What makes a meeting an “assembly gathering”? by Michael J. Penfold A survey of the Acts of the Apostles and the Pauline epistles reveals that churches in the first century assembled for a variety of regular meetings, among them; prayer meetings, Bible teaching meetings and, of course, the Lord’s Supper.1 On such occasions a whole […]
This book preserves the unique and fascinating record of a group of Christians who were converted in the 1859 revival in Scotland. Through reading their Bibles they correctly concluded that both clerisy and denominationalism were unscriptural, and they were led of the Lord to meet together to break bread and depend on Him alone for […]
A handy A4 chart outlining what the New Testament teaches about the nature, function and purpose of a local church under four headings: plan, purpose, principle and pattern. Click here for a PDF copy or click on the chart below to open up a large jpeg copy: Michael J. Penfold (info@webtruth.org)
Why I am in a New Testament Assembly Audio sermon by Michael J. Penfold After defining the words “fellowship” (Gk: koinonia) and “assembly” (Gk: ekklesia), this sermon sets out 3 reasons “Why I am in fellowship in a local assembly”. First, because of the purpose of God; second, because of the presence of Christ; and […]
New Testament Church Basics Introduction It’s common nowadays to ‘choose a church’ based on personal preference. If the kids’ programme is cool, the Pastor is easy to listen to and the band is trendy, what more could one want? However, in light of the fact that the Bible contains several epistles that give detailed doctrinal […]
New Testament Church Basics Chapter 2 – The Local Assembly Manifests the Divine Presence Our thoughts now turn to a second fundamental purpose of a local assembly – it manifests the presence of God. Since the beginning of creation it has always been God’s purpose to dwell among His people. Adam and Eve heard God’s […]
New Testament Church Basics Chapter 3 – The Local Assembly Exhibits Divine Design We have seen that the Lord both owns the assembly and dwells in the assembly. Let us now consider the fact that He designed the assembly and that its order, structure and character showcase His wisdom. These three facts are placed side […]
New Testament Church Basics Chapter 4 – The Local Assembly Administers Divine Authority In previous articles we have examined a number of basic truths about the local assembly. First, He owns it. Second, He dwells in it. Third, He designed it. Now we come to a fourth fundamental consideration – He rules it. The Bible […]
New Testament Church Basics Chapter 6 – The Local Assembly Provides Divine Care What a place the assembly is! – where God’s glory is preeminent; His presence is known; His wisdom is displayed; His rule is acknowledged, and His order of headship is honoured and displayed. We come now to a sixth purpose: the assembly […]
New Testament Church Basics Chapter 7 – The Local Assembly Proclaims Divine Truth Before looking, in this chapter, at the local assembly’s role as a vehicle for the dissemination and defence of Bible doctrine, a particular aspect of ‘proclaiming divine truth’ must be mentioned. In the weekly Lord’s Supper, sometimes called “the breaking of bread” […]
New Testament Church Basics Chapter 8 – The Local Assembly Fulfils the Divine Commission Our thoughts now turn to “the great commission” in which the Lord Jesus told his disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel, baptise the converts, and teach them to observe all things that He had commanded. Having […]
