Can only come through the gathering together of the Saints as they meet in fellowship in Truth and Spirit. This has been a recurring theme over the past few years in my thoughts and understanding since I have been writing this blog. This has been re-confirmed recently and is a call by the Lord through the Holy Spirit to all who have ears to hear and eyes to see. It’s not merely going to a building called church on Sunday, but gathering to share what the Lord has done through and for you, to share your struggles and triumphs. It is a time to seek the Lord and a time to prepare for whatever the Lord is preparing the Body for. There is so much more to this, but it begins by coming together. Not to sit in a pew, but to be ready to give and share your time, gifts and talent that the Lord has bestowed upon you for the edification of the Body of Christ and the Glorification of our Savior. “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” (Mat 18:20) He didn’t say where did He? Just wherever we are gathered. Study Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians and we can get more clues as to how we should be organized. But all within the context of what Christ commanded: 8 But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. 9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. 11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. (Mat. 23:8-12)
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Last Days of the Age 
A side thought here, but the church always cries out to not forsake the assembling together in reference to what Paul wrote. But is their assembly for their sake or for Christ? No man is an island unto himself, but neither was the church created to serve itself. But the Body of Christ was created to serve Christ and to preach the Gospel. The church was created by man to separate man unto itself.
Just as the Sabbath was originally made for man and not the other way around, so the Ekklesia is being made for men and their edification, and these ultimately comprise the spiritual body of our Lord Jesus for whom He is the Head.
Sadly in our day, the words “for men” have entirely different implications. Men want certain controls among other men, they want regular times of worship or meeting, they want consistent rituals, worthy praise bands and qualified leaders upon every stage. The very fact that they claim it was so perfect is the proof it never originated in heaven but with men. They have all too soon forgotten that what matters to God is not what is done or even how, but the origin of beginnings. What is of the flesh cannot be made spiritually beneficial. What matters is the source.
From God’s perspective things are very different. The Ekklesia Jesus is building is for men- for their edification as much as each individual member is alive themselves and walking worthy to contribute to the whole. It is those members who come and desire to give, not to get that ultimately find satisfaction for they understand it is more blessed to give than receive. What I give is a blessing to others, what they give is a blessing to me. It is Jesus who gifts, it is Jesus who empowers, it is I who must give.
When men give to or for an institution, that institution will choke Jesus out for it competes with Him for it’s own survival. It demands time, it demands money, it demands attention. It can only survive as men are fed into its cause and to the degree it can defeat or suppress like minded competitors on every corner.
Freed in Jesus, I am no longer bound to the chains of men’s making. I understand that Jesus orchestrates my time, He owns my money and He desires my attention- and He’ll get it, not because I have to, but because I want to.
Thanks Al, another great reminder. Sorry I missed you all. I’m looking forward to seeing how Jesus is expressing Himself through you all as one in Him.
Al, I meditated upon the scriptures all day and felt as though I had nothing relevant to say [although I enjoyed the experience!]. Then, I read this post of yours and was instantly inspired:
http://markfinger.wordpress.com/2013/04/02/the-inspiration-of-relational-living/
That’s awesome Mark! I was inspired by how the Lord is bringing us together in fellowship. All Glory to Christ!
God Bless you Michael, our fellowship will only be richer and a fuller expression with you there brother!
Reblogged this on Flee from Babylon… AKA Modern American Christianity.
A common argument or excuse people have told me for not abandoning the institutionalized style of worship with one pastor and everyone sitting in pews is “No assembly is perfect”. The point is not perfection in the assembly but obedience in Christ. He set a pattern in the assembly opposed to the way the world works, by telling us:
25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mat. 20:25-28)
By following the commandments of Christ in a corporate manner, this living expression will gain life and the light of Christ to brightly shine in the darkness. To draw others to Christ. At times it is necessary, nevertheless it can be too difficult to be this light of Christ on our own. Pray for this and see how the Lord leads. He will add you in the Body where He adds you for His Glory.
No return to Christ’s vision can be accomplished without serious disciples who are dedicated to studying Scripture and a prayer life. None of this life of study and prayer can come without a work of the Spirit in the disciples life either.