Dear ones,
I thought the following was an excellent point:
Quote:
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(From Chapter 11) "The typical way Christians think about their meetings is as a place to come and worship, be refreshed, edified, learn, and be encouraged. The Apostle Paul would no doubt agree with that mindset, but would add the thought of testimony to his expectation of a Christian gathering. This expanded understanding sees the assembly as a place where the unsaved or unlearned can come and perhaps for the first time be exposed to New Testament realities."
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This aspect of "testimony" is a very important aspect to keep in the forefront whenever believers publicly assemble together. Being ever mindful of the testimony we bear before unbelievers and newcomers means that we consider the thoughts, feelings, and reactions of other people more than we consider ourselves. Ultimately, this causes the meeting to be an expression of concern and love. Which is to say, the meeting becomes a truly genuine expression of God!