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[1 Corinthians 16:1-4 KJV] “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. [2] Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. [3] And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. [4] And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me”.
I believe so much has been taught concerning Sunday gathering and most Adventist claim that it is satanic to gather for worship. There are so many teachings making rounds that they are beginning to affect the faith of many. Inasmuch as many things may not have been taught as a doctrine, we can understand how such practices were handed down to us by the early apostles and church.
One of such practices that was handed down to us by the early church is the gathering on the first day of the week, which was referred to as the Lord’s Day. Our Lord Jesus Christ used to meet with His disciples on the first day of the week, and this day became known as the Lord’s day.
In the text above, there are three key things we observe.
1. The early church gathered on the first day of the week for fellowship:
Inasmuch as the church can meet on any other day, the early had a culture of meeting on the first day of the week (Revelations 1:1-10)
[John 9:16 KJV] “Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them”.
[Romans 14:1-8 KJV] “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. [2] For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. [3] Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. [4] Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. [5] One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike . Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. [6] He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it . He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. [7] For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. [8] For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.
2. There was a gathering anytime an apostle came around:
The early church also had a culture of gathering when an apostle or a delegate of the apostles visits (Acts 20)
3. Upon the first day of the week, everyone lay by him in store an offering as the Lord has prospered him:
Everyone ought to give as he has been prospered. You give what you have but according to your increase;
- Don’t count offering in the full view of every one.
- Don’t allow unauthorized persons to count offering.
- Take all special offerings on the first day of the week.
- Allow everyone to give as the Lord has prospered them.
4. The apostle always instructed what should be done to the offering:
The apostle Paul instructed on what should be done to the offering and that is what the church did. We should not be surprised when the senior pastor determined what the offerings should be used for.
5. Only approved persons were permitted to handle the offerings:
One of the grievious mistakes a minister can make is to make anybody at all handle offerings. Many churches have collapsed because of this.
6. The offerings were referred to as liberality:
Your offerings must be offered with a liberal spirit. You must give with love and not out of compulsion.
Be blessed, I love you!
Noah Simpe Bediako
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