The Power of Gathering

The Power of Gathering

Early Church Reference- Pattern

The Holy Spirit Comes- Acts 2:1–2 (NKJV) 2 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

One Place- Meeting together in one place. They weren’t all separately waiting in seperate parts of Jerusalem for the promise of the Holy Spirit

Streaming- Is an excellent addition to church. But its only if you cant get there in person because…..sick, elsewhere etc.

I Don't Need To Go to Church

Lazy- Its just easy to sit on the coach and have my coffee and toast. Low stress

Pride- “I” don't need anybody to teach me- help me- I am smarter than anyone else.

Ignorance- 1 John 2:26–27 (NIV) 26 I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. 27 As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.

False Teaching- Anointing Teach you

Offence-Hurt by someone at church-You are meant to forgive not leave

The Worlds Influence- Post Covid some people have stopped going to church and either just don't bother or take the easy way and watch on line. Note the word watch instead of participate. Some 30-35% christians stopped regularly attending church.

World View- Individualism In Post Modern Society -(Last 45 years)

Post-Modernism is, in essence, an individualist philosophy. Individualists encourage the exercise of an individual's goals and desires and therefore value independence and self-reliance. They also argue that the interests of the individual are more important than those of the state or of any social group.

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

Who really Is Behind Christians Not Going To Church????

Prince of The Power of This World-

Why??? “United WE Stand Divide We Fall”

Heaven Makes A Sound - Roar of News- When Gods people gather Heaven recognises the opportunity for Gods Power to move on the earth.

We Need The Power of The Holy Spirit

Rushing Mighty Wind- The Breath of God

The Things We do Need The Breath of God

The Power of Gathering Together- Is The Holy Spirit- When We Gather His Power Can Manifest

Souls & Provision- Acts 2:44–47 (NKJV) 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

All Who Believed Were Together

Souls Saved - Provision

Opportunity Corporate Prayer Power - Acts 4:23-24 , 27-31 (NKJV) 23 And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them,

27 “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. 29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”

The Natural Is Shaken & The Holy Spirit Fills People 31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

One Accord- With One Mind- They were all thinking the same way about their purpose together- Jesus Was God- The Name of Jesus was The Greatest Name

Think The Same-way— Speak The Same Way

Power In The Tongue Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) 21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

-Speak The Same Way Because We Think The Same-

Speaking Life Together When We Gather

They Raised Their Voice Together

Romans 8:31–39 (NKJV) 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

What Shall We Say-we Not I or you

Romans 8:37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

We - Not me or you- “We Are More Than Conquerors-“

Gathering In Agreement

Where Two or Three Agree - Matthew 18:19–20 (NKJV): 19 “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

Gather Together???- We can Gather but are we together? There is a difference.

“If”- A marker of the condition - The Condition Must Be Fulfilled

If Two Agree- sound together, harmony, in unison (Symphony) Singing the same song

Illustration- Singing Together in Harmony is different to singing as a soloist. Its all about the sound they make together- It about singing the same words

Agree on The Song We Sing Together

Amos 3:3 NKJV “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?”

Marriage- a marriage where the 2 spouses are continually not in agreement can be like to people pulling the marriage in 2 different directions. pulling it apart.

Agendas- an underlying often ideological plan or program.

Gathering Together In His Name- The purpose or reason to gather is not about our Names or Agendas but “His Name”

Each Empty Chair Represents A Soul

A City On A Hill Cannot Be Hidden - Mt.5:14

““You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

A City Is A City Because Many People Have Gathered Together To Live There-A city that cant be hidden is made up with millions of small lights that create an incredible glow.

.Our Lights Together Make A City of Lights That Can Not Be Hidden