Local churches are authorized to provide for worship and edification

The local church is a group designed for mutual encouragement as we serve God together

• I Corinthians 14:3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 17, 26, 31

The benefit of a group

• Weight Watchers
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Atheist “mega-churches” - Sunday Assembly
• All these groups have a common interest. For us, that is Jesus.

Lord’s Supper

• I Corinthians 11:26
• Acts 20:7

Studying / preaching

• I Corinthians 14:26 - All things should be done for edification.
• I Timothy 4:6, 16
• II Timothy 4:1-5
• We can study our Bible alone, but there is benefit to studying together.

Giving

• I Corinthians 16:1
• II Corinthians 8:1-7; 9:1-2 - Giving encourages others also. Paul used both groups to encourage each other.

Praying

• John 11:41-42
• Acts 12:12

Singing

• Colossians 3:16

Assembling

• Hebrews 10:24-25

Questions for thought: If we didn’t meet together, do you suppose you …

• would sing quite as much on your own each week?
• would give as much, or know about and send support to preachers in other places?
• would study as much?
• would know about and have as many opportunities to encourage others?