(Clip) The Early Church Gathering Around Communion not the Pulpit
Shane Idleman emphasizes that the early church centered its gatherings around communion and fellowship rather than pulpit preaching, highlighting the importance of community and remembrance in Christian worship.
This sermon emphasizes the foundation of the church being built on God's Word and the early church's practice of gathering around communion, reading Psalms, sharing God's Word, and fostering fellowship. It highlights the importance of unity, fellowship, and doing God's work together as a church body.
Full Transcript
This church is built on God's Word. God built it. And the early church, I don't know if you know this, but wasn't built from a man on a pulpit preaching.
The early church actually got together and they came together around communion. Every week they came and they remembered what Jesus has done. They would read the Psalms.
Somebody would give a word from God's Word. They would be encouraged. It was a fellowship.
That's how the church grew. Now, there's nothing wrong with a pastor preaching. That has developed over the years.
That's biblical. But many churches weren't this large. They were smaller home gatherings.
And so we have to remember what the church is. It's not coming to listen to a person and then going home. The church is actually to come together and fellowship and be united and then go back out and do God's work.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- The church is built on God's Word
- The early church was not built around pulpit preaching
- God built the church through His Word and fellowship
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II
- Early church gatherings centered on communion
- Weekly remembrance of Jesus' work
- Reading of Psalms and encouragement through God's Word
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III
- Church gatherings were smaller home fellowships
- Preaching from a pastor developed over time
- The church is more than listening; it is fellowship and unity
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IV
- The purpose of church is to unite believers
- To go back out and do God's work
- Church is about community, not just attendance
Key Quotes
“This church is built on God's Word. God built it.” — Shane Idleman
“The early church actually got together and they came together around communion.” — Shane Idleman
“The church is actually to come together and fellowship and be united and then go back out and do God's work.” — Shane Idleman
Application Points
- Prioritize fellowship and communion in your local church gatherings to reflect the early church model.
- Remember that church is about community and unity, not just listening to sermons.
- Engage actively in church to be equipped and sent out to do God's work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the early church built around pulpit preaching?
No, the early church gathered around communion and fellowship rather than a man preaching from a pulpit.
What did early church gatherings typically include?
They included communion, reading Psalms, sharing God's Word, and mutual encouragement.
Is preaching from a pastor unbiblical?
No, preaching developed over time and is biblical, but it was not the original focus of early church gatherings.
What is the main purpose of the church according to the sermon?
The church exists to unite believers in fellowship so they can go out and do God's work.
How were early church meetings different from many modern churches?
Early church meetings were smaller home gatherings focused on fellowship rather than large congregations centered on pulpit preaching.