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5 Reasons We Should Gather in Local Churches

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The belief that professing Christians should gather together as members of a local church is waning in many sectors of Christianity today. Some feel that faith should not be “institutionalized” and should be a private matter between individuals, not something to be experienced in community.

Here are five reasons why I feel Christians should be members of a local church. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but these reasons give Christians a biblical framework to think through why they should be members of a local church.

First, The Bible clearly teaches that God made a distinction between His people and the world (Lev 13:46; Number 5:3; Deut. 7:3). Christ says that entering the Kingdom of God means being bound to the Church “on earth” (Matthew 16:16-19; 18:17-19). The New Testament refers to some people being inside the church and some people being outside the church (1 Cor. 5:12-13). The church in Corinth consisted of a definite number of believers, such that Paul could speak of a punishment inflicted by the majority (2 Cor. 2:6). Not only does the New Testament speak of the reality of church membership, but its dozens of “one another” passages are written to local churches. The “one another” passages in the New Testament fill out our understanding of what church members should look like practically. Biblical church membership is important, because the church presents God’s witness to Himself in the world, and displays His glory. In fact, non-Christians should see in the lives of God’s changed people that God is holy and gracious and that His gospel is powerful for saving and transforming sinners.

Second, the Epistles were all written to local churches. A brief sampling of Paul’s epistles make this abundantly clear:

1 Corinthians 1:1-2,
“To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:”

2 Corinthians 1:1-2,
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God that is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia.”

Philippians 1:1-2,
“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons.”

Galatians 1:1-2,
“Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia:”

1 Thessalonians 1:1-2,
“Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.”

Third, Christ saves Christians to live in community with other believers. Christ calls believers to local church membership not just for our spiritual growth, but also so that they may use their spiritual gifts in the context of the local church.

Fourth, it was the model of the early church. Some people think that meeting together with other Christians is not important because the early Church only gathered in small groups in Acts 2:42-48. However, this view ignores history. As the Church continued to grow, they gathered together in large gatherings. There were small group meetings, but there were also large gatherings. Regardless if the local church meets in a building or in a home it doesn’t matter. The Church is comprised of people who have been regenerated by the work of the Spirit. The people of God are to gather to worship together in Spirit and Truth, to hear the preached Word, participate in communion, baptism, and then scatter to spread the Great Commission in their families, neighborhoods, cities, and to the nations.

While many people have a problem with the “local church” the Bible clearly teaches that professing Christians are to be members of local churches. While local churches may have many issues, the Church itself is purchased by Christ to be counted blameless. The members inside the Church are justified sinners, meaning they are made right with God through the blood of Jesus but still growing in Christ-like character.

Finally, there is no lone-ranger version of Christianity; we are called to Christian community. Those who object the loudest to this often think that they can be Christians and not be in the Church. From even a cursory examination of the Scriptures, the lone-ranger view of being a Christian is not biblical. Christ saves Christians to live in community with other believers. Christ calls believers to membership in the local church not only for their own spiritual growth but to use our spiritual gifts in the context of the local church.

Why does Christ call Christians to live in community with other Christians?

Because it provides accountability and spiritual growth!

Because it is used to grow us in likeness to Jesus Christ!

Because it empowers believers to minister in and through their local churches in order to reach one’s community, city, nation and the world with the Gospel!

Christ doesn’t save sinners so they will live in isolation or be lone-rangers—He saves them so that they will be in community with one another, speaking the truth in love to one another, “one anothering” each other, and displaying forth His character and glory to a watching world.

Comments

  1. Thank you Dave for this article. It touches deep within my heart.

    It reminds me how very many times I was thankful to God that I was born into a church going family. As I look back I know that foundation was so very helpful to me as I was growing up in ways that occur profoundly to me now.

    I’ve had a great struggle with this issue since moving to a very small town with a Genus Book of World Records number of churches (it’s truth not a joke).

    Church is a VERY sacred thing to me in all it’s meaning. It has been so difficult to find a new church home here. I loved my church home before moving here to care for my mom who is bed ridden and my first inclination was to visit all the community churches all the time. That seemed to go well at first until they all wanted me to come back to “their” church every Sunday.(God love’em!). Being the local librarian I get to see many of my dear brothers and sisters in Christ from many different denominations at the library and I began to feel rather like taffy being pulled. It’s been a real issue for me because I do not believe in denomination vs denomination issues.

    The Baptists don’t have all the answers. The Methodists don’t have all the answers, etc, etc. God through HIS WORD and HIS SON and the HOLY SPIRIT have all the answers.

    I have to honestly say that mans abandonment of bible study and God centered worship rather than dogmatic denominationalism really bothers me.

    Having said that I can also very honestly say not having a church home is weighing heavy on my heart and your post is an opportunity to request prayers and seek guidance from God on this matter.

    • Rom 16:17, 1Cr 1:10, 1Cr 3:3, 1Cr 11:18, Tts 3:14, 1Pe 2:9
      People build their churches, Jesus builds His Church.
      There is a necessity of a meeting place. If it is accessible, it is situated nearby. Local government is administered through ordinances and laws that must be complied with. The compulsions of this world come into the assembly and mingle with others at various levels of their walk with Jesus. The world will build an edifice, a name, a denomination with pride and ownership. The church of Jesus is not of this world. Communication of the Gospel in varieties of media are convenient and freely accessible in a large area of the world and prohibited in other areas. So the labor required is evident. The Good News, the Gospel of peace with God must be communicated. Jesus is not a denomination, sect or buildings that are exclusive, that bring requirements and restrictions.
      Eph 1:3-14

    • Eph 4:10-16
      Churches of men miss their purpose. This does not prevent churches yet they are not the purpose.

    • Tess:

      I thoroughly enjoyed your post and can relate 100%. I did not grow up in a church-going family. However, I was saved at the age of 13 and was adopted by several mothers along the way in my walk with the Lord who made sure that I stayed grounded. I wholeheartedly believe that I should “assemble myself” as the scriptures teach. Howver, I have had a hard time finding a church that my family and I can be apart of. So, while I am looking, I have been working to build my relationship with God. I have visited churches where I could feel the pull for me to join their church. But I want to be prayerful to be planted in the right soil. Like yourself I’m not about “the world’s best denominations”, it’s all about Jesus. Also, I can “honestly say” not having a church home is weighing heavy on my heart and your post is my opportunity to request prayers and seek guidance from God on this matter.

      God bless.

      • Hi Rachel,
        I will definitely pray for both of us and all of us. God is so good. I have all faith that each of us when guided by the Holy Spirit will obey, let His light shine through us to a dark world and that prayer and putting HIS word above all will bless us and guide us in every way as He uses us to do His will.

        God bless you and keep you Sis.

    • Great piece of writing.
      Unfortunately the leaders of many churches are forgetting something…they need to be held accountable.
      Many epistles and personal visits were used for this reason. Many pastors today act above any truth. Many leaders tell everone they are doing Gods will all the time. This is how some justify all the people they hurt. Through lies and manipulation while they seek their own success.
      I agree with all that was written and would add the checks and balance. This also is biblical.

  2. Here’s a challenge – compare G1577 (ekklesia) found in Act 19:39 with any other time the Greek word appears in scripture.

    Why is it translated to English as “assembly” (the correct translation for H6950 (qahal / assembly) or H5707 (`edah / congregation) by the way) in this verse, but not the verses it appears in elsewhere in scripture?

    A: because Act 19:39 is describing a riotous mob. Wait, that’s actually an accurate description of many a Church I’ve ever attended. 😉

    J.

    P.s. we don’t find the word “church” in the HNV of scripture, try it in the new and improved BLB search engine for yourself.

    • Tess, I too have attended many churches. I do not agree with the denomination of my current church yet I am a loved member by all the congregation. Without ostentation I do not participate in that which offends and am not critical. I know the Holy Spirit is working within this condition and He is bringing many to know His purpose.
      In a similar situation members of my high school are dispersed nationally and some reside in other countries yet they continue to stay in touch after so many years. The high school was a church outreach that continues in my classmates’ manner and practice. We are connected through social media so I know that they are exposed to the Word of God much of which is contrary to their denominational pronouncements. They have not unfriended me yet but I do notice a chilling from some, others are surprisingly interested.
      In all of this the Holy Spirit calls us to repentance and does align our hearts bringing us into the Body of Christ that is His Church. (nephesh, etsem, ekklesia)

    • The Holy Spirit circumcises our hearts subjugating sin’s power to the rule of Jesus Christ. This is the work of God not of man, not in the flesh. This is His will according to His purpose not by the will of men.
      Rom 2:28, For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
      Rom 2:29, But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

    • thats probably because most believers in Messiah werent meeting in churches on sunday, but rather in Synagogues or Kahal’s on the Sabbath(saturday) 😉

  4. Basically, all 5 points are sound and true. However, not one of these points have anything to do with contemporary doctrines, practice or institutions. Start with Acts 17:24, 25. In fact it is these very doctrines, practices and institutions which obstruct and prevent the benefits that are so needed in the body of Christ.

  5. The Church is made up of Human beings, saved and unsaved. We are not perfect. Part of the purpose of the Church is to teach us to LOVE. Not everyone is easy to love. Part of the purpose of the Church is to teach us to work for the cause of Christ with one another, to give, to help, to understand. Christ loves the Church and gave himself for her. Christians will love the Church too because Christ is in us and we love one another in spite of our differences in race, in temperament, in nationality. It is a place to be renewed, revived, instructed. and most of all to be encouraged. Christ is our Lord and Saviour and we want to worship him TOGETHER!

  7. BLB articles are so good.
    In line with the toughts on fellowship. I’ve experienced moves and been in the search of a church group a few times. That sort of put me in the exact same mode Tess is in.
    My discovery: Ask for prayer; it’s miraculous. God is always so loving and faithful to work it all out just right.
    A small home group Bible study of a likable aquaintance is a good start to developing relationships with new brethren. Doing this while searching for a church group has proved helpful in my life.

  8. I just can’t tell ya’ll how much I appreciate these comments. Before I moved here I was so active in it and my church was so dear to me. When our lives change (a move, a significant event, a profound loss or any quake in our lives in general) we can put our needs on the back burner or shut ourselves off from fellowship to re-group or heal or go through times of introspection for any number of reasons and satan can and does seize on those times.
    I also know that I have a tendency to pull back when I notice I’m being too judgmental or when new relationships need developing. Judgement is a good thing but often I have to ask myself, “Self are you being judge or mental or just judgmental?”

    I had to call CPS and the police this week when having to witness a mother punching her child SEVERAL times and telling him she had something special for him when she got him outside. I went and got a co-worker and we walked outside in time to see him wedged behind a hedge next to the building just to keep from having to receive the something special she had for him. I wanted to say, I’m not 3 ft tall but if you have something special I can help you with it. I did not say that of course. I stood and watched till she got him in the car and then I called the police and got to view camera’s that showed it all again and fill out reports, and finish the rest of the day. I talked to God about it and wept. This isn’t the first time this type of thing has happened. I found out from the officer the father is in prison and the mother just got out of prison but she’s not the only mother I’ve seen punching.

    We live in a world where mothers now punch, fathers abandon and at least 90% look away or think gossiping equals doing something about it. I know that these things have always happened but like S&G our culture seems increasingly not only accept but promote every evil imaginable and to be frank this area is so economically depressed that venturing out even to church just makes you shake your head and wanna head for the prayer closet. We live in a world where you can feel bad about doing good while the rest of the world feels good for doing bad.

    When I go to church I don’t want to see it there too. My brothers and sisters looking away from sin, making excuses for sin, denying sin or replacing the word sin in any politically correct way. Worse is the battle that rages within me. I recognize humanity and I keep repeating WWJD and attempting to act like Jesus would but I fear that if I join a church I’ll hear and see to many things in others. I realize that what I’m doing by not going to church is that I’m hiding out, wanting to fix and judge me not wanting to have to fix or judge others. That’s wrong too. We are what we think not what we eat and if our churches let us down it’s a very hard and disappointing fall. I cherish my relationship with God too much to want to let Him down by judging too harshly or not judging at all.

    We’re called to be overcomers and there’s way too much glory and praise and worship that needs to be done. I gotta quit hiding out! 🙂 That’ll either be a bummer or a better but it’s a call we all have to answer and obey.

    You know one more odd little thing was that I’d forgotten to ask the Lord for guidance the next day and I lost my temper and I realized I’d left home without my armor. Eph 6

    Thanks again to all of you for your words they truly help.

  9. Tess,

    We are called to be the light in a dark world….
    Where ever and whatever that may mean at the time.

    We too are sent to many different churches and places for a season.
    Then sometimes removed quickly and abruptly and then sent to another….

    Some we have loved, others we were just there for His purpose.
    We have seen both beauty and ugly in all the different places.

    We feel we are called to bring the spirit into places he has not been allowed or invited at times 🙂

    This scripture seems fitting.

    John 3:8 “The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

    May you be Blessed on this journey.

    P.S. Remember the Choice Sheep are always separated from the heard……
    I have learned many lessons about myself and the human species on my field trips….
    We are far more flawed and imperfect than we all realize until He gently gives us the why we are there revelation. Sometimes its me and others its them…

    Also Bob, I agree its not about walls. The veil was torn, the walls broken down.

    We congregate all day everyday everywhere we are led too. Some days its church all day…We actually have a group of people with an apostolic calling that we talk to, share with, get direction, or sometimes correction from, and I guess you could it church its just very fluid and spontaneous. Oh Yeah, As the Spirit Leads…

    Your Sis Donna

  10. Tess,

    My prayers are with you also.

    Could I ask for prayer for myself also from my brothers and sisters in BLB.

    I was called into leadership to a bible study group 5 years ago, yet the very day I was interviewed to join the leaders group a statement put before me on restraining the use of a tongue in prayer, to the point it was forbidden, brought me to tears. At the Counsellor’s command I was told to speak on what I had read set before me, but being weak in my faith I did not speak, not being confident that the Lord Jesus would strengthen and the Holy Spirit would have put appropriate words in my mouth.

    Instead I reminded silent and then suffered an attack of the enemy and wept at my sin, and now it would seem to me I had wept unknowingly at a rule of man put before me in error to scriptures.

    I continue in prayer to know my Father’s will, but my heart seems to be set on leaving this group because…

    .. firstly carried by the Lord Jesus, His Spirit in October this year I was given the opportunity to speak that tongues is not to be forbidden in public where 2 or 3 at the most speak and one interprets, this I spoke to the group’s international leader and before members of the board.

    ..secondly, because when I returned to my group in NZ and put the matter to our staff leaders, of which I am a member also, I shared the same word and asked if all would join me in prayer, offering to our God acknowledgement that we were not following His doctrine, whereby we disallow any into leadership if they had used a tongue in public. Yet none would join me in prayer together, in fear of the rule that has been put in place by our group. It seems to me this rule has become a snare. Proverbs 29:25.

    Jesus teaches us a simple method of correction, if there is sin present in our membership, and in the case of tongues, if a tongue is not used in accordance with Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 14:27-28, then approach the person alone, counsel them on their sin, show them the scriptures, and if they do not listen, bring another. Then if they still are unrepentent take them before the church group and if they do not listen, treat them as an outsider.

    Yet it seems to me we a charging a person as guilty before even giving them the opportunity to show their faithfulness to Jesus’ teaching and testing if they will abide.

    I have been told, that bringing this to God in prayer is not in keeping with the unity of the Spirit. Yet it is apparent to me that to depart from God’s doctrine and hold a rule of man as more important then the Lord’s teaching, is in fact making an idol before the Lord.

    Where is the harm of as a group acknowledging our rule as not being of His doctrine before the Lord, and then pleading our case before Him as a group that He might bring correction, and awaiting His time for correction to be brought.

    Instead, I find myself as a voice alone crying out to God in a dry place.

    The apostle Paul says to earnestly desire the best gifts, in 1 Corinthians 12:31.

    1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 says not to quelch or restrain the Spirit and not to despise prophecies. Test all things and hold fast what is good.

    Gifts of tongues, interpretation of tongues, prohesy and knowledge are in part and will fail, cease and pass away. But love never fails.

    Our God desires a repentant and humble heart and an abiding in ALL of His doctrine. 1 Corinthians 13:8-13.

    A gift of the Spirit should not be despised but used for the edification of the church, each being given different gifts, and being knitted together as one in Jesus’ body.

    For we did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but each the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father,” Romans 8:15

    Please pray for me, for the Father’s mercy that I might know His will.

    In love of All God gives to His children in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

    In Christ
    Mark H, NZ.

    • Humbly, I share this prayer with you Mark and all the saints of the Body of Christ.
      2Pe 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
      2Pe 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

      Confusion and dissension are not of our Father, He is Holy. Lev 20:26

      We are promised to be partakers of His divine nature.
      2Pe 1:4-8

      2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

      2Pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

      Brother Mark, holiness is of our Father. When we pass from this life the wood hay and stubble will dissolve. We must call upon the Lord while He may be found. He has given us His Name. Should we not be praying in the company of Jesus? He does the work, this is a matter of Spirit.

      • 2Pe 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
        2Pe 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
        Mark, you are diligent.

  11. Amen,

    Blessed are you Bob, for Jesus is our God.

    Jesus is also our Master and our Teacher in the gospel, in our prayers and in life.

    All praises to His name, the blessed Saviour Jesus Christ and our God and Father the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords. 1 Timothy 6:15.

    His Spirit of grace has lifted me by your words and prayer Bob.

    I am weeping in my heart, but by the Lord and His grace at a distance thru. this very BLB website I find brotherly (including sisters) love and encouragement, in Jesus.

    In Christ
    Mark H NZ

  13. My daughter told me of a very young Christian couple as well as a disinfranchised young fellow sharing a dwelling together. They have determine not to GO to Church, but to watch online. It just perplexes me. But it could be one the very subtle devices of the enemy to deceive and separate sheep from the flock and sheepfold. It really is tragic for Christians to separate themselves from the body. Where else is one fitted together in the body for service to the Lord in the capacity they have been gifted/called. To stay at home makes the local Body of Christ incomplete. Where else can iron sharpen iron?

  14. There is none above HIM, there is none beside HIM. All are beneath HIM. That includes the English words Church and Christianity with all their history.

    J.

    P.s. there is only the Hebrew Messiah, the King of the Jews, Yeshuah. Some call HIM Jesus. Exd 34:10-17 HNV

  15. I agree with the author of this blog and will be using some of it in consideration of how I encourage others within our “church”. Thank you for this, BLB.

    I would like to see more current blogs like this, even as they lean on past understanding and more established approaches. Don’t sway only toward the new thoughts and approaches in the church, but keep us fairly abreast of them without too much judgment. I believe we can learn from the past and should, but should consider some new outreaching approaches that are relevant to true and effective ministry in Christ.

    Nevertheless, contextualization isn’t everything! I like it as a former missionary, yet I am careful to contextualize without compromise.

    BLB, I love you as a resource!

  16. I’m standing in prayer for all of you and me also in matters of assembling together. I’ve been talking to Abba Father about the issues Dave raises in this article and after reading it I fervently went again before the Lord to ask for His insight and leading. Funny how prayer works God can sometimes give you answers almost immediately.

    I learned yesterday that one of our fine church pastors who was new to this area and diligently answering his calling to spread the Gospel had his salary cut to part-time and he and his wonderful wife cannot afford that so they will be moving, leaving a beautiful large building and a small but faithful flock scattered.

    That may be part of the reason there had been some pressure for me to join since I’m our small community library clerk. As a gov employee I try to obey the rules set-up regarding political & religious speech and I agree with them to a point but regardless I always talk with my patron’s openly about God and His great love when they mention it first and then I can honestly regard it as research assistance. I never speak doctrine because doctrine is not needed it can be ironed out by each person between themselves and God.

    I am very sad about this because had I joined this or any assembly it might have helped a little. During hard times folks cut expenses and one of the first things they’ll cut is contributing to their church. Funny, folks don’t think twice about tipping the waitress but they’ll quickly resent, be tight, or stop or never start giving to their church AND THAT MATTERS!

    There will be no more VBS, no more outreach, in reach, appointed worship times, etc. The building expenses during hard times may force communities to go back to small home gatherings and maybe that’s a good thing.

    Our area is so poor and most are retired. There’s no grocery store, 1 gas station, almost no employers within 30 minutes highway driving in every direction. A very large percentage of this community will come if you feed them and no-show at church but where will the kiddo’s go? Where will the person who is in distress and would possibly just walk into a church go? I’m not sure but what I am fairly certain of is that had I been active in a church I wouldn’t now be feeling that I may have been able to do more. It’s harder for a woman than a man. If you respect what the bible teaches (and I do) remaining silent can cause you to be too silent. If you stand in the gap and stand up as a woman you can sometimes overstep but not stepping can also created the reverse problem. It’s a bit harder gender issue to have for ladies but had I just stepped up and let God lead and teach me each step of the way I would be able to at least say, I may not have done it in a manner pleasing to all the people but I did it with a godly heart.

    We all, I think have fellowship issues to work through.
    Mark–I’m praying for you and one thing I know is that satan will attempt to steal your joy in the Lord, muffle your joy, work to foster division and it’s our duty to obey God and tell the devil to take his tricks somewhere else. If I try my best and study His word, pray always, listen to the HS then I have no right to allow ANY of satan’s tricks to work for long. You do not have to have the permission of a comity to act with joy on the leading of the HS. Refuse to let it bother you. Refuse to have your joy stolen. Refuse to listen when satan is in the vicinity and you always know he is when condemnation instead of conviction is the feeling. People generally FEEL/ACT/THINK when we should THINK/ACT/FEEL. FAT causes us to act on emotion and regret it later. TAF allows us much better outcomes. I know this from having done it wrong! 🙂 But please please don’t allow satan to come along and bitter up your lemonaid. I can’t let satan do that either so hopefully I will either find a church to become active in or find a small home group to be active in. Maybe meeting in homes and going out spreading the word is my calling. I don’t know yet but I know that we need to do either one or the other. As Dave rightly pointed out in his article, “Christ doesn’t save sinners so they will live in isolation or be lone-rangers.” Support to churches in communities are important as open places for people to go and are vital to those communities. Small home groups are also “the church” but there isn’t a steeple on top of their houses and that building although it’s not the “church” is vital in many ways small home groups cannot accommodate. Bob, Francis and Stephen and the others have great insights about avoiding the joy killer/trouble makers within a group. Even in small groups you’re gonna find them and maybe your influence can help them. It’s incredible always to me how even just one insightful sentence lifted and uttered by the Holy Spirit can bring revelation, comfort and help. And the prayers of others for us are invaluable. It’s neat how in the book of Job the debate kinda ends with …then Job prayed for his friends and within a few verses we see God restoring and double blessing Job.

    Thanks all, I’m blessed by you. Sorry so wordy.

  19. Hallelujah.

    Our God is good! our Lord Jesus saves (delivers) to the uttermost.

    Tess, thank you for your candid sharing.

    You write
    “It’s incredible always to me how even just one insightful sentence lifted and uttered by the Holy Spirit can bring revelation, comfort and help. And the prayers of others for us are invaluable.”

    As I read BLB bloggers words as well as of course the BLOG teaching, especially where the scriptures are quoted I try to make a habit of asking the Lord Jesus to Teach me that perhaps He has a word for me, a revelation, an insight, an encouragement, a correction or a rebuke to me.

    How timely our God always is when we put our trust in the Lord Jesus and our God, our Father.

    Satan is always trying to bring a different form of cunning and deceit (unlike the Lord Jesus who is unchanging, the same yesterday, today and forever) but whichever way you look at it, it is deception and he does it that men will tend to see their own wisdom when incorrect as counsel rather than seeking the counsel of God we find in the Lord Jesus Christ, our Counsellor.

    The day I shared my pain on BLB of seeing my own brothers and sisters in Christ being deceived and having fallen under a bondage of fear to God’s gifts of His Spirit, later that afternoon from out of nowhere a thought entered my mind and from it a fear followed. NOT a fear that is a hatred of evil and wickedness but strong anxiety.

    But the Lord Jesus is swift to defend His own who love Him and obey Him. A gentle nudge from I know the Holy Spirit took me back to BLB, and there I found Bob’s prayer for me and our brethren and the ‘sword of the Spirit’ the ‘living word’ spoke to me from Bob’s hand.

    By the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, through the love of God and loving sisters and brothers in Christ lifting me up in prayer I have been resting in His peace since.

    At home during quiet with our Lord Psalms 5 was brought to me to read.

    This by the Spirit I have laid hold of.

    Psalms 5:8. The Good News bible has it written as “Lead me to do Your will; make Your way plain for me to follow.”

    As Dave Jenkins has written “The Bible clearly teaches that God made a distinction between His people and the world” so by seeing Jesus Christ, the Spirit ONLY as the Teacher of God’s word I am confident of this one thing – ‘The Lord Jesus will lead me to do the Father’s will AND He will make His way plain (clear) for me to follow.’

    I like you am blessed through finding God’s Spirit at work through this web site.

    Standing in prayer for each.

    In His love, in Christ
    Mark H NZ