“On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight.” (Acts 20:7, ESV)

I heard someone just a little bit ago talking about how the weekend was almost over.  Our weekend ended at midnight on Saturday; even on the calendar Sunday is the first day of the week.  Today was the first day of my new week, and what a thrill to be able to spend it worshiping with other believers at Darrow Church of Christ and then at Heritage Woods Resident Home.

The passage quoted above (Acts 20:7) is one of the earliest references to Christians meeting for worship on the first day of the week – Sunday.  In fact, the passage actually gives us a glimpse into what constituted an early Christian worship service. Not only do we see that it was observed on the first day of the week, but we are informed that they were “gathered together to break bread” and to hear Paul’s speak — which lasted until midnight.

Whether we are home or traveling, we always try to find a body of believers to join for worship.  We need the encouragement and the renewal.  The writer of Hebrews suggests that worship is a way to “stir up one another to love and good works,” and goes on to opine that we should consider “not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24–25, ESV).

I am ready for Monday because I began my week worshiping with other Christians – receiving their support and encouragement.  It is one of the most important times of renewal in my week – which is one reason I am glad it doesn’t happen on the weekend, but on the first day of the week.