The reason the New Testament commands us to gather together is not for worship services. 

Such a concept is utterly missing from the New Testament.

I know that seems shocking …

But hear me out. 

In fact, that concept didn’t arise until the 4th Century as a new self-interested class of hierarchical, professional “clergy” emerged and sought to justify their growing power and privilege as unbiblical mediators between us and God …

By turning “church” into a “worship service” with associated special buildings containing altars, spectator “sanctuaries,” and elevated platforms for the special few – all under their control and patterned after Old Testament temple concepts – where they could convince people to come and encounter God through them. 

Unfortunately, all of that is contrary to what the New Testament actually teaches and we are still suffering the consequences today …

With “church” having become little more than a spectator event led from a stage, rather than the participatory, multi-gifted, and multi-functional Body of Christ where we minister one to another as commanded in Scripture. 

You need only look at the numerous studies showing the abysmal lack of effective discipleship in our churches today to see the tragic results.

Rather than going to “church” based on a temple model to be “led into God’s presence” through some novel concept of “worship” mediated by a few …

The New Testament instead teaches that we are the temple of God and He now dwells within us. 

That’s why the New Testament also repeatedly commands us to assemble together for one explicit, primary purpose:

To mutually build up each other through ministry one to another using the diverse gifts God has already placed in us – each and every one. 

That certainly can include singing God’s praises together – and so much more – to express His presence already in us. But the New Testament says to do that for one reason only – to mutually encourage each other! 

Ironically, gathering to be the church as explicitly commanded in the New Testament results in more authentic worship than attending man-made Sunday “worship services” ever can …

Because it more effectively equips us – as God intended – to live lives of reverent obedience and sacrificial service to Him throughout the whole week.

And that, my friends, is the only form of true worship actually commanded in the New Testament.