Our Beating Heart

Michael WilliamsonThe weekly public meetings of the church are the beating heart of our fellowship, identity, teaching, and empowering of the saints … for Christ honouring works of service.

There’s lots that catches our attention when we gather, however, as Jesus gently rebuked Martha, only one thing is necessary – to sit at his feet and listen to what he said, as Mary was doing (Luke 10:38-42).

Therefore, our public gatherings are centred around the word of God read out loud and preached upon. In this we are following what Paul instructed Timothy in Ephesus … devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching (1 Tim 4:13). Paul of course is following Jesus’ command … go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you (Mat 28:19-20).

From Jesus commands in the New Testament, we therefore find more instruction about what we do as we gather. Like Colossians 3:16 … Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Jesus likewise explains that how we gather in these public moments is the only visual display of the gospel that can be witnessed anywhere in the world John 13:34-35 … A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another (John 13:34-35).

This is why gathering together around the word of God, keeps our Christian hearts beating and our gospel witness living. So, what are you doing next Sunday?

Michael

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