The Church Assembly

In 1 Corinthians 14:26 Paul gives us guidelines for the as­sembling of the church. “How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.”

This is the biblical manner in which we should gather, and it is important to follow these guidelines carefully. According to church history, preachers took control of the church assemblies not more than fifty years after the apostles’ death.

In these days, this apostasy has developed to perfection. Instead of the body of Christ, the result is, by and large, purely human as­semblies.

If we want to be preserved as the church of the living God, then the individual members must present themselves to serve in the church. If they fail on this point, the very foundation for sanctification and being prepared as the bride fails. God’s Word speaks clearly about these two things: it is either a church of the living God, or an assembly of the dead.

Whenever you come together, “each of you has We must pay particular and very careful attention to this “each of you.” The brothers’ different states of development mean nothing in this con­text; whether they are poor or rich, learned or unlearned is of no con­sequence at all. However, the thing that differentiates one from an­other is how much he has partaken of godly fear and wisdom in his personal life. The brothers have to see their great responsibility; namely, that the church either stands or falls because of them. This was precisely the point where the apostasy began. Therefore every brother should be encouraged to have something new and living to give, for the way is new and living, and living waters flow from the lives of those who believe.

It is God’s blessing and great grace that we can gather in this way. This matter of coming together as a church assembly is so important and so serious that we should make every effort to come together. There are the brothers who have heard God’s voice, and there are the members who are open to the work of the Spirit of God, and there the secret thoughts and intents of the heart are judged. The knowledge of God in the face of Jesus Christ shines in the church.

“Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy.” 1 Corinthians 14:39. The responsibility rests with the brothers to speak and teach in such a way that a body grows forth. The word of wisdom, which is the doctrine according to Christ for breaking down and edifying, is the fruit of a personal striving and godly fear. The preaching round about is lacking in “teaching”—the teaching of sanctification and being conformed to the image of Jesus. This teaching is the backbone of the church. Neglecting to give it its proper place in the meeting will provide fertile soil for the preacher with his high-sounding and weighty speeches, but with uncertain aim.

“Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says.” 1 Corinthians 14:34.

This word which Paul wrote puts an even greater responsibility on the brothers. The sisters cannot give any help by their “ability to speak,” because whatever is spoken must be spoken as from “the head.”

How precious and blessed it will be when both the brothers and sisters find their places in the body, serving God and edifying each other according to the laws of the Spirit. It is important for us to un­derstand that the church assembly is a gathering in holy seriousness before God’s face, and that the will of God is to be revealed there. In the organized church congregations, theological education and titles carry considerable weight. However, if a brother in their midst is filled with the Spirit and God’s wisdom, it does not mean anything to them unless he is educated.

God has given us precious opportunities in the church for our submission and salvation. These opportunities are trodden down by the average religious person. Let us keep ourselves pure from all op­position to God’s commandments. May the sisters see the greatness of being in submission, and may their life and conduct be an encour­agement for the brothers, to stand as prophets in the church and to be aware of their responsibility as the head of the woman.

There is a burning lampstand in our midst in these days, and it is up to us to make sure it is not put out.