Purpose

Purpose

"Going to church does not make you a Christian anymore than going to the garage makes you a car."
~ Dr. Laurence J. Peter

In reviewing scripture, my comments, and past notes I have made for myself let me introduce this topic by submitting this brief but conclusive reminder to the reader: “The author of this writing is not inspired, and is subject to error, ignorance, and prejudice. You must go to the bible for answers – all I can do is challenge your thinking.” That being said, a relevant quote to much of what is said in the realm of purported Christian thought (or theology) is this, “It is amazing the amount of light the bible can shed on many of our commentaries.” Many a supposed ‘high-church’ individual could befuddle one with amazing terminology such as hermeneutics, soteriology, and eschatological arguments that would lead one to their “Wits End” if not the end of the age. I will do my best to avoid such theological acrimonious transduction as possible in its presentation. It is not due to lack of understanding the terms, they’re just not very useful in explaining things in a straightforward and concise fashion. The best word picture that comes to mind is throwing “big rocks” into a small pond. (Lots of fun if you’re a kid by the way.) Ok, to the point, almost….

Please do not confuse the purpose of the “meeting” of the church with the “purpose” of the church which I would place it’s primary emphasis of seeking and saving the lost. (Mathew 28:19-20) If there is any debate as to this emphasis let it be with the author of the verse and not myself, I didn’t write that He did. On to the point, again, almost…..in writing this I gave a lot of thought as to various ‘functions’ of the church with in the members of its body. Please do not mistake my writing as to avoid or dismiss the various functions which would include, but not limited to, items and thoughts found in Ephesians 4:12-13 and James 1:27. There are many others and through "meeting" many of these things take place and are fostered.

As to my first use of scripture John 4:23 was to reference the scriptural application of worship as given by the author Himself where He referred to a time when the true worshipers would worship the Father is spirit and in truth. Which leads me to pose the question: When is the Christian not to be in the spirit and in truth? As stated in Romans 8:9 by the apostle Paul in writing to the church in Rome, the very evidence that one is His, is the indwelling spirit of Christ. (Paraphrased) One of the greater sources of error is when we use non-biblical terms to define biblical concepts. The “church” in scripture is the very body of Christ, and its members are that which make up His body. To conclude that we go to “Church” is to infer that in some way a subtle or unconscious deviation of biblical thought transpires, that “worship” takes place in a “building” or structure outside of these ‘tents of flesh’ we inhabit here on earth. Now I know many would say, “that’s not me” or “I don’t think that way” and to this I would say “bully for you!” good that you don’t. It is a risk that we run though for our weaker minded brethren in the context of conscious that what we “win them from” is as important as what we “win them to” and can lead to, though not always, a sense of double mindedness. This though is not a doctrinal thesis of worship, just a reference to my use of the scripture in John 4:23. I would say that our worship need be as one put it 24-7-365. An individual’s ability to attain to that standard does not negate the standard. Just as Paul referred to the brethren in Rome, as “saints” does not infer that all acted so “saintly”. Please understand the differentiation in usage and context of my explanation. Since I try to avoid addressing Jesus as CEO, in turn I will avoid the use of a non-biblical term “Corporate Worship”, I’m sure the use and practice is infused into the various doctrines of men and denominational creeds, though I imagine it has led to many misunderstandings and fisticuffs in the history of its use and misapplication.

As to the meat of the matter, I would reference Acts 2:42 which carries the greatest portion of “scriptural thrust” (if you will) regarding the “meeting” of the church. When they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. The observation of the Lord's supper and the proclamation of His death till He comes as evidenced in I Corinthians 11:23-26. The public reading of scripture as instructed to Timothy by the apostle Paul (I Timothy 4:13) would be of benefit to those gathered and speaking to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs as stated in Ephesians 5:19 in the letter to the saints in Ephesus could do no harm either. These seem to be consistent with what the bible provides as to the purpose of the meeting of the church. To the contrary the bible gives us some warnings to heed as in Hebrews 10:25, I Timothy 6:3-5 and II Peter 2:1-3. So as to keeps alert and not quick to have our ears tickled.

Through these things we are edified. Though these things we find fellowship. Through these things we learn love (for one another) and through these things, in prayer & petition and thanksgiving to God will He (Christ) guard our hearts and mind. Preserving spirit, soul & body until that day of His sure return. (Paraphrased) I Thessalonians 5:23.

In summary, having feared saying to much already, I would say that the “obedience of the faith” referred to in scripture is much more than the keeping of a ‘spiritual scorecard’ and to checking off 1) Assemble 2) Read Bible 3) Pray 4) etc. that mindset, if you will, is flesh and does not please God. Again though as previously stated in my other post, I roast and count beans and am not a through source for biblical exegesis, for that stuff you have to go to the professionals. Best I could do, hope it helps and does not hinder your understanding.