Expelling Darkness

What is "The Gathering" of the Saints?

I believe it is expedient to share with you in writing the purpose and heart of the meeting we have monthly as well as answer some of the questions posed regarding The Gathering. We call it the gathering because in essence that is the purpose. To gather. We don’t call ourselves a church because those of us that gather do so as the body of Christ the church. It is a time when those redeemed and purchased by Jesus Christ can come together regardless of affiliation or denomination. And our bond is in the head of the church, Jesus Christ.

We have all heard the verse quoted “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some.” Interestingly enough whenever I hear that verse quoted it’s usually used to chasten or berate those that don’t participate in  attending “church” regularly. However, if we read the verse in it’s entirety it says, “Let us hold fast the confession (acknowledgement) of our hope without wavering for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”  (Note: No directives of assembling together are given)

The purpose of our gathering together is to learn of Him, Jesus Christ our Savior, Lord and King. And to learn to walk in Him. Our gathering together is for us, it’s not for Him! It is a time for us to stir up one another, to exhort, to encourage, to correct, to pluck up and pull out error and lies, and to build and plant truth through the revelation of Jesus by the written Word. We do not spend time singing or dancing. We spend our time together learning and building on the knowledge of Him. Our praise of and to Him is demonstrated through us daily as we walk obediently in Him. We expect each member of His body to function as He wills at all times not just in our assembling/gathering. For we believe that every joint supplies. Although as we gather many learn how to function in Him.

We speak the truth in love. The truth of God is never hard or harsh to those that desire to do His will. The truth of His Word does however shine light in the darkness of our hearts and minds and compels us to either rejoice or repent as appropriate. We encourage and expect each member of His body the church to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. Each member learning of Him and walking in Him. We purpose and practice minding our own business yet are prepared to address any questions and schisms (as it relates to Him) that may arise utilizing wisdom from His Word.

 

We are becoming bold because the Lord of glory is revealing who He is in us. We are not concerned with the numbers in attendance, but expect growth in each member of His body.   We choose Saturday as to not conflict with other obligations and/or commitments. We gather once a month purposefully. In that we exhort and expect all to walk circumspectly as salt and light in the world everyday. Not giving pretense in the midst of like believers. We expect the power of God’s Word to separate the sheep from the goats. This is not done by man nor the will of man.

 

We are pressing forward, prepared with anticipation to equip the saints for the building up of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect (mature) man… (Eph 4:12 on, read it yourselves) We do not and are interested in playing church or in going to church, but in being the church of God (body of Christ)  in the earth. Therefore we have laid aside the foolish things and are filling our lamps with oil, preparing ourselves (as one) for our soon coming King.

As He has revealed most of us having come from various places come having learned many doctrines/teachings. These doctrines shape our beliefs and behaviors. Sadly much of what we have learned is from man. And what we’ve learned from the doctrines of men and the doctrines of demons is lies, deception, selfishness  and therefore error!! In our gathering together it is of the highest priority to learn truth. Jesus is the truth! His Word said to those who believed in Him, “If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.”  The freedom that we aspire to have is in Him. And from the traditions and doctrines of men that steal, kill and destroy the very life of God within us.  For we believe and walk in “if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”

We gather the fourth Saturday of every month at QLN 1938 Avenida Del Oro in Oceanside. 10 am - 12 pm. Next meeting March 22. If you are His you are welcome!

I realize many follow this blog in different cities, states and even countries. I encourage you to gather together with other believers of the Lord Jesus and strengthen one another according to His Word. Always remembering that where two or more are gathered in HIs name He is in the midst of you. You don't start a church, you are the church. You don't need a Pastor the Lord will provide all that you need. We must believe Him when He promised if we seek Him we will find Him. I exhort you to cast off the traditions of men and walk in the newness of life that Jesus gave His life that we might have. In the Words that were spoken to Joshua, "Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."