New testament assembly
A New Testament assembly, also known as a church, is a group of believers who come together to worship, fellowship, and serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Here are some key aspects of a New Testament assembly:
- Gathering together: The New Testament emphasizes the importance of believers gathering together regularly (Hebrews 10:24-25, Acts 2:42-47).
- Worship: A New Testament assembly includes worship, which involves singing, praying, and giving thanks to God (Ephesians 5:19-20, Colossians 3:16-17).
- Preaching and teaching: The assembly includes the preaching and teaching of the Word of God, which is essential for spiritual growth and maturity (1 Corinthians 1:18-31, 2 Timothy 4:2).
- Fellowship: Believers in a New Testament assembly are encouraged to fellowship with one another, sharing their lives, struggles, and joys (Acts 2:44-47, Hebrews 10:24-25).
- Breaking of bread: The New Testament assembly includes the breaking of bread, which is a symbol of the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Acts 2:42).
- Prayer: Prayer is an essential part of a New Testament assembly, as believers come together to pray for one another, the church, and the world (Acts 12:5, Ephesians 6:18).
- Leadership: A New Testament assembly is led by elders or pastors who are responsible for guiding, teaching, and caring for the believers (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9).
- Discipleship: The assembly is responsible for discipling new believers and helping them grow in their faith (Matthew 28:18-20, 2 Timothy 2:2).
- Mission: A New Testament assembly is called to be a light to the world, sharing the gospel with those who do not know Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8).
- Unity: Despite differences, a New Testament assembly is characterized by unity and harmony among believers, as they are united in their love for Christ (Ephesians 4:3-6, Philippians 2:1-4).
These aspects of a New Testament assembly are not exhaustive, but they provide a general outline of what a biblical church should look like.