Are the gatherings of the assembly merely traditions of the brethren or are they Scriptural?

It is paramount for any assembly of believers that young and old work together. In such a working relationship, new and old ideas will be suggested and reviewed. 

Because an idea is new, it is not necessary to implement it or because it is old it is not necessary to continue it. “We have always done it this way,” is not an answer when we are questioned about practices.  We should weigh with care the source of our practices.

The Jews in the day of the Lord had traditions they lived by that were opposed to the teachings of Scripture; they nullified Scripture.  To the Levitical laws, the Jewish rabbinical schools added many of their own teachings.  The added teachings were condemned by our Lord.  They chose their traditions at the expense of the commandments of God.  In Matthew 15:3, the Lord said, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?” and again in verse 6, “Thus have you made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.”  From such a background came Saul of Tarsus who, in Galatians 1:14, said he was “exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.”  He could never forget the errors of those pre-conversion days, yet he chose the same word to describe the truth of God.  In 1 Corinthians 11:2 he said “keep the ordinance” (traditions), and again in 2 Thessalonians 2:15, “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.”  W. E. Vine defines tradition as “a handing down or on” which is exactly what the apostle Paul did.  The truth the apostle received from the Lord was handed down or over to the believers, and subsequently handed down to believers today.  The “traditions” of which Paul spoke are the very Word of God, not what men have added to the Scriptures.  Our authority is the Word of God, the cannon of Scripture, alone.

The New Testament identifies seven meetings of the assembly.

The Breaking Of Bread Meeting

The Lord Himself instituted this gathering when He took bread and a cup and gave thanks.  We see the pattern at Jerusalem (Acts 2:41-42), and the practice at Troas (Acts 20:6-7).  Paul waited a week in order to break bread with the assembly.  The teaching of 1 Corinthians 11:23 was received by revelation from the Lord.  The purpose seen in John 4 is that the Father seeks worshipers, and we worship in spirit and in truth.  Worship is ascribed to God alone. The Lord said, “This do in remembrance of ME.”  We muse upon Him.  The Spirit said, “Ye do proclaim the Lord’s death till He come.”  We tell once again of His limitless love, infinite suffering, and the eternal blessings of Calvary.  The Scriptures always link the Lord’s Supper with an established assembly.  We do not receive to the Lord’s Supper, rather we receive to the fellowship of the assembly.  The breaking of bread is one of the privileges.  We believe with all our heart, “He is in the midst,” and this is expressed by arranging the chairs in a circle.  We must observe carefully the “within and without” of the assembly and provide room for the observer.  Since Christ wants the first place in our heart’s affections, we give priority to this meeting.  We meet early on the first day of the week.  Does this meeting become just a habit or an empty form?  Do we violate Scripture by gathering the first of each week to remember the Man who died for us? A thousand times, “no!”  We come to present to the Father the Son in all of His glory, the blessed One who loved me and gave Himself for me.

The Prayer Meeting

“The day of Pentecost was fully come.”  The Spirit descends, the gospel is preached, and souls are saved.  The Spirit of God notes that these believers continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers (Acts 2:42).  So the prayer meeting was not just for a few; all joined in the exercise of prayer.  When we come to Acts 12, Peter is in prison, “but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him” (v. 5).  It brought joy to the saints when their prayers were answered.  The apostle Paul, instructing Timothy concerning the need at Ephesus, exhorts first of all regarding the prayer meeting (1 Tim 2).  They were to be marked by supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, for all men in order that the saints might live godly lives.  The male members of the assembly were to lead the company in prayer, marked by godliness and scriptural motives.  If the prayer meeting is the powerhouse of the assembly, is our assembly marked by united prayer?  Is it a priority?  What about prayer meeting before the gospel meeting?

The Teaching Meeting

The ministry meeting or the Bible reading (1Co 14:26) is for the teaching of the saints.  How can we know the mind of God for our lives and our assemblies?  It is through a proper understanding of the Word of God.  We need teaching from men who spend time with the Book, workmen approved of God.  The teacher will be a patient husbandman, laboring in the Word.  He will be a trusted steward, passing truth on to others.  His teaching and example will stir the lambs to follow the blessed Master.  Teaching should “edify and encourage, and comfort” the saints. This meeting is vital for the preservation and growth of the believers.

The Gospel Meeting

This meeting (1Th 1:8) will warm the hearts of the saints and stir them in love to Christ.  Every spiritual revival began with a fresh appreciation of the gospel.  The saints at Thessalonica were no exception when the apostle says, “For from you sounded out the Word of the Lord.”  The believers had received the Word of God. It molded their lives and stirred them to make it known to others.  What about our gospel meeting?  Is it evident proper preparation was made for the meeting?  Do we speak with a burden from the Lord? Do we shed tears, selflessly laboring for souls?  When we present the gospel, state the truth simply: “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”  Make sure the audience knows exactly what we are speaking about.  We are trying to correct man’s faulty thinking about God, sin, and the way of salvation.  Prove what we say from the living Word.  Use illustrations as the Lord did.  Spurgeon said, “Illustrations are like windows; they let in the light.” Apply the truth.  Preach with reverence and simplicity, remembering that “God’s Word is like a hammer.”

The Elders’ Meeting

Elders are men raised up by the Holy Spirit of God to guide and shepherd the flock of God.  They have been entrusted with that which is dear to the heart of God, His blood-bought people.  They labor to meet the needs of the assembly and promote its harmony.  Men of God today preserve and prepare the assembly for future usefulness.  They meet regularly to consider the practical and spiritual needs of the assembly.  This meeting is the only segregated meeting of the assembly (Acts 20:17-38).  Spiritual exercise is necessary for believers to appreciate and lovingly respect the leadership of the company.

The Discipline Meeting

This is a sad, solemn, and most searching meeting, but it is absolutely necessary (1Co 5:4).  When a deed has been done that is condemned by God, discipline must be carried out.  “Holiness becometh Thine house, O Lord, for ever” (Ps 93:5).  He that is holy, He that is true, is in our midst.  The assembly must be preserved in purity for God.  This meeting will humble the saints, and cause all to mourn and fear lest they, too, grieve God. Remember that, “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.”  But discipline is not the end.  Men with shepherd hearts will manifest an interest in the erring one in view of restoration to the Lord and the assembly.

The Report Meeting

The church of God in Antioch was richly blessed with gifted servants, and the Spirit said, “Separate Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.”  The assembly would gladly have kept such useful men at home but, in harmony with the mind of the Spirit, sent them forth to preach Christ.  Souls were saved and assemblies were established.  Returning to Antioch, they met with the assembly to recount how God had worked (Acts 14:26-28).  This is a report meeting.  Barnabas and Saul did not consider themselves independent of their brethren.  They were careful to maintain the same harmony with the assembly that was evident at the beginning.  Today, it is a privilege to hear of God’s work in the salvation of souls and the establishment of testimonies to His Name, both at home and in distant lands.

We have noted that assembly gatherings that are sometimes called “traditions” are practices based on the authority of Scripture.  If you hear someone referring to the practices of the assembly as traditions, don’t be afraid to direct them to the Word of God.  Brethren, “be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”

The Corinthian letter, called the charter of the church, gives us the purpose of the local assembly: It is a testimony unto His Name and the display of the mighty grace of God in the community, a heavenly witness to the perishing world around them.  The Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.  In that city reputed for its wickedness there was the Jewish synagogue, the heathen (pagan) temple and the church of God.  Paul states in I Cor 14, in the context of gifts and order, “let all things be done decently and in order.” In 1 Cor.12: 23 we have the diversity of gifts by the Spirit, in Romans 12 the gifts from God and in Ephesians 4 the gifts from the risen Christ.  What is basic is the uniformity in practice and order in each local assembly though each is autonomous.  We recall what the Queen of Sheba acknowledged when she heard the wisdom of Solomon and saw the service of Solomon in the temple: “It was a true report which I heard … howbeit I believed not their words until I came, and mine eyes had seen it:… there was no more spirit left in her.”  Good it is when those who observe from the backseat fall down and acknowledge, “God is in you of a truth” (I Cor. 14:25). 

 What preserves and protects the assembly is the authority of the Word.  The rich and precious truths of Headship, Lordship and Fellowship are all controlled by divine revelation, and when obeyed, produces heavenly features in the Lord’s people.  In Headship there is the display of Divine order.  Angels behold with wonder in the local gathering the recovery of Headship based upon Redemption: the man with uncovered head and the woman with her long hair (her glory) and head covered.  What is displayed locally will be displayed universally when all is under the Authority of Divine Persons.  In Lordship there is the dedication to the Divine Lord in obedience to His Word.  In the Fellowship there is the declaration of the Unity of the saints.  The unadulterated, indispensable and infallible Word is supreme and sufficient in everything pertaining to the local assembly. 

The Holy Spirit is the President of the local assembly.  He presides, controls, constrains, restrains, equips and empowers in the local gatherings for the good of all.  “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you” (1 Cor 3:16).  With reverence and godly fear we should conduct ourselves in the Presence of Divine Persons.  The uniqueness of the operation of the Holy Spirit in this “church age” is set forth in unmistakable terms.  The Holy Spirit can be grieved individually and quenched collectively.  Let us be sensitive to this Divine Person of the Godhead.  In the NT it is evident that we are dependent upon the Holy Spirit’s operations in the local assemblies.

Part of the Continuance of Assembly Testimony ~ William Metcalf series.
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Our hearts rise in thanksgiving to our great God as we think of the many companies of God’s redeemed people presently gathered out to His Name in the various countries of the world.

We are thankful for the Scriptural pattern given in His Word, and for every gathering for His honor and glory.

In this three part article, we will look at the divine plan for the assembly gathering given by the Holy Spirit following the preaching of the gospel by Peter (Acts 2).  The Acts of the apostles is a connecting link between the gospels and the epistles.  In the gospels, in reply to Peter’s answer to the Lord’s question, “Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” (Matt 16:13),  He gave teaching regarding the Church that was to be born on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2).  Christ stated “… upon this Rock (the truth that Christ is the Messiah, the Son of God) I will build My Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt 16:18).  This Church would include every believer from the day of Pentecost until His Church is raptured home.  “For where two or three are gathered together in (“in” – He is the attraction) My Name, there am I in (“in” – preeminence of His presence and place in the gathering) in the midst of them” (Matt 18:20).  He gave this teaching in embryo form concerning the local church that commenced following His death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and the promised descent of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:41-42). 

This teaching is enlarged upon and practiced in the Acts of the apostles, and taught in Paul’s epistles.

Just as Moses was instructed to make the tabernacle according to the pattern shown to him in the mount (Exo 25:40), in this present dispensation, a redeemed, Spirit-indwelled people are instructed to gather according to the pattern (Acts 2:41-42).

There are “seven essentials” that form the pattern of a New Testament assembly.

The preaching of the gospel was the command of our Lord in the commission given to His disciples.  “Go ye therefore and teach (make disciples of) all nations“ (Matt 28:19).  Its reception is the very foundation of the Christian life.  Its heralding forth lies at the heart of assembly testimony.  

The “first essential“ then is: “They that gladly received His word” (Acts 2:41).  The preaching of the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit resulted in many, who were once among the murderers of our Lord Jesus Christ, crying out saying, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37b).  This gospel is clearly stated in Peter’s words, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

The believers who gathered to His name in Thessalonica were commended for their faithfulness in preaching the gospel.  Paul writes, “For from you sounded out the word of the Lord“ (1Thes 1:8).  The Thessalonian believers “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God … even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come” (vv9-10).  An assembly that has a faithful gospel testimony will rejoice in seeing souls saved to whom they will be able to teach divine truth.  The weekly gospel meeting not only warms the hearts of believers, reminding them of their faith in the finished work of Christ, but is also used by the Spirit of God to awaken sinners to their need of salvation.  Simple, profound gospel verses, such as John 3:16, 10:9, etc., should be read, and man’s ruin, God’s remedy, and man’s responsibility to God plainly preached by godly, gifted men.  Children’s work, whether in special outreaches or the weekly Sunday school classes, has often proven profitable in planting seeds of the Word of God to bring forth fruit.  It also provides contacts with homes, and in some cases parents have been eternally blessed with the message as well.

The “second essential” is baptism.  “Then they that gladly received His word were baptized” (v41).   In His commission to His own to “make disciples” by the heralding forth of the gospel, and to “baptize them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” instruction was given for believers, those who had put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior.  

The command to baptize believers, and its detailed practice in the Acts, is further taught clearly in the epistles.  This indicates that it is to continue through this Church age.  I look back with great joy to the afternoon when a large number of saints and sinners gathered on the shore of Lake Huron to witness my obedience to the Lord.  While I was being baptized by immersion, joy flooded my heart as I looked into the blue sky and thought, “I’m doing this for the Man who died for me.”  This act of obedience and submission expresses outwardly our inward desire to live for the Lord.

Infant baptism and sprinkling are not found in the Bible.  In Acts 8:34-38, the mode of baptism is clearly given.  Following the conversation between Philip and the eunuch, the eunuch believed Philip’s preaching (v35).  Then he asked, “What doth hinder me to be baptized?”  The eunuch’s reply (v37a) was, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (v37b).  Next we read, “And they went down both of them into the water … and he baptized him.”  This clearly shows that baptism by immersion follows salvation.  This order is also seen in Acts 16:29-33.

Baptized believers have the further joy of knowing their sins forgiven and heaven as their home.  They experience Peter’s words: they have a “good conscience toward God” (1Peter 3:21) having obeyed His Word.  Baptism is not the door to the assembly, but it is at the door.

Used by permission of 'Truth and Tidings'

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