In the New Testament, the term "assembly" often refers to the gathering of believers, commonly known as the Church. The Greek word used in the New Testament for "assembly" is "ekklesia," which is derived from "ek" (out of) and "kaleo" (to call). Thus, "ekklesia" literally means "the called-out ones." This concept emphasizes that the Church is a community of individuals who have been called out from the world to follow Christ and gather for worship, fellowship, and the teaching of Scripture (Matthew 18:20; Acts 2:42-47).The New Testament portrays the assembly as both a local expression (e.g., the church in Corinth or Ephesus) and a universal body of believers (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). It serves multiple functions, including worship, mutual encouragement, and the proclamation of the Gospel. The assembly is characterized by its spiritual gifts and the active participation of its members in ministry (Ephesians 4:11-13). Furthermore, the assembly is called to reflect the love and unity of Christ, as seen in passages like John 13:34-35, where Jesus commands His followers to love one another as a testament to their discipleship.
In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being committed to the assembly and the church. He shares a personal story of his father's dedication to bringing him and his brother to the assembly, even in difficult circumstances. The speaker also highlights the significance of the truth o