts saying, “The path Jesus left for us to follow,” then
asking, “where do you find three times a week in the Bible.” If this is not her intention, then what is cannot be seen.
Now, to the particular question at hand. While it is true that there are many things, which the Bible does not
explicitly state, there are many implications. The implications are no less binding that the explicit statements. In fact,
to reject the implication is to reject that which implied it. Had Abraham, as recorded in Hebrews 11.17-19, rejected
the conclusion that God was able to raise Isaac from the dead, then he would have rejected the promise God made
that “in Isaac shall thy seed be called.” Let us now look at what we know, and note the implications thereof.
We know that we are commanded to assemble together (1 Cor 11.17, 18, 20; 14.23; Heb 10.25). We know that
this assembly is not to be forsaken (Heb 10.25). We know that the assembly is on the first day of the week (Ac 20.7;
1 Cor 16.1, 2). We also know that the early church met daily (Ac 2.46). We know that the elders (or men in the
absence of elders) have the rule over the flock to enforce the word of God and make decisions in matters of
expediency (Heb 13.7, 17). Now, then, what implicit conclusions are to be drawn from this?
We can conclude that not only must we assemble, but when we assemble the “whole church” must “come
together in one place.” This coming together is not to forsaken. Now note carefully that Hebrews 10.25 is speaking
of anytime Christians assemble. If the leadership decides daily, then so be it (Ac 2.46); if they decide 3 times a
week, then so be it. The Sunday evening assembly is simply a continuation of the morning, wherein those who may
have missed the morning may worship as well. During this time we come together in communion. When the one is
taking in the evening it is just as when we all took in the morning—some are waiting while others are taking. The
Wednesday evening assembly is a good mid-week “shot in the arm,” which refreshes us as we make this
burdensome pilgrimage through this trouble filled life. When the leadership decides for Christians of the local church
to meet then, then we must comply with “those who have the rule” over us.
Finally, where else would one rather be? Should we not seek first the kingdom? Are we not to love our God with
all of our being? If we are truly seeking first the kingdom, and love our God with all of our being, then where else
would we rather be when the doors are open at the meeting place, or during any other in home Bible study? I
suggest our sister examine herself in this matter, whether she be in the faith or not (cf. 1 Cor 13.5).
