The Church: Addendum

My friend Mark Adams, a faithful pastor and teacher for many decades in Edmonton, provided a comment on my last post listing the various things we may engage in as we gather as His body. Mark’s list is the basis for this addendum. I have not included the scriptures as that would make this an extremely long post, but the references are there that support the practices. I have done some minor editing and additions. Mark did the hard work. 

Here is a list from the New Testament of activities that the church was encouraged to engage in when they gathered as the body. Activities that by extension we can and should engage in.

Singing/Worship: (1 Cor 14:26; Eph 5:19; Col 3:16; Mk 14:26) Singing psalms (songs of devotion), hymns (songs of doctrine) and spiritual songs (spontaneous songs given by the Spirit during worship).

Testimony: (Acts 14:27; 21:19) Thankful reports of what God was doing in and through the believers.

Teaching: (Acts 2:42; 11:26; 20:20; 1 Cor. 14:26) Instruction from the word of God to lead people in the way of truth.

Admonishing/Encouraging: (Col 3:16; Acts 15:32; Rom 12:8; Heb 10:25) Giving a word of exhortation, warning, encouragement or similar that motivated the people of God to keep the faith.

Prophesying: (1 Cor 14; Acts 2:17; 1 Th 5:20) The speaking of a timely and specific message that God wanted to convey to his people. God’s ‘mind for the moment.’

Tongues & Interpretation: (1 Cor; 14; 12:10; Acts 2:4) An inspired message spoken in a heavenly or foreign language that was interpreted for and understood by the church for their corporate edification.

Prophetic Revelations: (1 Cor 14:26 & 30; 12:8; Acts 5:3) Visions, dreams, words of knowledge and words of wisdom given by God and shared with the body.

Prayer: (Acts 1:14; 2:42; 4:24; 12:5; 14:23; Eph 6:18; Col 4:2)) Public prayer has always been a part of what happens when the church comes together. Included can be prayer ministry for individual needs resulting in healings, deliverance and miracles. (See James 5:14 and 1 Corinthians 12:9).

Reading of Scripture: (1 Tim 4:13; Acts 17:11) The Scripture needs to be read when the church comes together.

Preaching: (1 Tim 4:13; 5:17; Acts 6:4; 20:20) Proclaiming the gospel message of salvation in Jesus and the reality of His kingdom in our midst.

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper: (Acts 2:41; Mt 28:19, Lk 22:19; 1 Cor 11:23-26). The early church faithfully observed these ordinances.

The Breaking of Bread: (Acts 2:42 & 46; 20:7) Eating and sharing food together in genuine fellowship.

Giving: (1 Cor 16:2; 2 Cor 8:7 Acts 4:34-35) A regular practice of the body giving monetary gifts to support leaders and the work of the body in ministering to others and extending and demonstrating His kingdom.

As a follow up to the list here is a final reflective question. When you gather with others in the body are your relationships and interactions with fellow believers moving forward the kingdom of God – Jesus’ agenda?

NOTE next week we will look at the place of Presence.