Church

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.

II Corinthians 1:3‭-‬7

Jesus, His disciples and the early church were out daily, fighting against the powers of darkness which rule the world. It was difficult, challenging, physically exhausting and emotionally draining work, as they traveled from place to place, facing opposition and persecution everywhere they went. 

Jesus and His disciples were constantly together. The apostles and the early church met together daily. I think the reason they gathered as frequently as they did, and maybe even at all, was so that they could comfort, encourage, and strengthen one another because of the challenging work they were doing. They were in need of one another. 

When they gathered together, Jesus taught them. When Jesus was gone, they taught others what Jesus had taught them. They comforted, encouraged, cared for, loved, and prayed for one another.

Their purpose for gathering was not for a Sunday service, was not for a social gathering, was not to be recharged by a sermon or an inspirational speech, was not to be entertained.

They were living it out, day by day, week by week. It wasn't easy. They needed each other. Immediately after they were whipped, flogged and released from prison, they gathered with the others, who comforted, encouraged, and strengthened them. Then they went right back out there and did it again. This is the church.