The Mission of the Church
Worship and Edification
Building Up the Body
Description
The church gathers for the worship of God and the mutual edification of believers. We are to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly, teaching and admonishing one another. Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together. When the church gathers, each one has a psalm, a doctrine, a tongue, a revelation—let all things be done unto edifying. The purpose of spiritual gifts is the building up of the body. We are to grow up into Christ in all things. Worship is not entertainment; edification is not self-help. Both center on Christ and His Word.
Key Verses
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth.
Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.