What should church gatherings look like?

[ByTheSpirit]

Peanut gallery thread for my teaching on the church found here:

http://www.christianforums.com/t7847776/

God bless!

 

[Biblicist]

1 Corinthians 14:26 GW
So what does this mean, brothers and sisters? When you gather, each person has a psalm, doctrine, revelation, another language, or an interpretation. Everything must be done to help each other grow.

I guess that your question is directed primarily toward a Western church context; but Paul expands on 14:26 in 1Cor 12:28 "And in the church God has appointed...

1. Apostles
2. Prophets
3. Teachers
4. Powers (aka, miracles)
5. Healings
6. Helps
7. Administrations
8. Tongues

This 8-Fold body ministry is certainly comprehensive and if we start here we should find ourselves on a pretty fair foundation.

 

[ByTheSpirit]

Yes, as that is all I have experience with. But I do know missionaries that run churches overseas in the same pattern.

 

[ToBeBlessed]

One of the very sad things I've always found is that many people do not read God's Word.

There are many excuses, some say the Word of God is to hard to understand which to me is the biggest cop-out in the world since at this time in history we have more resources to understand God's Word than we have ever had.

We are called to correctly divide the Word of truth. There is no way that those who do not know God's Word can correctly divide because they do not know the Word. Hence, so many people idealise a pastor/teacher as someone who knows the mysteries of God's Word as they themselves do not.

Reading and knowing God's Word we know that we are all members of the body and that each member has it's own function that is important to the whole. I feel knowing that, that we see that the other members have a valuable function also.

It's such a blessing to study God's Word. It really shows who God is and how he designed things to be (minus our sin, of course).

 

[Andry]

Peanut gallery thread for my teaching on the church found here:

http://www.christianforums.com/t7847776/

God bless!

All good and valid verses, and yet you missed the whole purpose of the church.

IMO, it's not supposed to look like what it looks like now in most sunday services.

 

[ByTheSpirit]

Well give me time I think I said I would cover it all in due process.

 

[Norah63]

Any home with a dozen Christians in fellowship.
Jmho.

 

[Andry]

Any home with a dozen Christians in fellowship.
Jmho.

There's really nothing wrong with that, except that's not what Jesus envisioned when he said to his disciples, "Upon this rock I will build my church....." Heck, the disciples weren't even "Christians" then.

 

[rdclmn72]

The scenario where it describes prophecies, doctrine, etc,..
Should be seen in the context of nothing but the OT being present, it has a way of changing everything.
Not that many have had the chance to see the real thing, yet with the desire for it coupled with a local doctrine that allows for it will do wonders.
What I see as important is that it states that the local church develops doctrine.
Paul under the guidance of the Holy Ghost commented on local matters and globally publicized the circular we know as the book of Hebrews.

 

[parsley]

Your other thread has a good collection of scriptures.

One of the very sad things I've always found is that many people do not read God's Word.

In addition, I find many people do not value prayer. They freely say "I'll pray for you," but if the topic of a prayer meeting comes up, or you want to pray on the spot, they freeze.

I think we have vain imaginings -- in our head we know what's right and we confidently stand behind institutions or practices, but only imagine that we are doing these things.

In your other thread, you bring up how the whole group laid hands on people in prayer. I do see this happen in churches, but lately it has seemed inauthentic. People would rather talk about than do.

And knowing can get competitive.

We support the practices of healing and miracles, reading scriptures and praying for each other -- but it becomes similar to saying "I'm vegan but live in moderation" (as we scarf down a "just once" Big Mac.)

If we are gathering to worship God, support each other in spiritual matters, edify His Body, teach each other about God's ways through scriptures...
then cheeseburgers in moderation get in the way of real spiritual meat.

Oh my I am tangling my metaphors. I think change will come when we take actions to pray on the spot for people's freedom from various types of shackles. Use scriptures in action, not just know about them.

Then gradually church will come alive and we will not need to blame the pastor for not giving people their freedoms and authority -- we already have these in Christ, and we are already empowered by His Holy Spirit to do these things.

Just move forward, without blame or excuse.

 

[gideons300]

Peanut gallery thread for my teaching on the church found here:

http://www.christianforums.com/t7847776/

God bless!

I have actually given this more thought than many subjects, and the truth is that I have absolutely no clue. I just know what it should not look like.


Psalm 126


"When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them.
The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south.
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."
.
Just as surely as the 120 had no idea what was about to transpire in them and then through them, we are about to learn that sowing in tears will bring about our reaping in joy. And when we do, we will look back on what we thought was how our services were to look, and be amazed at how far off we were. We are about to be amazed.

Blessings,

Gids

 

[Norah63]

Sure hope sowing in tears brings joy soon.
Endurance is so much a part of the Christian life.

 

[ByTheSpirit]

I have actually given this more thought than many subjects, and the truth is that I have absolutely no clue. I just know what it should not look like.


Psalm 126


"When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them.
The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south.
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."
.
Just as surely as the 120 had no idea what was about to transpire in them and then through them, we are about to learn that sowing in tears will bring about our reaping in joy. And when we do, we will look back on what we thought was how our services were to look, and be amazed at how far off we were. We are about to be amazed.

Blessings,

Gids

I certainly dont claim to be an expert on the subject. I only share what I see in the scriptures. What is certain is the western church has it all wrong. For example, the Spanish Pentecostal church my wife attends, it is run by 2 female Pastors. Actually 95% of the church is female. They talk bad about members behind their backs and then let them preach on Sundays so they dont leave the church. They require all females to wear prayer shawls in services and long skirts throughout the week. They refer to the building as Gods Temple. Now I certainly know they arent the only congregation that does those things. Others do much worse. But how much power do we rob of the Holy Spirit by doing things the way that seems best to us instead of letting him run the show? Ahh but I digress. I know a few here don't agree with me on the subject. My next teaching post on the subject will be on Peter and Pauls words that we are as a church a temple.... I pray my words are a blessing to some

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

pending...........................

who really wants to know (to see) ? who is willing to pay the price ? (as written in Scripture. as Yahushua(Jesus) says simply. )

"1 John 1:3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so ...

That which we have seen and heard declare we to you, that you also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. "

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

Any home with a dozen Christians in fellowship. Jmho.

I have actually given this more thought than many subjects, and the truth is that I have absolutely no clue. I just know what it should not look like.
Psalm 126
"When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them.
The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south.
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."
.
Just as surely as the 120 had no idea what was about to transpire in them and then through them, we are about to learn that sowing in tears will bring about our reaping in joy. And when we do, we will look back on what we thought was how our services were to look, and be amazed at how far off we were. We are about to be amazed.
Blessings,Gids

yes, 12 ekklesia meeting in a home may be the closest anyone has seen in a long long time....
i purposefully did not say in a group/building "of Paul" "of Apollos" etc etc because that is declared carnal in the same Scripture..... don't forget that from now on.
(no, people don't say "of Paul" or "of Apollos" today... ; but today is more carnal than then.... much much worse in gatherings "of blahblah" instead of "of Christ" )

why? also, pertinently, (like a recent thread asked and failed to answer), why were the early assemblies poor ? (in this world's money and goods)?

if this is not recognized, then neither can "what gatherings look like" be answered.... it is one necessary key of the kingdom and recognizing it is essential or there is no ekklesia, just people in a bunch.

"1 John 1:3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so ...

That which we have seen and heard declare we to you, that you also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. "

vs

"Originally Posted by gideons300 I have actually given this more thought than many subjects, and the truth is that I have absolutely no clue. I just know what it should not look like."

i.e. what it should not look like is what is popularly seen today in every city in america.(usa anyway), and is recognized by those who love the Word of God and wonder in dismay why there aren't people gathered together like the people in the bible new testament....

btw, what "it looks like", the ekklesia gathered together in Christ, is simple, pure, holy, 'perfect'(this may take a while to accept), righteous, joyful, and praying all the time, and talking about the Messiah Jesus all the time, every day.... with and from Scripture... always in line with, and from Scripture..always. (Read the New Testament and see what is written of the ekklesia; there's no one like it around today in the public eye) -- if it's not in line with Scripture, then...... it is not ekklesia.(people set apart in Christ Jesus)

 

[Chris12]

I certainly dont claim to be an expert on the subject. I only share what I see in the scriptures. What is certain is the western church has it all wrong. For example, the Spanish Pentecostal church my wife attends, it is run by 2 female Pastors. Actually 95% of the church is female. They talk bad about members behind their backs and then let them preach on Sundays so they dont leave the church. They require all females to wear prayer shawls in services and long skirts throughout the week. They refer to the building as Gods Temple. Now I certainly know they arent the only congregation that does those things. Others do much worse. But how much power do we rob of the Holy Spirit by doing things the way that seems best to us instead of letting him run the show? Ahh but I digress. I know a few here don't agree with me on the subject. My next teaching post on the subject will be on Peter and Pauls words that we are as a church a temple.... I pray my words are a blessing to some

I just read this and think I need to comment.

Uhh.. I'd say the Holy Spirit doesn't go there - it doesn't sound like they invited Jesus to their building.

Some people are "religious". This was a big topic of conversation with my husband after I was saved. The little church at the bottom of the hill is a scary place here. It sounds like that one is equally scary, just in a different way

 

[Bob Carabbio]

Peanut gallery thread for my teaching on the church found here:

http://www.christianforums.com/t7847776/

God bless!

How about 1 Cor 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

OR

Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

 

[ByTheSpirit]

How about 1 Cor 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

OR

Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Im getting there. I don't have to cover the whole thing in one setting I'd love to hear your input on what I have posted though Bob. You have a valuable opinion to add here.