Category: Experiencing the gathering of God

The New Testament adapts the terminology of worship found in the Old Testament in two significant ways. First, it describes Jesus in his death, resurrection, and ascension as the great high priest who has offered a perfect sacrifice to fulfil and replace the worship associated with the tabernacle and temple. The Lord Jesus enables us to approach God with confidence, as those who have been purified, sanctified and perfected by his finished work, and to live in God’s presence forever (Hebrews 5:7-10; 8:1-6; 9:11-14; 12:22-24).

Secondly, the New Testament uses worship terms to describe the response we are to make to Jesus and the gospel. Some terms are applied to the service that we offer to God in everyday life, as we gratefully respond to the grace he has shown us (Romans 12:1; Hebrews12:29; 13:16). Similar terms are used to describe particular ministries that God gives to advance the gospel and build his church (Romans1:9; 15:15-16; Philippians 2:17; 4:18). The exercise of gifts in any context may be regarded as an expression of worship if the ministries are genuinely for the benefit of others and for the glory of God.

Reflection: Read Acts 13:1-3 and consider:

• What is meant by ‘worshipping the Lord’ (literally ‘serving the Lord’) in this context?
• What other activities might we legitimately include under the heading of congregational worship?
• What is the relationship between serving the Lord and serving one another in a congregational context?

Another set of worship terms expresses the submission to Christ and homage that is involved in confessing his true character and becoming his disciple (Matthew 14:33; John 9:38; 1 Corinthians 14:24-5). Praise is particularly associated with submission and homage in the Psalms (95:1-6; 96:1-9; 99:1-5) and in the Revelation to John (5:9-14; 7:9-17; 15:3-4). Praise is our calling as Christians and an expression of our true identity (Ephesians 1:3-14; Hebrews 13:15; 1 Peter 2:9-10).

As we gather to express who we are as the redeemed people of God, we worship God by hearing his word with faith and by responding with submission and praise. As we celebrate the victory of Christ and enjoy its benefits together, we echo the songs of the heavenly assembly and anticipate the worship of the new creation (Revelation 5, 7).

Such references suggest that it is consistent with Scripture to talk about a church ‘service’, and to view congregational ministry as a means of worshipping God. However, since other terms such as fellowship and edification can describe the purpose of gathering, it is not helpful to use ‘worship’ as the main or exclusive term. Moreover, it is important not to obscure the fact that worship belongs to the whole of life. While all ministry must be understood as a response to God’s grace, and not in any sense a cultivation of his favour, ministry to others when the church gathers is an important aspect of our service or self-giving to God.

The ‘vertical’ and the ‘horizontal’ dimensions of what takes place should not be artificially separated. One part of our meetings cannot be ‘the worship time’ (prayer and praise) and another part ‘the edification time’ (preaching and exhortation), since New Testament teaching encourages us to view the same activities from both points of view.

Next: Gathered for fellowship in Christ

Christians are members of the heavenly or ultimate assembly that Christ is gathering to himself (Matthew 16:18; Hebrews 12:22-4). From an earthly perspective, however, the church is still growing and being built (Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Peter 2:4-5). This process of ‘edification’ involves growth in size and maturity, as we progress in our relationship with the Lord Jesus and with one another. In fact, Christian assemblies require further ‘building’ to prepare them to meet Christ on the last day (Colossians 1:28).

Reflection: Read Ephesian 4:11-16 and consider how edification takes place.

 

• What is the role of the Lord Jesus? 
• What is the role of leaders? 
• How do members of the body contribute to the process?

 

Playing our part

Many gifts and ministries are given by God to believers, to enable this growth and development to take place (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31). Most importantly, these gifts and ministries are to be exercised in love. Believers meet together to be established and strengthened in faith, hope and love, encouraging one another to serve God in every sphere of life, as they await the day of Christ’s return (Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:24-5; 12:28-9). Everything that takes place in the assembly – praying, singing, exhorting, teaching, confessing, giving – must be for the edification of the church (1 Corinthians 14:1-19).

Intelligibility is an important issue here. People need to grasp the meaning of what is being said or sung, so that they can say ‘Amen’ and be wholeheartedly involved in the process of strengthening the church. What does this teach us about the content and style of our singing, praying and teaching? What might be a hindrance to edification?

Edification involves the growth of individuals, as well as the development of relationships and ministries, ‘until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ’ (Ephesians 4:13). As already noted, when we are ministering God’s truth to one another in love, edification may also have an evangelistic outcome (1 Corinthians 14:24-5).

Order and discernment are also important factors in the edification of the church. Although many may wish to contribute, they should do this in a controlled manner, allowing opportunity for careful evaluation by others, and reflecting the fact that ‘God is not a God of confusion but of peace’ (1 Corinthians 14:26-40). Everything should be done ‘decently and in order’, so that all may be instructed and encouraged.

Learning from leaders

Christian assemblies are called into being and grow through the ministry of God’s word and God’s Spirit. As already noted, this means that the gospel and the Scriptures must be at the centre of everything we do together. Believers generally have a part to play in building the church through Spirit-directed ministries of the word, and through praying, praising or giving thanks to God.

At the same time, there is a vital role for teachers, overseers and elders, who are to ‘hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught’, so that they might be able to ‘give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it’ (Titus 1:9). In the post-apostolic age, those who shepherd the flock of God are guardians of the gospel (2 Timothy 1:13-14), solemnly charged with preaching, warning, and encouraging believers (2 Timothy 4:1-2; Titus 2:15; Hebrews 13:17). Such leadership is vital to the Christian assembly for its ongoing growth towards maturity and fidelity to the gospel.

Conclusion and summary: List the six most important things you have learned from reflecting on biblical teaching about the gathering of God’s people.  Then consider:

 

• What needs to change in the way you think and talk about ‘church’?
• What needs to change in the way you prepare and lead services?

 

We meet together because by God’s grace we belong together. We have all heard the one gospel, received the same Spirit, and been united as members in the one body of the Son. We meet to express the fellowship in Christ that is God’s gift to us. Unbelievers may be present and should be welcomed, but the primary purpose of the regular gathering is not to evangelise unbelievers.

Reflection: Read 1 Corinthians 14: 23-5 and consider how unbelievers might be converted in the course of an ordinary church meeting.

 

• What should we do to make sure that they are not hindered in understanding the gospel?
• In what positive ways should our gatherings take account of the presence of unbelievers?

 

The nature of Christian fellowship

Christian fellowship is a sharing together in Christ and the benefits of his salvation, not merely friendship with like-minded people. We participate in something beyond ourselves. We are always in fellowship with each other and the Father through the Spirit (Ephesians 2:18), because we are all members of the heavenly assembly of Christ. We have believed the apostolic witnesses and share in the apostles’ fellowship with the Father and the Son (John 17:20-3; 1 John 1:2-3).

Nevertheless, there is a practical demonstration and experience of that fellowship when Christians assemble here on earth (Acts 2:42-47). Encountering God together shapes the nature of our relationship with God and determines the nature of our relationships as the community of Christ. We are addressed by God as a congregation of his people, and respond together in prayer, praise, and submission to his will. We grow together in him and share together in the grace he bestows (Ephesians 4:11-16).

The presence of God

Matthew 18:20 and 1 Corinthians 5:3-5 indicate that the Lord Jesus Christ is truly present when his people gather in his name. While these passages focus on meeting to make disciplinary decisions, the promise of Christ’s presence applies to any assembly in the name of the Lord. He speaks through the gospel and the Scriptures (Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 3:7-11), and through Spirit-directed ministries of exhortation, admonition, and encouragement to one another (1 Thessalonians 5:14-23; Hebrews  3:12-15; 10:24-5). Christian assemblies may therefore be referred to as ‘God’s temple’, because God’s Spirit is living and working in and among his people (1 Corinthians 3:6-7; 2 Corinthians 6:16).

The Lord’s Supper

The Lord’s Supper is a particular way of expressing our fellowship in the Lord, since it is ‘a participation together’ or means of sharing together in the benefits of Christ’s sacrifice (1 Corinthians 10:16). Paul makes it clear that this is only possible because Christ as the ‘one bread’ has brought us together as ‘one body’ (10:17). ‘Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrifice for us’ ( 5:7), and his death has formed the new people of God. For this reason, believers must behave considerately towards one another, ‘discerning the body’ (11:29) in their gathering. Only through displaying love for one another in sharing this meal together do we truly ‘proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes’ (11:26). The power of the cross is seen in the reality of Christian fellowship.

Confessing together

Confession in the New Testament means the open and verbal acknowledgement of the truth about Jesus and about ourselves. We confess with our mouths that Jesus is the Lord Christ, the Son of God, who saves and gives eternal life (Romans 10:9-10; 1 Corinthians 12:3; Hebrews 3:1). This should characterise our praise and public testimony to Christ in every sphere of life. But confession may also be an open acknowledgement to each other and to God of our sinfulness and continuing need for the grace of salvation (1 John 1:8-10; Hebrews 4:14-16; James 5:16). When we gather, we testify to one another what is in our hearts, both the sin that remains with us, and our faith in the Lord Jesus for pardon and cleansing.

Praying together

Prayer is another way we verbalize our faith and express our fellowship together in Christ. Prayer is fundamental to the Christian life and foundational to congregational ministry. As we pour out our requests and petitions to the Father, we give vital expression to our trust in his goodness and power. We should pray in faith for each other (James 5:15; Acts 4:23-31), for the progress of the gospel (2 Thessalonians 3:1), for rulers and the communities in which we live (1 Timothy 2:1-2), for the coming of God’s kingdom and for our everyday needs in the meanwhile (Mtatthew 6:9-13).

Shared ministries and generous giving

Christian fellowship is also expressed through the commissioning, sending and support of gospel workers (Acts 13:3; 18:27-8). It is further expressed through the sharing of news about the work, with encouragements to pray (Acts 4:23-31; 14:26-8). Generous giving to those in need (Acts 4:34-7; 11:27-30), or to support gospel ministry (Philippians 4:10-19; 1 Timothy 5:17-18), is a particular indication that God’s grace has penetrated the hearts of his people and moved them to respond with love. The collection and distribution of money is clearly an important aspect of the fellowship of believers (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8-9), and ‘an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God’ (Philippians 4:18; Hebrews 13:16). Eating meals together and providing hospitality, particularly for those who are engaged in gospel ministry, can be further practical ways of expressing our fellowship together in the Lord (Acts 2:42; 16:15; 20:7-11; 27:3; Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9).

Baptism

Baptism is part of the process of bringing people to Christ and making them his disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). The salvation promised in the gospel is offered through baptism and is secured through repentance and faith (Acts 2:38-9). Those who are drawn to the Lord in this way are added to his church (Acts 2:41-7). Although some baptisms in the New Testament took place in isolation (Acts 8:36-8; 9:17-18), others were more public (Acts 10:44-8; 16:14-15, 32-4). Christians have traditionally sought to baptise in the context of Christian assembly, to testify to the reception of salvation and membership of the body of Christ and to express the corporate implications of discipleship.

Next: Building towards maturity in Christ

According to Ephesians 3:7-12, God’s purpose is to make known ‘to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places’ his manifold wisdom ‘through the church’. The very existence of an assembly of believers who have confident access to the Father through faith in Christ is a testimony to his extraordinary grace and power. Ephesians 2:11-22 highlights the miracle of Jews and Gentiles united in one body, demonstrating God’s intention to bring believers from every nation into his new creation. God’s wisdom is further displayed as those drawn together by the Lord Jesus love one another with the same love with which he has loved them (Ephesians 4:1-3; 5:1-2), and express that love in the way they minister to each other (1 Corinthians 13:1-7; 14:26-33; Ephesians 4:15). By loving one another and expressing our unity in Christ, we demonstrate that our gatherings are genuinely Spirit-led (Romans 15:30; Galatians 5:22), and we anticipate God’s new creation together.

Reflection: Read Romans 15:7-13 and consider God’s purpose in bringing people of every race and culture together into the church.

 

• What is the significance of praising God in this context?
• What may be hindering genuine praise in the congregation to which you belong?

 

Jews and Gentiles are called to submit to the only true God in worship (Deuteronomy 32:43; Psalm 96:7-9; Revelation 14:6-7), acknowledging that this is only possible because of the saving work of the Messiah (John 12:32; Revelation 5:9-10). Rejoicing together in his salvation, we testify to the fulfilment of God’s purpose in the Lord Jesus. But the apostle Paul reminds us again that we need to ‘live in such harmony with one another in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ’ (Romans 15:5-6). In other words, we express who we are as the redeemed people of God by praising God together and by loving one another.

Thanksgiving in Scripture is normally addressed directly to God (Colossians 1:3-4; Revelation 11:17-18), whereas praise may be either direct or indirect, as we sing and talk about the goodness and greatness of God to one another (Romans 11:33-36; Ephesians 1:3-14; Revelation 4:11; 5:9-10). Like praise, thanksgiving is an important aspect of our corporate testimony to Christ and a means of mutual encouragement (1 Corinthians 14:16; Philippians 4:4-6; Colossians 1:11-12). God brings glory to himself, as he works through the ministry he commands us to have to each other, enabling us to acknowledge what he has done for us in the past and what he has in store for us in the future.

Next: Gathered for worship

God gathers his people to himself as an act of grace. So when we come together, our intentions and actions need to be shaped by God’s purpose in drawing us together. Every time we meet, the blessings of the gospel should be experienced afresh, and our relationship with God renewed and strengthened.

Reflection: Read Colossians 3:16-17 and consider how ‘the word of Christ’ (the gospel of Christ) may ‘dwell in you richly’.

• In what ways can the gospel be heard and have its impact every time we meet together as Christians?
• What might be hindering this in the gatherings you experience?

 

The word of the gospel creates and nurtures Christ-focussed, Spirit-filled assemblies. The gospel proclaims the basis on which we may relate to God and provokes thanksgiving for all the blessings we have received (1 Corinthians 1:4-7; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-5). This ‘word of Christ’ may be heard in preaching, exhortation, or the reading of Scripture together. God may also remind us of his saving grace in biblically-informed prayer and praise, in a baptismal service, or in the Lord’s Supper.

Next: Gathering as a testimony to Christ

Scripture reveals that God’s eternal plan is to unite all things in Christ. To achieve this, he is gathering to himself a vast assembly, from every nation, tribe, people and tongue, to the praise of his glory (Ephesians 1-2).

At the beginning of human history, fellowship with God was broken because of sin, and disastrous consequences followed (Genesis 3-11). We were separated from God and divided from one another. But God initiated a process of restoration designed to bring blessing to ‘all the families of the earth’ (Genesis 12:1-3). He drew Abram and his descendants into a covenant relationship with himself, and from that context the people of Israel emerged. In his dealings with Israel, God prepared the world for the coming of the Lord Jesus and the gathering of the ultimate assembly of people from all nations that is portrayed in Revelation 7.

Gathering Israel

God rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and gathered them to himself at Mount Sinai, describing them as his ‘treasured possession out of all peoples.’ He promised that, if they obeyed his voice and kept his covenant, they would be ‘a kingdom of priests and a holy nation’ (Exodus 19:3-6). That ‘day of the assembly’ (Deuteronomy 10:4) was decisive and formative for the life of the people from then on. In their wilderness wanderings, and then in the Promised Land, the Israelites assembled on various occasions to meet with God, to express their devotion to him with sacrificial rituals and to respond to his word with faith and praise (e.g. Exodus 29:38-46; Psalm 95).

In this pattern of worship and service, sacred places such as the tabernacle and temple, divinely appointed priests, prescribed rituals, and a yearly round of festivals, were essential aspects of their gathering to God, required by the law given to Moses. Shaped by those gatherings, they were meant to treat one another with mercy, justice and love in every sphere of life (e.g. Deuteronomy 26:1-15). Indeed, when their corporate worship did not provoke them to serve God with everyday faith and obedience, the prophets were strong in their condemnations (e.g. Isaiah 1:10-17; Amos 5:21-4; Micah 6:6-8).

God sought to bless Israel by gathering them to himself, but the judgment that ultimately fell upon them for their disobedience and unfaithfulness was their scattering among the nations (Deuteronomy 4:25-40). Even so, the prophets spoke of the day when God would act to rescue and restore his people, gathering them to himself once more (Deuteronomy 30:1-3; Isaiah 40:9-11).

Gathering the Church

In various ways, the New Testament proclaims the fulfilment of those promises in the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. His mission was to gather the lost sheep of the house of Israel, to be their Good Shepherd, to save them, to lead them, to feed and protect them as God’s flock (John 10:14-16). More than that, in fulfilment of the original promises to Abraham, his purpose was to draw people from every nation to himself (John 12:32), making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19), and building his assembly (his ‘church’), against which even the power of death will not prevail (Matthew 16:18).

Reflection: Consider Matthew 16:16-20 in the light of Exodus 19:1-6.

 

• How does Jesus build his church?
• How does it differ from the ‘congregation’ that God gathered to meet him at Mount Sinai?

God has delivered the people of the New Covenant from the dominion of darkness and death and has transferred them into the kingdom of his beloved Son, ‘in who we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins’ (Colossians 13-14). Jesus our ascended high priest and saviour-king has gathered us to God’s throne in heaven, where by faith we are part of the joyful assembly that is Christ’s heavenly and eternal church (Hebrews 12:22-4). He continues to grow his church as he sends out the messengers of his word and enables people by the power of his Spirit to respond with repentance and faith.

We look forward to the day of Christ’s return, when that heavenly assembly will be fully and finally revealed (Revelation 21:1-4). Those gathered together by God in his new creation will continually rejoice in his victory and enjoy eternal fellowship with God (Revelation 22:1-5). But even now, as believers are gathered to Christ through the preaching of the gospel and have access to the Father in one Spirit through Jesus Christ, we are drawn to each other by the new relationship with God we share. When we meet, there is a deep bond between us generated by God’s word and God’s Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:21-2; Philippians 2:1-2).

Every Christ-centred gathering is an expression of our union with him and with each other before God’s heavenly throne. The vertical dimension (God engaging with us) is primary. Uniquely among human assemblies, we are gathered by the triune God to himself, and he is powerfully present among us. So we meet with God in the presence of one another and meet with one another in the presence of God. The horizontal dimension (meeting with one another) is created and determined by God’s approach to us. God ministers to us through the fellowship of his people and we respond to him as we pray, praise, and listen to his word.

But each of our gatherings, week by week, is also an anticipation of the ultimate assembly of God’s people around his throne in the new creation. Since we await that final experience of fellowship with God, each Christian assembly has an ‘already and not-yet’ dimension. We are already ‘in Christ’ and yet we wait to be together ‘with Christ’ in the new creation.

Christian assemblies can take place anywhere and do not require the presence of any particular person. They can occur at any time (Romans 14:5; Galatians 4:9-11), and do not involve any essential ritual (Colossians 2:16-17). Christians do not have sacred places on earth to which they must come to worship (John 4:21-4), and the only priest they need is Jesus Christ, who is in heaven (Hebrews 8:1-6; 10:19-23).