Chapter Eleven – Sabbath Assembly and Fellowship

As part of Sabbath observance, assembling is a clear Bible command. This instruction also carries a prophesied end-time warning. Does it matter with whom you assemble? Is any “Church of God” or Sabbath-keeping group good enough?

Our First Glimpse of the Church

Acts 2:1 records an historic scene: The disciples are together and the New Testament Church is about to come into existence. Luke writes, “They were all with one accord in one place.” Peter gives a powerful sermon. Miracles are recorded. The Holy Spirit is given. After repentance is explained, thousands request baptism. About 3,000 are “called” (Acts 2:39) and “gladly receive his [Peter’s] word” (Acts 2:41). Probably the largest single group baptism in history occurs. The New Testament Church is born!

What did this signify—what did it mean? Of course, the Church of God was established, but what else? Even in its infancy, there were clues. Allow the Bible to answer.

What did this new Church look like? Here is what Luke records: “And they continued steadfastly in the APOSTLES’ DOCTRINE and FELLOWSHIP” (Acts 2:42).

Why is this significant? The two earliest and most defining features of God’s Church are evident: (1) Steadfastness in the apostles’ doctrine, and (2) FELLOWSHIP. After Ac 2:43 explains that the fear of God is apparent in “every soul,” Ac 2:44 adds, “All that believed were TOGETHER.” Ac 2:46 also states that they continued to be of “one accord [agreement],” meeting together “daily” in various houses in “singleness of heart.” The Church was unified!

God’s purpose—His intent—for His faithful servants is that they remain together, believe the full truth, submit to His government, and actively continue His Work (Matt. 24:14, 44-45; 28:19-20;Ezek. 33:7-9; Isa. 62:6).

God Is Present on the Sabbath

We have seen many places where God has made the Sabbath holy. Literally, God is present in and throughout this day. Those who are meeting together are meeting in God’s presence. All that is done occurs in His presence.

Many groups speak of fellowship. In fact, as a result, many churches incorrectly refer to themselves as “fellowships.” While fellowshipping with others is very important, even essential, it is not the centrepiece of true Christian fellowship.

John explains the real basis of fellowship, both with other spirit-led Christians and with God: “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that you also may have fellowship with us: And truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.... If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:3, 6-7).

True fellowship is with God and flows through Christ. He taught, “I am the Vine, you are the branches” (John 15:5). Christians “abide in Him” (John 15:4). Like grapes cut from a vine, without spiritual contact with Christ, Christian growth is impossible. Christ explained, “For without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Understand. You cannot go it alone. If any limb of a body is severed (arm, leg, hand, finger), it will live for a little while—but only for a little while. It will die, unless it is successfully grafted back onto the body. John 15:15 speaks to any who might try to have a “just you and me, God” attitude. (See 1 Corinthians 12:12-20.)

Vast millions meet every Sunday, having no idea that God is not present in this day. They suppose that they can force Him to be involved by claiming that He is. We have learned that God has never been present on Sunday. Regardless of what men say, it will always be a normal workday to God. Christ established His presence on the Sabbath by resting on that day. We have read that He does not change. By meeting on this day, those who have God’s Spirit (Rom. 8:9, 14; Acts 2:38; 5:32) fellowship directly with Christ and the Father.

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