We are members in particular. The gathering of the Lord's people is meant to be functional. We are, in all gatherings, gathered unto Him, our living Head.

Primarily the gift ministries function at Sunday meetings.

Ephesians 4:11 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; "

These are supported by body ministry.

Romans 12:4,5 "For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: ⁵ So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. "

The different kinds of body gifts are stated to be: Prophecy; ministry; teaching; exhorting; giving; ruling; mercy (Romans 12:6-8 ).

1 Corinthians 12:8-10 "For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; ⁹ To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; ¹⁰ To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: "

Through gifted ministers and the supporting members of the body there should be manifestation of the Spirit, and in so doing the living Lord's presence is revealed, He confirms the Word that is preached.

Mark 16:20 "And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. "

Matthew 28:20 "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. "

Every general gathering of the Lord's people should be full of expectancy!

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The Purpose Of General Ministry Gatherings

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Inspiration:

Every member should receive fresh inspiration to worship the Lord; to live as His representatives before and to the world, to do all their work as done to the Lord personally, and demonstrate to the lost the power of the gospel by their lives.

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Instruction:

A believer should be able to learn in every general gathering - when gift ministry not in full possession of the whole council of God, they need like Apollus to submit to the instruction of a Priscilla and Apollus:

Acts 18:26 "... Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately."

Instruction in the Word is important so that every member can do what the Lord says:

John 2:5 "His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it.""

The means for every kind of instruction is the Holy Scriptures:

2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: "

Majoring on what the Bible says is the way to instruct God's people, it will make them mighty in the scriptures and a power in their community.

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Direction:

From the Lord for the body, and for individual service. Ephesians reveals the purpose of Christ-given ministry.

Ephesians 4:11-13 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; ¹² For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: ¹³ Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: "

Gift ministry is tested and proved by what is produced. If it is people equipped to serve - a built up body seen to be that of Christ, all brought to unity in the faith and maturity, then the gift ministry is proven as Christ given.

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Attraction:

To the body of those the Lord is saving and adding.

	Is the philosophy of ministry at your general gatherings attractive to visiting seekers?
	Would the Lord add to your group those who are being saved?

Acts 2:47 "... And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. "

In the Sunday meetings you are part of, are these purposes in focus?

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Personal Benefits Received In Gatherings

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The quickening of personal desire to know the Lord and His word

The stimulating of personal desire to grow, to become a mature member of the body and a teacher of others (Hebrews 5:11-14 ).

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The discovery of one's personal place in the body

You know you are wanted and needed. The joy of corporate worship affecting you so deeply that your private times of worship are enriched.