Are there any examples in the New Testament of Christians assembling for a worship service?

Sincerely,
Attendee

Dear Attendee,

There are a couple of very clear examples of Christians assembling to worship.  Acts 20:7-12 describes a Sunday worship service that lasted until midnight… that is where we get our example of taking the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week.

However, probably the clearest examples of Christian worship services can be found in Acts 2:42 and Acts 5:11-12.  The church met regularly at the temple to hear the apostle’s teachings, break bread (i.e. Lord’s supper), and pray.

My 46-year-old sister has been caught up in a group of new age shamans.  She has taken all the classes and is now involved in some things they call “soul retrieval” and “journeying”.  Both delve into the spirit world.  She claims to talk to spirits and my deceased mother.  Whenever I see her, I get a very uneasy creepy feeling.  I am at the point where I can’t stand to be around her or look at her.  I want to be a good sister and christian, but I don't know what I should do.  She knows that I think what she is involved in is wrong and thinks it is funny.  She says she believes in God, but I feel what she is involved in is not right.  Not sure how to handle this anymore.  Any suggestions?  Thank you.

Sincerely,
My Soul Doesn’t Need Retrieving

Dear My Soul Doesn’t Need Retrieving,

If she thinks your religious differences are funny, religion is not something she is taking very seriously at this stage of her life.  Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me” (Jhn 14:6).  Jesus is an exclusive Savior; He leaves no room for other gods or forms of worship.  Your sister needs be only mildly interested in spiritual things to recognize the differences between the Bible and her occult practices.  The fact that she is amused by your discomfort makes it clear that she is not interested in discussing the topic with you.  Unfortunately, the only option you have is to back off and “not throw your pearls before swine” (Matt 7:6).  Maybe someday she will change her attitude and be more receptive to God’s Word.  Until then, be cordial but as distant as you need to be to feel that you are keeping “good company” (1 Cor 15:33).

What I'm concerned about is the direction of our nation of Christians. My wife and I have studied Esther and Daniel recently and read about how Mordecai resisted Haman.  Also, in Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego; they resisted their king also.  In both Scriptures, these men stood up to the wicked leader and king because of their steadfast belief in God.

Do you think today that our church leaders should be teaching more about the end times, persecution of christians, and how to deal with the wicked government?

Sincerely,
Viva La Resistance

Dear Viva La Resistance,

The Bible is clear on what christians should do under all governments: pray for the leaders (1 Tim 2:1-2), honor rulers (1 Pet 2:17), pay taxes (Matt 22:21), and obey the laws (Rom 13:1-5).  All the examples you gave of rebellion against government were when the government asked righteous people to do something sinful.  Mordecai was asked to worship Haman (Est 3:2).  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were told to worship Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 3:12).  If the government ever asks christians to do something that is wrong – we must resist it.  When that happens, christians will be persecuted for their morals.  Preachers need to preach on those things, but it is important to know that wicked governments have always existed.  Corruption in a government is not a sign that the end of the world is coming.

Mark 12:30 - "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength".  What does the word ‘all’ mean?

Sincerely,
All For One

Dear All For One,

The word ‘all’ in that verse means ‘whole’.  The Greek word comes with the connotation of ‘the sum of something’s parts’.  For example, the ‘whole city’ means ‘every section of the city’.  God tells us to love Him with our whole heart, whole soul, whole mind, and whole strength – leave no corner of your soul and life untouched by His presence.

What is the meaning of “a thousand years with the Lord is as one day, and one day as a thousand years”?

Sincerely,
Tick Tock

Dear Tick Tock,

The verse you are referring to is 2 Pet 3:8.  When you put that verse in context, it is referring to how patient God is.  God created the world, and someday He will destroy it (2 Pet 3:11).  Mockers say that this will never happen because nothing cataclysmic has happened in their lifetime (2 Pet 3:3-4).  But in mocking God, they forget that things have changed throughout history.  One time God flooded the earth – that’s a big change (2 Pet 3:5-6), and someday He will destroy the earth by fire (2 Pet. 3:7).  Just because those events didn’t happen in our lifetime, doesn’t mean they didn’t or won’t happen.  God is very patient and gives mankind many years to repent and turn back to Him before the Final Judgment (2 Pet 3:8-9).