The Gathering and Gatherer of the Saints

[u][b]THE GATHERING TOGETHER[/b][/u]
[size=xx-small]By Robert Wurtz II[/size]
Part 1

[i]Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.[/i] (Hebrews 10:25)

The Book of Hebrews was written at a period when persecution of believing Jews was in full swing. We gain biblical insight of the intensity of this persecution as Paul was one of the persecutors chasing believers even unto strange cities and compelling them to blaspheme. Believers had been put out of the synagogue for believing in Christ during and after the time of His earthly ministry. By the time we reach the latter part of the first century the Believing Jews were being cursed in the Jewish daily prayers (Birkat ha minim).

Persecution made it difficult for believers to assemble at all. At first they had assembled at the Temple, in synagogues, and from house to house. But having been put of the synagogues and in 70AD the Temple being destroyed; all was left was meetings from house to house or gathering spots of various sorts. Gathering became exceedingly dangerous, especially in and around Jerusalem. The believers foes became those of their own household.

Along with the fear of assembling, the temptation for the ‘Hebrews’ was to return back under the Mosaic system in order to maintain [i]harmony[/i] with their fellow unbelieving Jews. The Pharisees had helped do the work of turning the peoples hearts against Christ in order to retain their own significance. Reverting back to the Old Covenant was the primal danger addressed throughout the epistle of the Hebrews. The writer spends tremendous efforts demonstrating that Jesus Christ is the Messiah and that the New Covenant is an exceedingly better covenant than the Old.

By the time we get to chapter 10 the writer exhorts the believers, [i]Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.[/i] The word ‘assembling’ is the Greek word [i]episunagOgE[/i] (ep-ee-soon-ag-o-gay') and it means, “to gather together into one place” and is only used twice in the NT. The word is not a verb- it is a noun, meaning that the writer is referring to the ‘event’ itself of gathering into one place. The word is used also in II Thess. 2:1 to describe the ‘gathering’ that will take place at the Second Coming of Christ.

In both cases the words is a description of the [u]event[/u] itself. The concept is one of ‘collecting together’. Obviously if there is a collection there is a collector. That collector is the Holy Spirit. The ‘collection’ or ‘gathering’ is the work of the Holy Spirit. This is a most important detail. The Holy Spirit gathers the Saints together in Christ’s name and because of that- there He is in the midst of them. In every gathering [i]He[/i] is gathering the Saints together for a purpose. There are specific things that He is wanting to do. The need for this coming together cannot be overstated- especially in days of apostacy and persecution.

[b]Not Forsaking the Gathering[/b]
Part 2

There have always been reasons to forsake the gathering. In our times we could list a multitude of reasons why folk have simply stopped assembling. Fleshly people and fleshly programs have created in many cases a stigma for gathering at all. This is no doubt the enemies strategy. The common thread we see happening around the world even to this day is to get members of the body to [i]forsake the assembling of themselves together[/i].

For the Jews and later on even among non-Jewish believers gathering together was a dangerous proposition. This is true to this day in many parts of the world. Yet, the local church (ekklesia) continues to function as an 'assembly' even in settings that don’t appear to be as organized as we in the West are used to. In fact, most of the world cannot relate to our “Western style” of Christianity. So understanding Hebrews 10:25 can be a tremendous challenge for us.

In Muslim and Buddhist countries converts to Christianity are often beheaded or poisoned if they submit to Christian public baptism. Gathering together even for a bible study can cost believers their lives. It the recent past behind the Iron Curtain believers would gather together in underground churches. And such was the case also during the writing of the epistle to the Hebrews. We read, [i]Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is.[/i]

Perhaps it is safer to be a Christian silently and not make our profession fully public under persecution? We cannot understand such a situation. Yet we can understand other forces that are at work to get us to forsake the assembling. In the first century there was a danger for the believers to get in the [i]habit[/i] (manor) of forsaking. This implies a pattern. It implies something that is regularly happening.

The inference we glean from this is that if one can get in the ‘habit’ of forsaking- one can also get in the habit of attending the ‘gathering’. Keep in mind that the Holy Spirit is the gatherer of the gathering. This is more than a religious exercise. This is a people with an inward hunger for God coming together for the purpose of mutual edification. Not just 'showing up' to the gathering, but coming with an [i]expectancy[/i] that God is going to move and edify the people. It has been said that 'expectancy' is not the same as an [i]expectation[/i]. People have their own ‘expectations’ of how they think gatherings ought to go but that is not for us to decide. God has an agenda He wants to accomplish. It is our job to discover that. Most ‘expectations’ are fleshly and have nothing to do whatsoever with what God is wanting to do and are often a serious hindrance to the gathering. People come to a meeting with an 'ax to grind' and end up grieving the Holy Spirit and hindering what God wants to do because of their bad spirit.

Our desire should be that the Holy Spirit will do His will; while an expectation is a recipe for faultfinding and complaining that grieves the Spirit before anything even starts. Expectancy is built upon faith- faith in God's word and the revelation that God's desires is to build-up His people.

Was it worth it for the early church? I mean, what about the continual persecutions and cursing and even beatings and death they risked by assembling together? What about the harassment the took from family and friends? What about the challenges that existed in the gatherings themselves? What if the believers at Corinth decided the people were too carnal and forsook the assembing? Would non-use be the solution? This is why Paul wrote a letter of correction. The answer was not- not assembling- but proper assembling- decently and in order.

There is a purpose in gathering together that transcends the dangers and the challlenges. And that purpose is found in the ministry of the Body one to another individually. This is not optional. Hebrews 3:13 and 10:25 demonstrate the necessity of individual edification one to another. The enemy knows this. And whether it be confusion or persecution his objective is all the same; cause the people to forsake the assembling that they desperately need.

Thanks for the encouraging words Linn and Annie. :-)

[b]Exhorting One Another[/b]
Part 3

Imagine a gathering in which everyone gathered together with an [i]expectancy[/i] that God might just use them to exhort or edify an individual or the gathering as a whole? Seem odd? Not to the churches of the scriptures. It was normal. In fact, it was as normal to expect to be used of God for them as the masses today expect [i]not[/i] to be used of God. What did the writer say? [i]But exhorting [u]one another[/u]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.[/i] This is universal involvement- even beyond the four walls of a building.

If the passage had said, “love one another” we would take that to mean- as opportunity arises express your love to each other. We understand the passage to mean everyone without exception. Can it be any different with “exhorting one another?” Earlier in Hebrews we have a more compelling commandment; [i]But exhort one another [u]daily[/u], while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.[/i] (Hebrews 3:13) Is it possible that genuine Born Again believers would need such attention? Surely they can stand alone? Not according to Hebrews 3:13.

Judgment is more near than any of us realize. It seems the enemy would have us forget this fact. [i]What is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a time and then vanishes away."[/i] and again... [i]It is appointed unto man once to die and after this the judgment.[/i] If we comprehend this fact why do we not see more exhorting one another to walk the path of holiness? Anyone, so the passage seems to suggest, can be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Can a new heart become hardened again? I am gripped with the reality that the Born Again experience is not an [i]end[/i]- it is the beginning. Perhaps this is why we have so many epistles?

It may be necessary to anticipate the question "Exhort them to do what?" Perhaps the word could mean, "give one another courage," "strengthen one another," "cause one another to have courage," or "cause one another to have strong faith". The word can mean "to encourage by words," "exhort," or as perhaps in Heb. 3:13, where the RSV has "exhort" the TEV has “help”. (UBS Handbook) . We must ‘encourage’ one another to hold fast in the faith and lay aside any weights that may be bringing them down. Exhorting covers a lot of different areas in which we are to help one another.

The Greek word translated as ‘exhort’ is [i]parakaleo[/i]. It means "to call near". I can almost see a loving brother coming alongside with concern. But coming alongside for what? Many times the word is translated as ‘beseech’ as in Romans 12:1. This means to 'ask eagerly' or ‘to beg’. It can mean to comfort or to intreat. In all cases the word carries the idea of [u]serious concern[/u] for the person. This is more than a superficial ‘encouragement’- it is a willingness to be concerned for others with earnest. This may mean asking the hard questions or giving a strong word of caution. How have you been doing? No, I mean, how have you [u]really[/u] been doing. Cain asked God if he was “his brother’s keeper?” Hebrews 3:13 and 10:25 give a resounding ‘yes’. At least to an extent.

In our day of such universal selfishness and standoffishness we need to return to the closeness and love that characterized the New Testament believers. Folk have a tendency to want to be personal and sometimes it is a front for some serious issues. Nobody really [i]knows[/i] the brother or sister on a deep close personal level. This is how scandal develops. This is how folk isolate themselves to be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. The pattern of the New Testament is to some extent keep each other flushed out into the open. Into a place of visibility.

[b]The Life of Christ[/b]
Part 4

When we talk about ‘exhorting’ we are talking about a mutual sharing of the Life of Christ one with another. This is universal involvement of the gatherers. God has placed many gifts in the local church for the edification of the Body.

As churches have gotten more and more ‘organized’ the tendency has been to have a few ‘exhorters’ and a whole bunch of [i]recipients[/i]. But this is not at all the design of Christ for the church. Is it possible that Christ wants [i]everyone[/i] involved at some level contributing to the Spirit vitality of the Body? I believe so. This means God wants to use the janitor, the nursery workers, the bus drivers, the teachers, the ushers, and anyone else that He might put His finger on to use in a given situation.

Romans 12:5, 6b sums this up; [i]So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us.[/i] So we all have some gifting from the Holy Spirit. And those ‘giftings’ are to be used as the Lord calls upon them for the edification of the Body of Christ.

Some may wonder; how does that play out? Will this all result in chaos? Don’t we need leaders to keep a tight grip on things? Not if things are done biblically. this takes more than sound bite teaching- but some real examination and application of the scriptures.

We continue reading, [i]whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that leads, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.[/i]

Notice that the idea is to [u]prefer[/u] one another. This is key. Notice this did not say to ‘honour one another’ (exalt one another) in the sense that the Pharisees did that ultimately kept them from believing in Jesus for fear of loosing their position or because they feared man more than God. This is edification from a heart of love and not a jockey for position.

Jesus said to the pharisees in John 5:44, [i]How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?[/i] Church life could never have worked among the Pharisees because they were too worried about getting the glory for what went on. They were to worried about being in control of everything. If fact, some didn’t even think God knew what [u]He[/u] was doing.

It has been said that the Body of Christ is not a [i]multi level business opportunity[/i]. It is not a corporation in which folk back stab each other to gain position. In the Body of Christ the way 'up' is 'down'. The pharisees loved the chief seats and top be seen of men. They loved the attention they received. If they lived today their actions, attitudes, and lifestyles may well resemble the CEO’s and CFO’s of Fortune 500 corporations. This is the epitome of what we call ‘worldliness’. More than fashion or the latest new styles and it is the enemy of the true Body ministry of Hebrews 3:13, 10:25 and I Cor. 14:26, etc..

The Holy Spirit has a purpose and that purpose is to edify the assembled body. In this type of environment folk are interested in what God wants more than what they want. Their focus is expectancy based and not expectation based. It flows from a heart that says, "Lord, not my will- but thine be done."

dorcas wrote:

Robert said in his leading post, last paragraph:

The concept is one of ‘collecting together’. [b]Obviously if there is a collection there is a collector. That collector is the Holy Spirit. The ‘collection’ or ‘gathering’ is the work of the Holy Spirit. This is a most important detail. The Holy Spirit gathers the Saints together in Christ’s name and because of that- there He is in the midst of them[/b]. In every gathering He is gathering the Saints together for a purpose. There are specific things that He is wanting to do. [b]The need for this coming together cannot be overstated[/b]- especially in days of apostacy and persecution.

Apart from your definition of 'the Gathering' as an 'event', I think your emphasis on it being the work of the Holy Spirit to bring saints together, has given me much food for thought.

For this to really work, there are two presuppositions: the knowing by a man / woman of the mind of the Spirit, and an understanding that He gives His Spirit to those who obey Him.

Living in this endless loop of obedience and empowerment for obedience, should make one free from.... every - or many - other constraints, while at the same time binding one into 'the body of Christ' ever more irretrievably.

For me the Gathering of the Saints has been so operative of the Holy Spirit that I felt I must mention what has been happening to me in this respect.

My disability makes it difficult to be in any meetings that would normally be considered as a gathering of the saints.

And yet the Holy Spirit, aware of my diffiulties, has made the question moot. For whenever I step away from my alone-ness, whether it be by phone to pay bills, or to get information, or doctor's visits, or just going to the market to buy food, I meet almost entirely brothers and sisters in the faith, OR I am given to meet those I am to speak of Jesus to.

Most people I know intimately seem to find that there are very few true Christians around, that the people they meet are unbelievers, profane and carnal, and undisposed to hear the gospel.

They see many people in the course of their days, from work, to errands, to family, and even church. Yet they do not find as many Christians to experience God with as I seem to.

It is a blessing to remember that whenever two believers are gathered together in Jesus' name, He is among them.

I find that even though we do not meet in a formal gathering, nor do we invoke the Name of our Savior, we go instantly into a communion of spirit, a recognition of belonging and a sense of rightness that is a blessing to us both, no matter how brief the meeting.

It is strange, but wonderful, to know that the Holy Spirit will do whatever is necessary to renew the spirits of each of the saints, and that the gathering of a mere two of us for only moments, is as hallowed and blessed by the presence of Jesus, as any more formal gathering together of the saints.

As the days come nearer to the end, I think that we will all find that there is a blessing in a mere few sentences exchanged, in an acknowledgment of God working in our lives. As persecution begins everywhere in the limitation of what we may say as Christians without infringing on another group's 'rights', be assured that no matter the circumstance, the Holy Spirit will find a way for us to meet, if only one on one, to celebrate knowing Him.

Blessings,

Forrest