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God’s Design for Gathering #

The gathering of believers is not an optional human invention. It is part of God’s eternal plan. From the beginning of the New Testament Church, meeting together was central to Christian life. The author of Hebrews gives us a clear command.

Hebrews 10:25 (AMP)
Not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more faithfully as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching.

This instruction is not about filling up church calendars or setting routines. It is about God’s people walking together in encouragement, edification, and preparation for His coming. The Greek word for Church is “ekklesia”, meaning called out assembly. It is not about buildings or programs. It is about the gathering of those whom Christ has redeemed, set apart from the world, and joined into one Body.

The Presence of Christ Among His People #

When the Church gathers, something profound happens. It is not simply a meeting of like-minded people. Jesus Himself promises His presence.

Matthew 18:20
For where two or three are gathered in My name [meeting together as My followers], I am there among them.

This is not symbolic or poetic language. It is a covenant reality. The same Lord who walked the roads of Galilee walks among His people when they gather in His name. At Pentecost, this was demonstrated.

Acts 2:1 (AMP)
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.

The Spirit did not descend upon scattered individuals in isolation but upon the gathered Body. The early disciples did not treat gathering as optional. It was essential, the very atmosphere in which God’s promises unfolded. Today, the same reality holds. The Spirit moves powerfully when believers assemble with expectation and unity in Christ.

The Body Works Best Together #

Paul often used the human body as an image for the Church. Each believer is a member, unique yet joined.

Ephesians 4:16 (AMP)
From Him the whole body [the Church, in all its various parts], joined and knitted firmly together by what every joint supplies, when each part is working properly, causes the body to grow and mature, building itself up in [unselfish] love.

The Greek word for “body, “sōma,” indicates that the Church is not a loose collection of individuals. It is one living organism with Christ as its head. When a believer is absent or disengaged, it is as if a part of the body is not functioning. The whole Body feels the lack. This is not about guilt but about spiritual reality. Each presence matters. Each contribution counts. Each delay postpones what could have strengthened others.

Why Lateness Affects Fellowship #

Being late is not a sin in itself. Life brings traffic, unexpected delays, and health challenges. Yet when lateness becomes a pattern, it reveals something deeper in the heart. Scripture speaks of the attitudes that can weaken our commitment to gathering.

1 Corinthians 3:16 (AMP)
Do you not know and understand that you [the Church] are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells [permanently] in you [collectively and individually]?

When fellowship is treated lightly, the temple of God is treated lightly.

Mark 4:19 (AMP)
But the worries and cares of the world, the deceitfulness [the superficial pleasures and false security] of wealth, and the passionate desires for all the other things creep in and choke out the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

When other priorities dominate, the seed of the Word bears little fruit.

1 Corinthians 12:18 (AMP)
But now [as things really are] God has placed and arranged the parts in the body, each one of them [just as He willed and saw fit with the best balance of function].

When a believer thinks their presence is unimportant, they forget that God Himself has placed them in the Body. The danger is not occasional lateness but a careless attitude. What appears small to human eyes has profound spiritual consequences.

Early Arrival as a Spiritual Practice #

In the Old Testament, worshippers prepared themselves before entering the temple. They washed, prayed, and consecrated their hearts. Today, under the New Covenant, our preparation is inward.

Job 5:8 (AMP)
As for me, I would seek God and inquire of Him, and I would commit my cause to God.

Arriving early creates space for this preparation. It allows the soul to become still, the heart to tune to Christ, and the spirit to be open to His leading. Practical benefits are obvious: time to pray, greet others, and settle distractions. But deeper than this, early arrival is a sign of reverence. It says, “Lord, You are worthy of my first attention, not my leftover energy.”

Presenting Ourselves as Living Sacrifices #

Paul calls believers to present themselves as offerings.

Romans 12:1 (AMP)
Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational [logical, intelligent] act of worship.

This includes how we approach the gathering. Our time, our presence, and our attention are part of what we present to God. Lateness or absence without reason shows that other things take priority over His Body. Being present, on time, and prepared is a simple but profound act of worship. It is not about legalism. It is about love, value, and reverence for Christ.

Koinonia: Fellowship in the Spirit #

The New Testament word for fellowship is “koinonia”, meaning sharing, partnership, participation. Fellowship is not a social activity but a spiritual communion. It is Christ in one shared among all. True koinonia happens when believers gather with one heart, one purpose, and one Spirit. If we approach it casually, we rob ourselves and others of this deep reality.

Gathering is more than singing, listening, or sitting in a building. It is Christ making Himself known in His people. Every prayer, every word, every act of encouragement matters. This is why being fully present from the start matters. It honours Him and blesses His Body.

The Example of Christ #

Jesus never treated His Father’s work as something casual. Even as a young boy, He said, “Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49). If He, the Son of God, gave priority to the Father’s house, how much more should we? The Church is His Body, His dwelling, His chosen instrument. To gather with His people is to gather with Him. To treat this lightly is to treat Him lightly. To honour this is to honour Him.

Practical Steps for Honouring Christ in Our Gatherings #

1. Prepare your heart through prayer before arriving.
2. Aim to be early, not just on time.
3. See your presence as a gift to Christ and His people.
4. Encourage others by valuing fellowship.
5. Remember that Christ Himself is present.

Conclusion #

The gathering of believers is God’s design, not human tradition. It is the place where His presence dwells, His Spirit moves, and His Body is built up. Being present, on time, and prepared is more than discipline. It is worship. It is a way of saying, “Lord, You are worthy of my first and best.”

When the Church gathers, heaven touches earth. The Spirit moves among us. Christ is revealed in us. Let us not treat this lightly but embrace it as a holy calling, honouring the One who gave Himself for us and now dwells among His people.

In Christ,
Godwin.