The genesis of a Church in Scripture is seen in this simple statement of our Lord: “For where two or three gather in My Name, there am I with them.”56
A gathering of believers where the Lord Jesus is present is the Church, even if there are only two or three believers there. When believers gather in smaller groups it allows the Lord’s people to meet more frequently during the week, even daily, as the early Church did.57 This provides the confidence and expectation to meet with other wholehearted disciples of Jesus Christ, to meet with the Lord Jesus who is in the midst, to receive direction from the Lord and to benefit from mutual encouragement58 and prayers.
The meeting of the Church does require thought and guidance from the Lord as 1 Corinthians tells us: “Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.”59 Matters to be considered include the establishment of leadership 60 by the Holy Spirit, and the keeping of traditions61 that were practiced in the early Churches. Two important practices as revealed in the Word of God are Baptism62 and the Lord’s Supper.63 As we submit our minds and wills to the Word of God then He will establish the Church He desires through us.
What a beautiful simplicity to see the body of Christ meeting under the Headship of Jesus where the presence of the Lord manifests Himself.64 There is something special when you meet a brother or sister for the first time and after spending some time talking there is that fellowship of kindred minds in the Spirit of the Lord. Yet the meeting of the Church that Jesus Christ recognizes is more than just meeting to talk or even discuss the things of the Lord. It is a time given to invoke the Holy Name of God in reverence and to verbally proclaim His goodness, promises and character. It is a time where we come together to exalt the Son of God, Jesus Christ, and worship Him in words of heartfelt gratitude in His holy presence.
There are many examples of people who were flippant in the presence of God in the Old Testament who were killed or judged because of this.65 As believers in Christ in the New Covenant we have access to God through the blood of Christ freely, yet we should carry with us the fear of the Lord and reverence as we meet together as God’s people. This does not mean there cannot be happiness but rather it becomes a holy joy, a holy rejoicing, a holy thanksgiving.
The Anabaptists were a group of godly brothers from many different backgrounds that met in small groups during the time of Martin Luther and the reformation. From early Anabaptist literature66 we learn that they were instructed to meet together in small groups 3-4 times a week. They also understood that any fellowship they would have with each other resulted directly from their fellowship with Christ, thus keeping the reality of an individual vibrant relationship with Christ an integral building block of any Assembly or gathering of the saints.
Those who gather together as the body of Christ must be gathered by the Lord. Many are too busy and rushed to really hear the voice of God speaking to them.67 It is time to wait upon the Lord and allow Him to direct us where He would take us. It is very important at the end of the age to be found directly in the will of God.68 Our Lord Jesus gives us a very sobering account of five foolish and five wise virgins.69 It should be our goal to find like-minded fellowship with believers in Jesus Christ who are trimming their wicks and filling their vessels with oil.70
Many lament the lack of true godly fellowship but only find it in a few other saints in the Lord. Thus may we be freed to realize that when we meet in this way, even as 2-3 believers in a room, we are the Church. As God grows and adds to the number, then giftings and callings will manifest. These giftings allow for a fuller expression of the Church71 which brings honor to the Head of the Church, Jesus Christ.
56 Matthew 18:20
57 Acts 2:46
58 1 Corinthians 5:4
59 1 Corinthians 14:40
60 Titus 1:5, Matthew 10:1
61 Acts 2:42
62 Acts 2:38
63 1 Corinthians 11:28
64 1 Corinthians 5:4
65 2 Samuel 6:6-7, 1 Samuel 6:19-20
66 Schleitheim Brotherly Union (1527)
67 John 10:4, Hebrews 3:7
68 1 John 2:17, 1 Peter 4:2
69 Matthew 25:1-13
70 Matthew 25:3-4
71 Ephesians 4:15-16
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Principles For The Gathering Of Believers ( - )
Read freely the free ebook Principles For The Gathering Of Believers in text and pdf format. We need revival in our countries like what we see in the underground house Churches in China. Learn the following from this volume: Prepare for coming persecution in non-persecuted countries. Learn Principles of how to gather as the Church from the Book of Acts and current underground Churches.Access resources that will help your gathering or house Church meeting. Experience personal revival and the Spirit’s empowerment. In response to reading the Principles book consider starting a fellowship group under the Headship of Jesus Christ in your local area. Access also this free christian ebook in many other formats. Learn more at Gospel Fellowships.