Is Corporate Worship Important or Necessary?

[Alabaster]

Corporate Prayer

I. Foundation Scripture:

Matthew 18:19 - 20, "Again I Tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, together make a symphony) about - anything and everything - whatever they shall ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Amplified Bible)

Matthew 18:19 - 20, "Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (KJV)

Matthew 18:19 - 20, "When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there." (Message)

Matthew 18:19 - 20, "Again I say to you, that if two of you shall agree on the earth concerning any matter, whatsoever it may be that they shall ask, it shall come to them from my Father who is in the heavens. For where two or three are gathered together unto my name, there am I in the midst of them." (1889 Darby Bible)
​

A. Corporate prayer is probably one of the most neglected and misunderstood forms of prayer we find described in the Bible. Usually when Christians get together to pray, a whole array of prayers are offered by each individual instead of the group simply bringing a few focused prayers in complete unison before the Lord.

Despite some of the misconceptions that exist, proper corporate prayer is extremely powerful when we truly appreciate its value and perform it correctly.

In Acts 2:1 - 2 we read a very famous account of corporate prayer and its powerful result, "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting."

The term "one accord" carries the meaning of having the same mind, or being in agreement mentally about the same thing. It also means to be of "one passion".

(Acts 4:24 - 32 gives another powerful account of how effective corporate prayer is)

B. The word "agree" in Matthew 18:19 not only carries the meaning of being in one accord, but goes further; Strong's #G4856 sumphõneõ - soom-fo-neh'-o from Strong's #G4859; to be harmonious, agree (together, with)

The word sumphõneõ is the root of our modern English word, symphony. Symphony carries the meaning of "harmony of sound" such as one would experience when a Symphony Orchestra plays a symphony of music or symphonic musical composition.

On their own, each individual musical instrument may make a wonderful sound, however, when all the instruments play or symphonize together, they form one beautiful harmonious sound carrying with it much deeper emotion and meaning.

The same happens when we agree or symphonize together in corporate prayer. When we all pray together at the same time for the same thing, the power of the Holy Spirit is released in a much greater way, bringing swift breakthroughs and answers to prayer.




For more, continue reading here:


Corporate Prayer and Intercession for Breakthrough

 

[jasoncran]

The only thing I get from scripture about unknown tongues is dont do it!

What gives you the impression that 'unknown tongues' may not be a human language?

I know enough about Charismania to know that it's not for me.

No offence but I find the whole movement to be on the brink of, if not sliding down the slope of apostacy.

show me the verse on that? i see none there pauls said that if he speaks in toungues and none interprets he speaks to god and edifieth himself.

 

[pjt]

Then you fail to understand what apostasy is, or worse: you fail to understand the word of God and what He is offering you....You misapprehend the truth of the whole word of God when you isolate passages to serve your own agenda

Alabaster although I see your very passionate views which are obviously very important to you as a Christian and I can appreciate that, do you think you are being a bit harsh with Strangelove in the way you are responding considering he stated somewhere in this long thread that he is a new Christian in a Buddhist land? And his comment " I'd love to be in a church like that. But there are none near me. So I'll take second best and fellowship online." does indicate he is not anti-church and he does recognize that online fellowship is "second best". He seems to recognize this is not the perfect and ideal church but as a new Christian he is trying. Maybe we should be a little more compassionate with him? I can speak from experience it really is not easy living as a Christian in a nonChristian land where the language and culture is different from your own. And as Believers we feel as brothers and sisters in Christ we are one whereever we go all over the world. There is truth to this, but as most foreigners who live in foreign lands can testify, the church in a land reflects the culture so it is not always a satisfying fellowship experience over the long run in a culture that fellowships very differently than your own. For example, if I go to a church with people from my own culture, I usually get hugs and smiles and a very warm feeling. When I go to an Asian church. I get a bow, no smile, no touch, little eye contact, often someone asking for free English lessons or someone wanting to practice very poor English skills on me that has nothing to do with the Bible, and because the society is hierachial in a Bible study all attention is on the elder leader, usually the pastor, and no one considers debating or exchanging ideas. It is a silent experience. You can learn and this experience is a satifying fellowship for the people of the culture but not for someone from another culture where people freely express themselves more. I think there are issues perhaps people who don`t live in a foreign land that is very different than their own really cannot understand until one experiences it for themselves and I`m not talking about a 2 week or even 1 year vacation. I speaking of a long term experience. In addition to that, when you live in a nonChristian land it is true that there is not an abundance of churches to choose from and in some areas there are none. So I think we should encourage Strangelove to not give up on finding other Believers in his area to fellowship with but at the same time not condemn him for seeking fellowship here because as a new Christian at this point in time he is saying other than his mentor and Bible this is all he has. Anyway, that is just my opinion.

 

[Alabaster]

Alabaster although I see your very passionate views which are obviously very important to you as a Christian and I can appreciate that, do you think you are being a bit harsh with Strangelove in the way you are responding considering he stated somewhere in this long thread that he is a new Christian in a Buddhist land? And his comment " I'd love to be in a church like that. But there are none near me. So I'll take second best and fellowship online." does indicate he is not anti-church and he does recognize that online fellowship is "second best".

No I am not too harsh. He is determined to disregard the word and God's provision for him. It is clear in his language. Now he says that the Bible tells us not to exercise our spiritual gift of tongues. Clearly, there is a strong need for the teaching of the word of God there.

He has been encouraged to trust God to take him where He wants to plant him, which is His desire, but SL rejects the fact that God wants Him planted.

 

[Strangelove]

You misapprehend the truth of the whole word of God when you isolate passages to serve your own agenda. We are to pray in solitude daily, but we are also to come together as a church assembly and pray with one heart and voice. It strengthens our faith and God loves it---He blesses us for our joint faith and He is pleased to answer us.

All churches in the NT as well as the Israelites in the temple came together and prayed together.

Of course, as you deny the truth about the assembly, you will of course, fight tooth and nail against the call to corporate worship and prayer.

You can ignore Jesus' own teachings at you're peril. But don't teach others the same error.

The scripture is quite clear. No praying in public, to be seen of men. That is how the hypocrites do...and God hates it.

 

[Strangelove]

Question: "Is corporate prayer important? Is corporate prayer more powerful than an individual praying alone?"

Answer: Corporate prayer is an important part of the life of the church, along with worship, sound doctrine, communion, and fellowship. The early church met regularly to learn the doctrine of the apostles, break bread, and pray together (Acts 2:42).

This is the only part of you're post which you think encourages prayer in groups. But the verse says no such thing. As I've already pointed out,

2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and
fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

4 things they continued to do:

1) Hold fast in the correct doctrine
2) Fellowship together
3) Break bread
4) Prayer

Doesn't say one has to be done in conjuntion with the other.

Are Jesus' own words not enough for you. Doesn't He make the issue crystal clear?​

 

[Strangelove]

What you think is based on what you only want to think...not on what God wants you to think.

What God wants me to think is written in His Word. And that is what I base my thoughts on.

What you think is based on what you're cell group want you to believe. And it is contra-scriptural as I've clearly shown.

Pastor Authority over the flock - Against Jesus' own words

Public Prayer - Against Jesus' own words

Necessity of church building membership - Against Jesus' own words

And thats just the stuff associated with this topic.

 

[Strangelove]

Corporate Prayer

I. Foundation Scripture:

Matthew 18:19 - 20, "Again I Tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, together make a symphony) about - anything and everything - whatever they shall ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Amplified Bible)

Matthew 18:19 - 20, "Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (KJV)

Matthew 18:19 - 20, "When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there." (Message)

Matthew 18:19 - 20, "Again I say to you, that if two of you shall agree on the earth concerning any matter, whatsoever it may be that they shall ask, it shall come to them from my Father who is in the heavens. For where two or three are gathered together unto my name, there am I in the midst of them." (1889 Darby Bible)

​

A. Corporate prayer is probably one of the most neglected and misunderstood forms of prayer we find described in the Bible. Usually when Christians get together to pray, a whole array of prayers are offered by each individual instead of the group simply bringing a few focused prayers in complete unison before the Lord.

Despite some of the misconceptions that exist, proper corporate prayer is extremely powerful when we truly appreciate its value and perform it correctly.

In Acts 2:1 - 2 we read a very famous account of corporate prayer and its powerful result, "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting."

The term "one accord" carries the meaning of having the same mind, or being in agreement mentally about the same thing. It also means to be of "one passion".

(Acts 4:24 - 32 gives another powerful account of how effective corporate prayer is)

B. The word "agree" in Matthew 18:19 not only carries the meaning of being in one accord, but goes further; Strong's #G4856 sumphõneõ - soom-fo-neh'-o from Strong's #G4859; to be harmonious, agree (together, with)

The word sumphõneõ is the root of our modern English word, symphony. Symphony carries the meaning of "harmony of sound" such as one would experience when a Symphony Orchestra plays a symphony of music or symphonic musical composition.

On their own, each individual musical instrument may make a wonderful sound, however, when all the instruments play or symphonize together, they form one beautiful harmonious sound carrying with it much deeper emotion and meaning.

The same happens when we agree or symphonize together in corporate prayer. When we all pray together at the same time for the same thing, the power of the Holy Spirit is released in a much greater way, bringing swift breakthroughs and answers to prayer.

LOLZ!

None of you're scripture even MENTIONS prayer.

You're gettin' desperate Duckie lass.

 

[Strangelove]

show me the verse on that? i see none there pauls said that if he speaks in toungues and none interprets he speaks to god and edifieth himself.

Join us in the tongues thread.

P.S. You might wanna use a known language as most of us Christians dont speak Babbleonian

http://www.christianforums.net/f17/speaking-tongues-32490/

 

[Alabaster]

You can ignore Jesus' own teachings at you're peril. But don't teach others the same error.

The scripture is quite clear. No praying in public, to be seen of men. That is how the hypocrites do...and God hates it.

LOL! You are horribly wrong on this point.

We are to teach others to pray and we are to show them how. God is pleased when His people come together and pray as they did in the NT churches. Nothing has changed, there!

If I were you, I would begin to really study the word before arguing with people who know it.

 

[Alabaster]

This is the only part of you're post which you think encourages prayer in groups. But the verse says no such thing. As I've already pointed out,

2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and
fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

4 things they continued to do:

1) Hold fast in the correct doctrine
2) Fellowship together
3) Break bread
4) Prayer


Doesn't say one has to be done in conjuntion with the other.

Are Jesus' own words not enough for you. Doesn't He make the issue crystal clear?​

Acts 2:42
And they steadfastly persevered, devoting themselves constantly to the instruction and fellowship of the apostles, to the breaking of bread [including the Lord's Supper] and prayers.


This is Church behaviour, done corporately, just as in Acts 4:31:
And when they had prayed, the place in which they were assembled was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they continued to speak the Word of God with freedom and boldness and courage.

 

[Alabaster]

What God wants me to think is written in His Word. And that is what I base my thoughts on.

What you think is based on what you're cell group want you to believe. And it is contra-scriptural as I've clearly shown.

Pastor Authority over the flock - Against Jesus' own words

Public Prayer - Against Jesus' own words

Necessity of church building membership - Against Jesus' own words

And thats just the stuff associated with this topic.

False.

 

[Strangelove]

Alabaster although I see your very passionate views which are obviously very important to you as a Christian and I can appreciate that, do you think you are being a bit harsh with Strangelove in the way you are responding considering he stated somewhere in this long thread that he is a new Christian in a Buddhist land? And his comment " I'd love to be in a church like that. But there are none near me. So I'll take second best and fellowship online." does indicate he is not anti-church and he does recognize that online fellowship is "second best". He seems to recognize this is not the perfect and ideal church but as a new Christian he is trying. Maybe we should be a little more compassionate with him? I can speak from experience it really is not easy living as a Christian in a nonChristian land where the language and culture is different from your own. And as Believers we feel as brothers and sisters in Christ we are one whereever we go all over the world. There is truth to this, but as most foreigners who live in foreign lands can testify, the church in a land reflects the culture so it is not always a satisfying fellowship experience over the long run in a culture that fellowships very differently than your own. For example, if I go to a church with people from my own culture, I usually get hugs and smiles and a very warm feeling. When I go to an Asian church. I get a bow, no smile, no touch, little eye contact, often someone asking for free English lessons or someone wanting to practice very poor English skills on me that has nothing to do with the Bible, and because the society is hierachial in a Bible study all attention is on the elder leader, usually the pastor, and no one considers debating or exchanging ideas. It is a silent experience. You can learn and this experience is a satifying fellowship for the people of the culture but not for someone from another culture where people freely express themselves more. I think there are issues perhaps people who don`t live in a foreign land that is very different than their own really cannot understand until one experiences it for themselves and I`m not talking about a 2 week or even 1 year vacation. I speaking of a long term experience. In addition to that, when you live in a nonChristian land it is true that there is not an abundance of churches to choose from and in some areas there are none. So I think we should encourage Strangelove to not give up on finding other Believers in his area to fellowship with but at the same time not condemn him for seeking fellowship here because as a new Christian at this point in time he is saying other than his mentor and Bible this is all he has. Anyway, that is just my opinion.

Thanks PJT.

Cyber-hug commin' your way dollface:

Yeah I get the guys wanting to practice their terrible English on me all the time. Well annoying. Ruins a perfectly good beach outing with my 5 year old son.

 

[Strangelove]

LOL! You are horribly wrong on this point.

We are to teach others to pray and we are to show them how. God is pleased when His people come together and pray as they did in the NT churches. Nothing has changed, there!

If I were you, I would begin to really study the word before arguing with people who know it.

And yet I'm the one posting scripture that clearly tells us not to pray in public, from our Lords own lips and when you post scripture it doesn't even mention praying together in groups let alone in a church building. You had a huge post that didn't even have the word pray in it's scripture!

Jesus' teaches us how to pray. He even tells us the words to use. Why would I need any human to teach me how to pray?

6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: (The Lord's Prayer)​

How about you're vain babbling in tongues (same verses):

6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for
they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.​

 

[Alabaster]

And yet I'm the one posting scripture that clearly tells us not to pray in public, from our Lords own lips and when you post scripture it doesn't even mention praying together in groups let alone in a church building. You had a huge post that didn't even have the word pray in it's scripture!

Jesus' teaches us how to pray. He even tells us the words to use. Why would I need any human to teach me how to pray?

6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: (The Lord's Prayer)​

How about you're vain babbling in tongues (same verses):

6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for
they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.​

But you are not rightly dividing the word of truth. You require someone to teach you.

Your anti-church attitude is very obvious and ungodly, and I can see that you lap up the support from certain members, but neglect to correct them when they miss the fact that you are completely anti-church.

 

[Strangelove]

Acts 2:42
And they steadfastly persevered, devoting themselves constantly to the instruction and fellowship of the apostles, to the breaking of bread [including the Lord's Supper] and prayers.


This is Church behaviour, done corporately, just as in Acts 4:31:
And when they had prayed, the place in which they were assembled was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they continued to speak the Word of God with freedom and boldness and courage.

Well they obviously prayed in private and yet under the same roof where they were assembled at the time....seeing as that is the Lord's wishes to pray in solitude.

I get the image of silent prayers in the corners of the room.

Continuing to speak the Word of God would be preaching not praying.

 

[Strangelove]

False.

Is that it?

 

[Strangelove]

But you are not rightly dividing the word of truth. You require someone to teach you.

Jesus' teaches me. And His teachings are recorded in scripture.

By the look of most of you're funky doctrine on this and other matters I'd say whoever human teachers you rely on arn't up to the job.

Your anti-church attitude is very obvious and ungodly, and I can see that you lap up the support from certain members, but neglect to correct them when they miss the fact that you are completely anti-church.

Why would I be anti-church?

The Church is the Body of Christ worldwide. They are my spiritual Brethren.

 

[Alabaster]

Well they obviously prayed in private and yet under the same roof where they were assembled at the time....seeing as that is the Lord's wishes to pray in solitude.

I get the image of silent prayers in the corners of the room.

False. God wants us to pray in our one on one time with Him, but He desires us to join hearts in prayer together when we come together.

You neglect to apprehend that the instruction to closet oneself was so that we wouldn't follow the hypocritical Pharisees in their loud, public prayers. They were not joining hearts with one another--they were seeking self-aggrandizement, which is the reason for Jesus' concern.

Continuing to speak the Word of God would be preaching not praying.

LOL! They CONTINUED to speak because that is what they were doing IN PRAYER TOGETHER, to start with! THEN---THEY PREACHED!

 

[pjt]

Thanks PJT.

Cyber-hug commin' your way dollface:

Yeah I get the guys wanting to practice their terrible English on me all the time. Well annoying. Ruins a perfectly good beach outing with my 5 year old son.

That`s nice!! Thank you!
Well, practicing English can ruin a much anticipated day at church as well, but unless someone has experienced this over and over and over again they just can`t "get it", but any foreigner living in Asia knows exactly how this can ruin an outing, and for those who have not lived overseas don`t say "you could turn this into a witnessing opportunity". You have no idea!