Convening
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Definition and Context:
Convening refers to the act of gathering or assembling people for a specific purpose. In the biblical context, convening often involves the gathering of individuals for worship, decision-making, or communal activities. This concept is deeply rooted in the practices of the Israelites and the early Christian church, where convening was essential for maintaining religious and social order.

Old Testament Instances:
In the Old Testament, convening is frequently associated with the assembly of the Israelites. One notable instance is the gathering at Mount Sinai, where God instructed Moses to convene the people to receive the Ten Commandments. Exodus 19:17 states, "Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain."

The concept of convening is also evident in the regular assemblies commanded by God, such as the feasts and Sabbaths. Leviticus 23 outlines various appointed times for sacred assemblies, emphasizing the importance of communal worship and observance of God's laws.

New Testament Instances:
In the New Testament, convening takes on a new dimension with the establishment of the early church. The apostles and early Christians frequently gathered for prayer, teaching, and fellowship. Acts 2:42-47 describes the early believers as devoted to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, breaking bread, and praying together. This passage highlights the communal aspect of convening in the life of the early church.

The apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of convening for worship and edification. In Hebrews 10:24-25, believers are encouraged to "consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Purpose and Significance:
Convening serves several purposes in the biblical narrative. It is a means of worship, where individuals come together to honor and glorify God. It is also a time for instruction and edification, where believers are taught the Word of God and encouraged in their faith. Additionally, convening provides an opportunity for communal support and accountability, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among God's people.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, convening reflects the communal nature of God's relationship with His people. It underscores the importance of community in the life of faith, where believers are called to live in fellowship with one another. Convening is a tangible expression of the body of Christ, where each member contributes to the growth and health of the whole.

Practical Applications:
In contemporary Christian practice, convening remains a vital aspect of church life. Regular gatherings for worship, Bible study, and fellowship are essential for spiritual growth and community building. Christians are encouraged to prioritize these assemblies, recognizing their role in nurturing faith and fostering a sense of belonging within the body of Christ.
Greek
4892. sunedrion -- a sitting together, hence a council, spec. the ...
... 4892 (from 4862 , "identified " and , "a convening, sitting together") -- "a of
leading Jews (Mk 13:9, Mt 10:17), or the (Aramaic form of ), , composed of 71 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4892.htm - 8k
Strong's Hebrew
6950. qahal -- to gather as an assembly or congregation
... from qahal Definition to gather as an assembly or congregation NASB Word Usage assemble
(7), assembled (26), calls an assembly (1), convening (1), gathered (4 ...
/hebrew/6950.htm - 6k
Library

Form of Convening the Donatists.
... The Sixth Ecumenical Council. Canon XCII. (Greek xcv.) Form of convening
the Donatists. Form of convening the Donatists. That bishop ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xcii greek xcv form.htm

Preface to the Emperor Charles V.
... to decide and could not determine anything, but that Your Majesty would diligently
use Your Majesty's office with the Roman Pontiff for the convening of a ...
/.../various/the augsburg confession of faith/preface to the emperor charles.htm

The Emperor Purposed, on Account of the Heresy of Aetius and the ...
... The emperor had determined upon convening a council at Nic??a to take into consideration
the innovations introduced at Antioch, and the heresy of A?�tius. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter xvi the emperor purposed on.htm

Confessio Augustana.
... to bring it to pass that the Chief Pontiff, together with Your IM, would consent
at the earliest opportunity to issue letters for the convening of such a ...
/.../the creeds of the evangelical protestant churches/confessio augustana.htm

The Battle of Salamis.
... Persians at Salamis. Eurybiades was persuaded, and immediately took measures
for convening the council again. The summons, sent ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter xi the battle of.htm

The Lambeth Articles. AD 1595.
... a number of prelates convened at Lambeth Palace, London, Nov.20, 1595, but not
sanctioned by Queen Elizabeth (who was rather displeased with the convening of a ...
/.../the lambeth articles a d 1595.htm

Of the Beginning and Rise of the Romish Papacy, Till it Attained a ...
... the mystery of iniquity, although at that time neither the ordination of bishops,
nor admonitions and censures, nor the right of convening Councils, nor the ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 of the beginning.htm

The Revision of the Dutch Confession, and the Heidelberg Catechism
... to offer a few brief remarks on a certain clause, subject to which their high
mightinesses, the States General, gave their consent to the convening of a ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/x the revision of the.htm

The First Helvetic Confession, AD 1536.
... the Strasburg Reformers, Bucer and Capito, to bring about a union between the Lutherans
and the Swiss, and partly to the papal promise of convening a General ...
/.../ 54 the first helvetic.htm

On the Power of the Church in Delivering Doctrines
... considered, according to various objects; for it is occupied either about the delivery
of doctrines, the enactment of laws, the convening of assemblies, the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation lv on the power.htm

Thesaurus
Convening (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Convening (1 Occurrence). Numbers 10:7 But when
the congregation is to be gathered together, ye shall blow ...
/c/convening.htm - 6k

Mizpah (42 Occurrences)
... Samuel inaugurated the reformation that characterized his time by convening a great
assembly of all Israel at Mizpeh, now the politico-religious centre of the ...
/m/mizpah.htm - 31k

Convent

/c/convent.htm - 7k

Conveniently (1 Occurrence)

/c/conveniently.htm - 6k

Resources
What is the Baha'i faith? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Westminster Confession of Faith? | GotQuestions.org

What is the definition of ekklesia? | GotQuestions.org

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