Thank you for your response.

Perhaps the fact that there was a lack of systematic teaching of Scripture could be addressed, and more attention could have been given to it? I personally know an open meeting that has systematic, expository teaching (one brother was teaching through Galatians). An observed deficiency in this type of meeting doesn't mean one must leave... 1st Corinthians 13 makes pretty good sense coming right before 1st Corinthians 14. If one brother sees a lack of expository teaching, he is free to bring an expository teaching. If one brother sees a lack of songs relating to the cross and Christ and justification, he is free to suggest such a song.

I also understand the concern about not having a grasp for the faith except from the traditions of the particular group, but could this not also be said for Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, etc?

I'm just trying to reckon with the fact that this is in Scripture, and can not be brushed aside or ignored. If this is the model for the church, and this is the apostolic command for church practice, a lot of churches are in direct opposition to the Scripture's commands.

__________________
Taylor Otwell
Member -- Oak Cliff Baptist Church
Fort Smith, Arkansas, USA

"He realized that knowledge and virtue are inseparable - so much so that virtue could be defined as right knowledge. Right thinking and right doing can be distinguished from each other, but they can never be separated." - R.C. Sproul, The Consequences of Ideas, Speaking of Socrates.