Why The Body Of Christ Is To Meet In Fellowship And
What Is To Happen During Those Appointed Times

Duane Gallentine

1. To manifest to all men (lost or saved), Satan, and his evil host the hidden wisdom of God contained The Mystery.

   "And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God," Ephesians 3:9-10 (KJV)

2. To individually participate as an responsible adult being part of the One Body of Christ ministering through admonition of one another with the goal being godly edification*:

   "From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." Ephesians 4:16 (KJV)

   "And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God." Colossians 2:19 (KJV)

   "And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another." Romans 15:14 (KJV)

   "Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do." 1 Tim 1:4 (KJV)

   [*Godly edifying has to do with the believer acquiring a sure understanding of what God has made Christ to be for him with this faith position producing the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ]

3. Through many of the saints giving thanks unto God for His abundant grace that the glory of God might be magnified:

   "For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God." 2 Corinthians 4:15 (KJV)

4. To have occasion to extend to others in their conduct towards you that which God has already given you in the behalf of Christ:

   "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." Colossians 3:13 (KJV)

5. To be taught together, to sing together, to see each others face--thus taking courage and in the giving of thanks:

   "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." Colossians 3:16 (KJV)

   "And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The Three Taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage." Acts 28:15 (KJV)

   "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient," 2 Tim 2:24 (KJV)

6. To show the Lord's death until He comes in the Rapture. Thus, we are refreshed as to the basis [Christ's blood and body] of how God has dealt with us and still keeps us secure in Christ. Should we not them deal with each other on that same basis--Colossians 3:16??

   "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come." 1 Corinthians 11:26 (KJV)

7. To preach, reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine:

   "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." 2 Tim 4:2 (KJV)