The Gathering

Unity in Gathering Together

Why do we gather together? The letters of Paul make it clear that the purpose of our gathering is to build up the body of Christ 1Co 14.3 5 12 26 Eph 4.12 16 29. The point of gathering was not even to worship, though we pray to God 1Co 14.15, and sing blessings to God Act 16.25 Eph 5.19 Col 3.16. Neither is the point to express our own opinions. Teaching, praying, singing, sharing -- all things are to be done in order, and for the purpose of edifying the Body.

When Paul wrote to the Corinthians in the early 50s AD, his charge against them was particularly damning: "Now in giving these instructions I do not praise [you], since you come together not for the better but for the worse. For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it 1Co 11.17-18." Why was this charge of disunity so egregious? Because the gathering of the members of Christ is intended to express the unity of the body of Christ - the church! Is Christ divided 1Co 1.13? The Gathering of Saints is the house of God 1Ti 3.15: God's building 1Co 3.9.

We should tremble at the thought of being hauty, reckless or cavelier within the church which Christ is building. Many at Corinth, who came together to the Lord's Table in an unworthy manner were sick or slept. May it never be said that we are of those who tread upon the heritage of God.

Not to be right, but to be careful. Not to judge, but to place no reason for stumbling. Not to lead, but to serve. Be willing to be poured out for the sake of those whom Christ died, and for this you shall receive a crown.

The over-arching doctrines in the body of Christ are faith, hope, and love 1Co 13.13.