What Our Church Assemblies Are Designed to Do

by David Gibson

When we gather on the Lord’s Day or other occasions, our assemblies have vertical and horizontal dimensions. Vertically, we raise prayers and songs of praise to God. Horizontally, we teach and encourage one another. Let’s focus on the latter.

Edifying/Encouraging/Exhorting/Teaching

“Let all things be done for building up” (I Corinthians 14:26), which is also translated as “edification.” Though this word can refer to a physical structure (Matthew 24:1), it is also used metaphorically to strengthen one another spiritually.

One major way edification takes place is through teaching (I Corinthians 14:19) “so that all may learn and all be encouraged” (I Corinthians 14:31).

Mutual edification is accomplished through the hymns we sing (Colossians 3:16) and by a word of encouragement by one to another, whether oral or written (Ephesians 4:29).

With a Noble End in View

When Barnabas was sent to help the new believers in Antioch, he “encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts” (Acts 11:23).

When visiting congregations they had founded earlier, Paul and Barnabas " strengthened the disciples and encouraged them to remain true to the faith” (Acts 14:22; 15:41; 18:23; 15:32).

Sunday’s coming. How can we make the most of the opportunity to “pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding” (Romans 14:19)?