We know there are popular reasons given how and why Christian groups gather, whether to serve their community, or do outreach, "change their world," or the like. While these may be all good things (or not) in their place, yet we have considered what scripture teaches about the primary purpose of Christian gatherings, and therefore we humbly endeavor with God's help to...
Remember Him - 1 Corinthians 11:26 ...as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do proclaim the Lord’s death till He come.
Fourfold ministry - Acts 2:42 ...continue steadfastly in (1) the apostles’ doctrine and (2) fellowship, and in (3) breaking of bread, and in (4) prayers.
Build up the body - Ephesians 4:15-16 ...speak the truth in love, and grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes for increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Worship & Teaching - Colossians 3:16 ...let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
...then....then the saints are further equipped go out into their spheres of life and do ministry towards other Christians and to their community, etc., as the Lord leads. This way the local church in its ministry & meetings, equips the saints in the knowledge of God & Christ, and for that matter, in the knowledge of man. The believer is then better able to discern the ways of God as opposed to bypaths of man, things that have ensnared many and left them in systems and practices of error, and with stunted growth and wasted years.
Having said all that....the purpose of our gathering is ultimately, Christ- because HE alone is our gatheirng centre. Not a doctrine, denomination, practice, etc., but HIM.
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