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Intention

To not forsake gathering together for encouragement and edification

Scripture

“… let us not neglect our meeting together…”  (Hebrews 10:25)

“… all the disciples were gathered in one place. Suddenly they heard the sound of a violent blast of wind rushing into the house from out of the heavenly realm … Then all at once a pillar of fire appeared before their eyes. It separated into tongues of fire that engulfed each one of them. They were all filled and equipped with the Holy Spirit and were inspired to speak in tongues — empowered by the Spirit to speak in languages they had never learned!” (Acts 2:1-4 TPT)

Reflection

When God put it on my heart to start the Australian Worship Network in 2019, it was born out of a desire to see Him move. From that place, God showed me many things, but most significant was the importance of the church gathering as a body.

Fast forward twelve months and the entire world experienced something never seen before… global lockdown. Corporate gatherings were stopped, communities and ministries forcefully disbanded, and people became isolated, locked in their homes for long periods.

While Church online was a great temporary solution, we are still seeing the residue of those preferring the comfort and convenience of church in their pyjamas over gathering in the flesh. Church attendance has decreased, and I wonder whether the passion for a genuine outworking of the faith has also dwindled.

One of the things God showed me about the significance of a gathered people was how it provided a place of encounter that could extend beyond the church walls and touch the whole world. This model is seen in Acts 2.

Here are some things I learn from this account:

1. At first there was a gathering.
Matthew 18:20 says that when two or three gather, God is with them. Psalm 133:1,3 shows that this place of gathering is also a place of blessing. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity… for there the Lord commanded the blessing.” What an incredible sight and sound this gathering must have been!

2. They were filled, equipped and inspired.
The presence of God filled the room, and each person was filled, equipped and inspired. This was supernatural by the spirit of God, but I also believe would have been through being encouraged, inspired and spurred on by those with them. I believe corporate anointing is the atmosphere where we are empowered.

3. Each person spoke in another language.
I love that the Spirit did not give them all the same language. Each member was equipped with a different language so that they could reach a certain people group. God will equip each one of us uniquely according to the purpose to which he has called us.

In Acts 1:8, Jesus charged His disciples to “be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth”. It has to start somewhere, and it has to start local before it can go to the ends of the earth.

Let’s not forsake meeting together with God’s people. Spend time gathering in your churches, homes and online. Gather to uplift, encourage, equip and inspire and see what God will do!

Video

Prayer

Lord, as we gather, may we experience Your presence powerfully. Thank You for the promise that where two or three are gathered, You are in the midst of us. As we gather, please equip us for ministry. As You empower us in our localities, may the effects be felt throughout the regions, the nation and the nations. Amen.

Author Bio

Joshua is a worship leader and songwriter whose desire is that through his worship, people would encounter the love of the Father, experience His goodness and that Heaven’s atmosphere would be released on the Earth. He is the founder of the Australian Worship Network, a network designed to encourage, equip and empower the Australian Worship community.

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