When You Assemble

10/9/2013

1Cor. 14:26 What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

Years ago I was part of a group of men who spent several years together praying, seeking the Lord and studying piles of books and literature (and the Word) believing that if we got all the New Testament patterns and procedures down that our church would be in a position to be able to demonstrate the fullness of NT church life. We diligently studied the first century church, church fathers, the pre-Constantine church history, Catholic church, Reformation church, and every other historical or traditional movement we could find. I have to say that I learned a bunch in that time, but that much of it had little to do with spiritual life. Of course God used it to change and form my Christian paradigm and, hopefully, to contrast the difference between Christianity the religion and Christianity the life.

The scripture above is the only New Testament window that we have where we see what a NT meeting looks like. Seems strange that the Holy Spirit would only describe such a meeting once in the entire book, leaving so much to be speculated on. But I believe that this was entirely by design. If God had described it in detail, most of us would cast it in concrete and make THIS meeting the standard for every meeting of His church!

So... what does the New Testament meeting look like? Let's move through this scripture and make a few notes:

First, most of 1Corinthians is a message of correction to the wild and wooly church in Corinth, which consisted mostly of non-Jews (so they didn't have a knowledge of Old Testament scripture) and was very immature and self-willed, even though they were experiencing an abundance of spiritual gifts. Paul indicated that they were "out of order."
Second, Paul is explaining to them how to function in the various gifts, without the disorder and confusion.
So... let's start with "when you assemble." This does not say if you assemble, so it's assumed that the body of Christ meets together regularly as a normal ongoing part of its life.
Paul goes on to explain that "each one" has something to contribute. This is NOT a meeting where someone delivers a lecture and everyone else sits in a pew. This is an interactive meeting where "each one" is expected (or at least free) to have something to contribute.
Each one has a psalm (song), has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. This meeting is NOT to share information... it is a meeting to share spiritual life that each member has a part in.
"Let all things be done for edification." Every aspect of the meeting should be about edification. Edification in NT means "to build the house" or "housebuilder" depending on the form of the word. This is not specific to meetings, but is part of the call to every aspect of Christian life. We are to "build one another up in love."

CONCLUSION--- The ecclesia (church or called out ones) is a collection of broken vessels that are filled with the life of God (Holy Spirit.) When they come together (even 2 or 3) there is a mutual sharing of this life of God that results in the edification of everyone involved. This "builds the house of God." Remember, we're not talking a church building or edifice... YOU are the temple of the Holy Spirit. So... let's build the house of God today as we move around and share the precious life of God by His Holy Spirit. Be blessed, Grover

2 Comments

Grover

10/9/2013 10:18:06 am

I might add that even this one meeting that we see in 1 Cor. isn't presented as an "order of worship" in any sense of the phrase. It just indicates that there is freedom for "each one" to participate and share life. Seems to me that when folks are able to own and be responsible for a part of the meeting, that they likely move from being bystanders to some religious service or performance and into becoming an active and necessary part of Christian life.

Recently one of the local pastors that I attend a weekly prayer breakfast with asked the question, "how do we get the folks out of the pews and into the community?" He looked directly at me as if I had the answer. I thought a moment and then carefully pointed out that people are trained (by doing it every week) to sit in a pew and listen to a lecture or performance and call that "church." The over simplified answer is to get rid of the performance and see who stays. The more complex answer is to understand that the "church" as we know it is the greatest mission field around. Billy Graham said that 60-70% of the folks in church are likely unsaved. If that is true, then there might be a higher percentage of Christians walking down the sidewalk Sunday morning than frequenting "the church." I believe that is one more reason for believers to "put aside the childish things" and pursue a deeper spiritual walk with Jesus. Going to "church" is not enough... we must BE the church that models the life of God in our families and communities. Religious activity is not of any value in Gods kingdom! Ooops... got on my soapbox again... over and out.

Grover

10/9/2013 10:50:19 am

OK. I've calmed down a bit. The real question is how do we move away from our man made traditions (Jesus said those traditions make of no avail the word of God) and into a fuller walk in the Lord... and perhaps encourage some others on the way. How do we become part of the answer rather than part of the problem? This may be the most important question that we face in our time. We know that Jesus is coming for a pure and spotless bride. How can we move away from the allure of world systems, into the place where Jesus is our ONLY love? No easy answers, just a journey that we continue walking. But it is a much easier journey when it's walked with fellow sojourners in His kingdom. Thanks to each of you fellow sojourners whom I've been privileged to to walk with. G

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When You Assemble

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