MATTHEW 8:6
"For where two or three are gathered in My name, I am there in the midst of them."
Fellowship with other believers is very important, as it not only encourages us, but as we are told - and certainly experience - there is a special kind of Spiritual Dwelling that occurs when we gather together in His name. It is called the "body of Christ" for a reason - because each member is equipped in his or her own special way, but in a way that dovetails with others to create a functioning whole.
We may fall into the habit of solitude, or perhaps our schedules are too busy to fit in a gathering, such as church or Bible study, or even just coffee with Christian friends who can pray together. But we are encouraged by:
...not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25 25)
Additionally, sometimes if we are too secluded - literally or in our faith walk - we can get too wrapped up in our own thoughts and become narrowly focused. When we gather together, we hold each other accountable, we learn from each other:
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (Colossians 3:16)
Indeed, as this verse points out, there is a great Spiritual outpouring when we gather in numbers to worship with music!
Being with others also gives us the opportunity to love others, and to recognize Christ through each other. Loving God and loving your neighbor was what Christ said was the greatest commandment. Perhaps this is why when we express our love for God WITH our neighbor, His delight manifests in our midst.
36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 And Jesus replied to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others].’ 40 The whole Law and the [writings of the] Prophets depend on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:36-40 AMP)
There are many who gather together but not in His name. Imagine what shows up in some of those places. On the level of powers and principalities, it is essential for Christians to recognize this. Massive debased rock concerts, covens, new age retreats, and other religious ceremonies and rituals are just a few where people join in unison to acknowledge a different spirit. Christians must gather in prayer, in praise, correction and teaching to strengthen the armor of Christ's body, and to teach each other to how to wield the sword of Truth.
How appropriate to be posting this on a Sunday morning, before I head off to church!
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