Tammy - I still feel that "gathering together" is a form of command. "Command" just might a negative connotation because it sounds like a "demand", so maybe there is a better way of describing it because nether word occurs in relation to congregation meetings. But it is
similar to when a parent might ask their child to do something that will strongly benefit them if they do, and have a serious negative effect if they do not. Is that a command? Well from the parent's point of view (if he/she is a good parent) the child's actions are not
optional. But it might still be presented as a strong plee or request, and if the child is correctly motivated he/she will see it as non-optional. I think that encouragement to gather is a bit like that
I don't disagree with that. A "form of command" is more of a suggestion, some advice... an attempt to help as best as the advice giver can. No problem with that. Just keep in mind that it came from Paul, and not from Christ. Which doesn't make it wrong, but he was addressing a specific group of people, perhaps in answer to a specific problem at the time.
This does not make it one of the defining marks of true or proper worship. Because even if you cannot find those people with whom to gather, Christ is always there.
You didn't answer if you would gather with those who believed in an eternal punishment of torment/hell. I assume the answer is no. If so, then you might understand how some have left off organizations altogether. For me, I have been called OUT. I cannot imagine going into a 'church', listening to a preacher, accepting doctrines, following rituals... without a very strong feeling of 'WRONG' inside me. Without feeling compelled to speak UP, or get OUT. I cannot go back to that, becasue I was led out of that, and I have to follow Christ and where He leads me. I have, however, found others who have been called 'out' as well. I have found some of those others here. But even if I had not, I would follow the Lamb wherever He leads me.
As per the structure of organization, you might want to keep these in mind as well:
"But you are not to be called Rabbi, for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth, 'father,' for you have on eFather, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called 'teacher', for you have one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you will be your servant.
I know that Paul set up an organization. Could be that he felt he had no choice... that the people demanded an organization and things of 'sight' because their faith was not enough to walk by faith alone. Perhaps he thought they would mature so that they no longer needed anyone to teach them (such as the organization of elders and 'father's and preachers and 'rabbis'). Because if one has an annointing, then one no longer needs anyone to teach them:
1John 2:27 - As for you, the annointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his annointing teaches you about all things and as that annointing is real, not counterfeit - just as it has taught you, remain in Him.
Peace to you,
Tammy
