Importance of Public Worship

But in vain do they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commands of men (Matthew 15:9, LSB).

Public worship, I am bold to say, has always been one mark of God's servants. As a general rule, man is a social being and does not like to live separate from his fellows. In every age God has made use of that mighty principle and has taught His people to worship Him publicly as well as privately, together as well as alone. I believe the last day will show that wherever God has had a people, He has always had a congregation. His servants, however few in number, have always assembled themselves together, and approached their heavenly Father in company. 

They have been taught to do it for many wise reasons, partly to bear a public testimony to the world; partly to strengthen, cheer, help, encourage, and comfort one another; and above all, to train and prepare them for the general assembly in heaven. "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend" (Prov. 27:17). That man can know little of human nature, who does not know that to see others doing and professing the same things that we do in religion, is an immense help and encouragement to our souls.

 You see it throughout the whole New Testament. The Lord Jesus Himself gives a special promise of His presence wherever two or three are assembled in His name. The apostles, in every church they founded, made the duty of assembling together a first principle in their list of duties. Their universal rule was "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together" (Heb. 10:25). These are ancient things, I know, but it is well to be reminded of them. 

Just as you may lay it down as a certainty that where there is no private prayer, there is no grace in a man's heart, so you may lay it down as the highest probability that where there is no public worship, there is no church of God, and no profession of Christianity.

Adapted from Our Great Redeemer: 365 Days with J. C. Ryle