Our Gathering

Our Gathering

On a certain occasion the wise teacher of the law, Gamaliel, who was also Paul’s great teacher before his conversion, saved the apostles’ lives by saying to those who wanted to kill them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.” Acts 5:35-39.

These were wise words spoken by Gamaliel, and God is sure to reward him for it. He saved the apostles from death. God is angry with all those who claim to be somebody and gather people around their own person. All such actions are doomed to failure, and they will come to nothing. However, whatever is of God cannot be destroyed.

All selfish thoughts scatter, whereas all unselfish thoughts gather. “Gather My saints together to Me, those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.” Ps. 50:5. All His life Christ was a sacrifice. He offered Himself in the power of an eternal Spirit. Only in this Spirit can we be united with Him and gather to Him.

Gathering and blessing belong together. A church is only blessed in relation to the unity that rules among the members. The apostles worked untiringly to unite everyone in one body, with Christ as the head. They did not think of gathering to their own person. They showed the way to the cross, the only place where both Jew and Greek could become one. Eph. 2:14-16. On the cross all these “smart,” stiff, and stubborn self-wills that have caused so much unrest cease to exist. In our days churches are organized where these wills are left intact, and we can see the sad results: strife, disharmony, and finally dissolution.

According to Gamaliel’s word, no one can destroy the church of the living God. Jesus said that the gates of Hades cannot prevail against it. It has been our experience that the work that God has done among us is unshakable. Many people have opposed us throughout the years, but all of them have been put to shame.

The unity in the body of Christ increases to become a glorious brotherhood with Christ as the head. He is the first, the greatest, and most glorious among the brethren. He has made it possible to follow Him by His grace and power, and His steps are dripping with fat. He invites us to unity and fellowship with Himself for time and eternity, in life and in the light.

Right from the very beginning there was a small core of wholehearted and God-fearing people among us, so that God could add to them those who were willing to be saved.

Those who are God-fearing and faithful find each other, and they are united in the love of Christ. Those who are unsaved see the unity and the blessing of the fellowship, and they are saved and liberated to live the same life. When Jesus comes again, there will be a gathering together to Him. 2 Thess. 2:1. Abraham saw that day, and he rejoiced. John 8:56. Imagine the joy of the bride of Christ, the one who has become like Him and has been conformed into His image!