Have you ever wondered what is the church body suppose to do when it comes together on Sunday?  From time to time someone will ask me that question, well let me give you 6 primary suppose to’s:

1. The saints are to be edified (1 Co 14:3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 17, 26)-Edification is a Greek word “oikodomeo” which means to build and when used of the Christian it has the idea to promote spiritual growth and development of character.

2. We are to pray (Acts 2:42)-This should not just be petitions, but also prayers of thanksgiving, acknowledgement of God’s grace, wonder, and sovereignty.

3. Collecting of tithes and offerings (1 Co 16:2; c.f. Malachi 3:10)-’nough said

4. Breaking of Bread (Acts 2:42; 1 Co 11:18ff)-This isn’t about eating meals together, rather it’s what we commonly call today Communion.  How often? Doesn’t matter just whatever your local church decides be there to be reminded of what Christ has done for us.

5. Fellowship-this actually has three parts none of which can occur without others around:

• Acts 2:42-”koinonia” which means to fellowship or commune together
• Heb 10:24-”paroxymos” which means to stimulate and in the context of Hebrews has the idea stimulate to love and good deeds
• Heb 10:25-”parakaleo” has the idea to comfort, encourage, exhort, urge, implore one another.

6. Singing (Eph 5:19 we are to address one another in “. ..psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord“)

7. Worship-interestingly we are not told how except that it is to be in spirit (not material) and in truth (not falsehood).  Allow me to suggest that when 1-6 are occurring then worship will have taken place.  Vine gives worship the broad idea of “…the direct acknowledgement to God, of His nature, attributes, ways and claims, whether by the outgoing of the heart in praise and thanksgiving or deed done in such acknowledgement.”

As these things are accomplished in our hearts the “saints will be encouraged and the hearts of the unsaved and backslidden will be convicted“.