Christ’s church is a spiritual body of believers that gathers together in assembly to share in fellowship and worship and to learn more about God’s word. We come together to learn how to serve God better and to experience the power of the Holy Spirit.
Christ’s church is not a building called the church, but a Spirit body of believers God calls us members, and each is gifted in the way of God according to His purposes, not man or pastor. At the same time, assembling allows us to share the gospel, encouragement, spiritual growth, and fellowship.
As we gather together to worship, we are reminded of the Bible scripture, which says, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20). This verse reminds us that when we come together in unity, we can be confident that God is in our midst. The Bible is clear that believers should assemble in fellowship, but much of what we see today are manufactured kingdoms that celebrate man more than God.
Paul tells us in Hebrews 10:25 that we should not neglect to meet and encourage one another, while we must be spurring one another on toward love and good deeds.” In Acts 2, we see the early church gathering in the temple courts, homes, and the open air. The church in Acts 5:42 was breaking bread in homes and enjoying the favor of all the people.”
Paul instructs us in Romans 15:7 to accept one another as Christ accepted us so that with one mind and one voice, we may glorify God. Furthermore He also encourages us to come together in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 for the Lord’s Supper. Take a look at Colossians 3:16, where Paul teaches that we should be teaching and admonishing one another with all wisdom and that we should be singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with thankfulness our hearts to God.
The Bible does not say that it is acceptable to build tax-free kingdoms with the tithe. The tithe was given to the Levite priests in Ancient Israel, and this practice ended with them. However, it is clear throughout Scripture that God wants us to be generous with our resources. In 2 Corinthians 9:7 it says, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Jesus does not expect us to give beyond our means, but He does want us to be generous in our giving. Furthermore, it is important to remember that it is ultimately God who provides the anointing and blessing that comes from giving. In Malachi 3:10 it says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord, but again this was this ended in ancient Israel and presently men and women use it to buy Lear jets and hide the money to live lavishly and sprinkle it through philanthropy to look like they are responsibly stewarding the funds but it couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Yes, Father did say see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” But He didn’t say to steal from people and mislead them to make false apostles, profits, and teachers wealthy, and while the people stay poor. God is the one who provides the blessing that comes with giving, not the tax-free kingdoms people build.
Finally, in James 5:16, we are told to confess our sins to one another and pray for each other. Clearly, the Bible is encouraging us to assemble with other believers in fellowship and in worship while preaching, praying and prophesying to edify the body of believers Father God calls Christ’s church.
John 8:32 says, “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” This is a powerful reminder that the truth is the most critical foundation of the church which belongs to Christ, the Rock is Christ, and His people, the body of believers, sit under Him, not a pastor or controlled by building owners.
Sister Christine
C. Brejcha ©️