The identity and practice of the church (2)
The church of Christ is what we do together – the plan of God for his church is that we are together. We do a lot when we stay together.
Hebrews 10:24-25;
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Regardless of background, culture, education – we are the church of God. We should not forsake the gathering; we must gather together. The church of Christ is spiritual; it is physical, but it is not virtual. The church of Christ is in our togetherness, learn to be around people who are actually serving God because when a moment of weakness comes, they will be there to lift you up.
Jesus is where we gather.
Luke 24:46-49;
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
When we stay together, we will see more of God’s hands. There is so much we will be able to do by the spirit of God if we stay together.
Acts 2:1-2;
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
Whoever was not in the upper room at that time, no matter his desire, he will not be filled; this emphasizes the importance of meetings, the church of Jesus Christ is what we do together.
2 Chronicles 5:13-14;
13 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD;
14 So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.
They stayed together as one. The church of Christ is both the believer and the gathering of believers. It is where we pray together, eat together, preach the gospel together, serve the Lord together and it is where we see God’s Glory together. Falsehood thrives in togetherness, and so does the work of ministry. When you are in a local church – be there!
When the devil wants to take someone, his first strategy is to remove him from the gathering, and then he attacks, but that is not you. So, don’t stay away, stay in the gathering. Be found where the spirit of the Lord is.
Say this: I don’t neglect the church, I stay in the church, and I am loyal. I am the perfect church in the perfect church.
Bible Reading -Leviticus 22-24
TEACHING OF THE DAY
Rehoboth (The Lord has made room for us) (1)