The Shift: Drifting from New Testament Gatherings to Modern "Worship"

[TitusTwoWife]

How did we go from the early house gatherings of Christians where each man could participate to what we have now in every denomination?

This video is research on how a shift occurred in the early church that led to churches becoming more like an Old Testament Priesthood.

First, the Lord's Supper got turned into a sacrifice, rather than a remembrance comfort to the believers gathered.

Next, the sacrifice needed an altar.

Altars need priests. Instead of the priesthood of all believers, you now have a special class of believer to do communion.

Priests are in temples. What fascinates me is that for 300 years, Christians insisted on not building fancy building because God is not contained in one and we believers are the temple of God.

Also fascinating was that these early church house gatherings were more edifying person to person in nature, not an offering of worship made up to God. In fact, the meetings were never referred to as worship at all in the New Testament.

 

[marks]

How did we go from the early house gatherings of Christians where each man could participate to what we have now in every denomination?

This video is research on how a shift occurred in the early church that led to churches becoming more like an Old Testament Priesthood.

First, the Lord's Supper got turned into a sacrifice, rather than a remembrance comfort to the believers gathered.

Next, the sacrifice needed an altar.

Altars need priests. Instead of the priesthood of all believers, you now have a special class of believer to do communion.

Priests are in temples. What fascinates me is that for 300 years, Christians insisted on not building fancy building because God is not contained in one and we believers are the temple of God.

Also fascinating was that these early church house gatherings were more edifying person to person in nature, not an offering of worship made up to God. In fact, the meetings were never referred to as worship at all in the New Testament.

Remember . . . the first church named was "a considerable multitude" in Antioch, being taught by Paul and Barnabas.

Acts 11:25-26 YLT
25) And Barnabas went forth to Tarsus, to seek for Saul,
26) and having found him, he brought him to Antioch, and it came to pass that they a whole year did assemble together in the assembly, and taught a great multitude, the disciples also were divinely called first in Antioch Christians.

This was a mega church, with teachers who would teach the others.

Much love!

 

[Wrangler]

Interesting. Seems some where along the line, preaching the Good News became only the first step. Now that people are converted, they need a priest for regular discipleship.

Ever see the movie, Martin, The Greatest Revolution? There was a scene when the leader of the monk‘s asked Martin if he ever saw a Bible?! It’s hard to keep things in 66 books straight with it available in writing. This collection didn‘t exist in the first 300 years.

What fascinates me is that for 300 years, Christians insisted on not building fancy building because God is not contained in one and we believers are the temple of God.

I believe the evolution was based on practical considerations, the early focus on spreading the good news, not weekly sermons. Also, a critical mass becomes an inflection point. A dozen people can meet in a residence. 500, not so much.

Also fascinating was that these early church house gatherings were more edifying person to person in nature

Person to person is easy for small gatherings. I’ve been to large and small churches. They each have their benefits. I like being able to get to know the members during the sermon. There was time to share joys and concerns regarding current events. Can’t do that with 500 people - you’ll be there all day.

Do you feel the call to attend a small, laymen led church?

Remember . . . the first church named was "a considerable multitude" in Antioch, being taught by Paul and Barnabas. Acts 11:25-26 YLT

This was a mega church

Good point, @marks. Outside gathering is feasible in temperate zones, not in colder climates.

A couple of summers ago, I saw a vid of people in Africa outside watching The Chosen. They were predictably wearing short sleeves and shorts.

 

[Jericho]

In fairness, Christians faced persecution during the first 300 years. It wouldn't have been practical or wise to congregate in designated church buildings.