The Gathering . . .

In a collection of writings by Dietrich Bonhoeffer called The Way to Freedom, Bonhoeffer asserts that "it pleased the Holy Spirit to promise Himself not to the individual but to the gathering" (of the church). I wrestled with this because all of my life I have believed that a person could live a Christian life apart from being involved in the church. The church helps, but I thought when push came to shove that it was somewhat dispensible. It seemed to me that the most urgent need was for prayer and Bible study. And yet, all the while, I have been compelled by God to preach relationship with God and man as the ultimate purpose of our life. On a side note, it never ceases to amaze me that God can speak truths through people that they don't even fully comprehend themselves until long after.

In Acts 1:4, Luke reports that it was to the gathered assembly that Jesus promised the Holy Spirit. Further, it was while they were gathered together in one accord that God chose to send His Holy Spirit to fill them. Throughout the book of Acts, when we read accounts of the Holy Spirit filling people, we see it happening within the context of relationship. In some instances, it is a gathering of the church and in others it is a gathering of two, such as in the case of Ananias and Saul.

I guess the understanding has to start with a better grasp of the definition of church. I have always understood the church to be a group of believers who choose to be associated with each other. And in this culture, this may still prove to be an accepted definition. However, God defines the church as being all who have ever trusted in the Grace of Jesus regardless of whether they choose to associate with each other or not. When a person marries, he becomes part of the family whether he attends reunions or not.

God is recreating society, in its intended form, through, or within, the church. If we are to be in His will, we must be part of His new creation. It's not all about the body, but it is within the context of the body.

"24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Hebrews 10:24-25 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)
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