Deuteronomy 12:11-14(a) The Religious Duties of the People (Deuteronomy 12:1-32; Deuteronomy 13:1-18; Deuteronomy 14:1-29; Deuteronomy 15:1-23; Deuteronomy 16:1-17) Public Worship (Deuteronomy 12:11-14) First. Emphasis is laid upon the fact that public worship must be observed in one place. The fact that public worship must be observed in one place is no argument against private worship in any place (cf. Deuteronomy 12:15-19). For national, religious, and family reasons it was necessary to maintain a definite place for public worship. This fact is again and again insisted on throughout the Scriptures. No private worship is allowed to be substituted for national and public worship. What was true for Israel is true for mankind today. God commands us to assemble ourselves together for public worship: “ Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). The communion and fellowship of the saints is necessary to growth in holiness. We are justified alone; we are sanctified together. It is important to note that in the context of Heb 10:25 we are warned against the danger of apostasy which comes from the failure to assemble ourselves together (Hebrews 10:26-29). The fellowship of the church service is necessary for the believer’ s growth. It is true that we can worship God anywhere, whether in the fields, in the streets, or in our own homes; that, as the poet says: “ O, Jesus where’ er Thy people meet, There they find Thy mercy-seat; Where’ er they seek Thee, Thou art found, And every spot is hallowed ground.” All this is true; nevertheless we are disobedient to God and His revealed will when we forsake attendance at the assembly of God’ s people. Neglect of churchgoing is surely fraught with the danger of backsliding and apostasy.