The Assembly (6) – Gathered as Assembly

Principles

1. The assembly of God on earth is visibly represented by the gathering together.
2. God wants the assembly to be seen; therefore, He desires that the redeemed also come together.
3. We must ask ourselves on the basis of the Bible in what way God wants us to come together. The following verse shows us the divine guideline:

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:20).

For

• The personal presence of the Lord is not automatic but is linked to conditions.
• One cannot invoke the presence of the Lord if one does not obediently do what follows.
• The presence of the Lord is the reason why prayers are answered (Mt 18:19) and the local assembly has the authority to bind and loose (Mt 18:18).

Where

1. “Where” does not mean any geographical location, although you “must” come together in one place – it cannot be virtual.
2. “Where” indicates the manner or principle in which to gather.
3. The Lord chooses the place that meets His standards (Deut 12:5, 11, 13, 18).
4. No human choice or human will is decisive.

Two or three

1. Large crowds are not necessary to represent the assembly of God.
2. The Lord names the smallest possible number: two or three.
3. It is not the number that is decisive but the manner

are gathered together

1. “Being gathered” is a state, not an activity, although it also involves an activity.
2. It is an expression of unity (Eph 4:4) since the unity of the body is recognized.

In my name

1. His name is the motive or purpose in which we gather.
2. “His name” is the center of the gathering.
3. His name, that is, what He has said, has absolute authority over us.
4. Name means “to make oneself known”. He shows Himself in what is connected with His person. That is:
   1. His person as such (e.g., that He is God and man in one person)
   1. His work of redemption, which must be accepted in order to be saved
   1. His assembly (the Christ, 1 Cor 12:12), which is inseparably connected to Him.
5. This has practical consequences:
   1. We cannot associate Him with wrong and evil.
   1. We include all who are members of the one body.
   1. We recognize His authority.
   1. We reject any false teaching about His person, His work, and His assembly.

Am I

1. It is the Lord Jesus Himself who has promised His personal presence.
2. He is not physically present but personally, in spirit.
3. His personal presence in the meetings is a unique blessing for the assembly on earth, which can only be experienced there.

In their midst

1. The Greek expression means “in the midst of” in the absolute sense.
2. He is not only among us, one of many, but He is the absolute center.
3. He has all rights and determines the order (1 Cor 14:33).
4. Everything proceeds from Him and leads to Him (effect, worship, and blessing).
5. He occupies us with Himself and His love.
6. He always has something for everyone (Deut 33:3; 1 Cor 14:3).
7. He works through the Holy Spirit, whom we should not quench (2 Cor 3:17; 1 Thes 5:19).

Further points

1. There were regular meetings (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 14:26).
2. There is no set order or sequence.
3. Everyone should have something ready for the Lord to use (1 Cor 14:26).
4. The meetings have a local character (1 Cor 11:18).
5. There are at least four types of meetings:
   1. for the breaking of bread (1 Cor 11.10)
   1. for edification (1 Cor 14)
   1. for prayer (Mt 18)
   1. for admission into the fellowship of the assembly (Mt 18)