Rethinking Church Part 3 - The Purpose of Meeting Together

To continue the question from the previous post, "So why do we meet up? What is the purpose of going to 'church'? Why do we, followers of Jesus Christ, meet together?"

Acts 2:42-47 tells us quite clearly the primary reason for meeting up.

1. It is to learn about the Word of God(v42) which in our modern context seems to be listening to sermons and having bible study.

2. It is for fellowship(v42) - that means getting to really know each other, encourage each other, spur each other toward love and good deeds(Heb 10:24-25) and to carry each other's burden (Gal 6:2)

3. It is to break bread together(v42,46-47) - praising God together(our modern day praise & worship time), remembering Jesus (1 Cor 11:23-26 - partake in Holy Communion), and giving thanks together for His goodness & provision(v46. We do this in giving our public testimony, having a meal together)

4. It is to pray together(v42) - Praying together(Matt 18:19-20), and also for each other(James 5:16)

5. It is to share, give and bless each other(v44-45) - giving to those who are in need, sharing things together for the benefit of everyone, blessing one another (2 Cor 9:6-13)

So there you have it. Are you in some ways involved in all of the 5 points mentioned? Remember, you form the church. You are a part of it. The church is therefore you, and the rest of the people who meet together. The church cease to exist if all the parts of the body cease to engage in her purpose. It will then become just a hollow gathering of people who profess to follow Christ but are not doing anything that would demonstrate their following of Christ.