Assembly
In the Bible, the term "assembly" generally refers to a gathering of people for a specific purpose, often in a religious context. The Hebrew word often translated as "assembly" is "qahal" (קָהָל), which denotes a congregation or a community of people summoned together, particularly for worship or for communal decision-making (Deuteronomy 4:10; Psalm 22:25). In the New Testament, the Greek word "ekklesia" (ἐκκλησία) is used, which originally referred to a gathering of citizens in a city but came to signify the Christian church—a body of believers called out for a purpose (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:47).The concept of assembly is significant in the biblical narrative, as it underscores the importance of communal worship and collective identity among God’s people. For instance, in the Old Testament, the Israelites would gather for feasts and religious observances, such as the Passover (Exodus 12:6), which reinforced their identity as a covenant community. In the New Testament, the early Christians met regularly for prayer, teaching, and fellowship, as seen in Acts 2:42-47, emphasizing the communal aspect of faith and the importance of mutual support and encouragement within the body of Christ. Overall, the idea of assembly in the Bible reflects both a physical gathering and a spiritual unity among believers.
Assembly2
The Assemblies 1 cor.3;17
By J.M. Davies1.2K36:39MAT 6:331CO 3:17EPH 5:271TI 3:15HEB 10:25JAS 3:161PE 2:9In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experiences of being part of the people of God for 50 years in various countries. He emphasizes the importance of simplicity and purity in devotion to God. The sermon focuses on three well-known scriptures: 1 Corinthians 3:17, which warns against defiling the temple of God; James, which highlights the destructive nature of envy and strife; and 1 Corinthians 12:21, which speaks about the interdependence of different members in the body of Christ. The speaker urges believers to guard against division and strive for unity in the assembly.
Importance of the Assembly
By William MacDonald1.4K33:34PSA 126:5PRO 14:12MAT 16:18ACT 2:421CO 3:9COL 1:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not changing the message of the Gospel, but being open to changing the methods of delivering it. He uses the example of cereal companies improving their packaging to boost sales without changing the product itself. The purpose of life is seen as serving the Lord within the context of the local church, and the speaker encourages aspiring leaders to step up and serve. The speaker also highlights the significance of the church in the New Testament and the enthusiasm with which the apostles spoke about it.