Assembling in the House of the Lord 8-10-25

Ever since Covid-19, things have changed drastically when it comes to church attendance. Many people felt comfortable staying at home once they were in the habit of doing it. Excuses have been used such as: “I watch services on the internet, TV, connect through Zoom”

That is no excuse for able bodied people; the Lord uses those devices for those who cannot physically connect with the saints. He also uses different ministries to visit and minister in various facilities, and others who are incapacitated; which is absolutely wonderful.

These are commands that Jesus gave along with scriptures penned by others as the holy Spirit spoke to them. As people of God there is a criteria for spiritual growth. In Romans 12:1-2, Paul urges the saints to present their bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God which is our reasonable service and be not conformed to the things of this world but we must be transformed with a new mindset.

The Old Testament animal sacrifices were no longer necessary after Jesus died and rose from the dead. All of us who became born again are the living sacrifices on the altar to please God. This is what it takes: Bible study, prayer, connecting with other saints and be accountable to them. This keeps us on the altar; plus, this is the only way to grow.

This is where I fellowship regularly

These are some of the ways to grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).

1)      A command -Do not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:25)

2)      For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them (Matthew 18:20). Two are better than one Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) If you truly are born again and say that you love the Lord, why are you staying isolating yourself and not fellowshipping with other saints.

3)      Jesus said if you love Me keep My commandments (John 14:15).

4)      Jesus said: By this all will know that you are My disciples if you have love for one another (John 13:35). How can anyone say they love the Lord and the saints if they are doing what Jesus told all of us to do; no exceptions!

Grieving the Spirit of God- A local church is supposed to help with spiritual growth; people of God are to encourage and serve one another with their gifts. The Holy Spirit is grieved (sad) when we are not encouraging or edifying one another with our gifts (various abilities). And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30). This means to be out of the will of God. We know right from wrong, and choosing not to walk upright grieves the Holy Spirit.

Quenching the Spirit of God  

Bible Hub- Quenching the Holy Spirit involves suppressing, hindering, or extinguishing the active work and influence of the Spirit in a believer’s life, both individually and corporately. The primary Scriptural source for this term is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:19: “Do not quench the Spirit.” This command implies that, just as one can dampen a flame, so too can a believer stifle or oppose what the Holy Spirit is doing. Serve with the grace (ability) that has been given to you.

Each person has their own special grace; that’s what is so awesome about God, he made us unique so that none of us have to be exactly like the other person. We can minister in a greater capacity because of our uniqueness. However, if you don’t understand that, it is not possible to function in what God has purposed for you.

You must remember this, you’re saved but if you don’t understand salvation, you will not be able to progress in your walk. What I mean by this is, there must be a proper training to understand what salvation is (no works) - For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,  not of works, lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). Once that is understood, then you will learn what works is about- our faithful works will be rewarded.

Once we were born again, we are new, different, changed, transformed, however since we live in a natural environment we need to physically connect with others, especially with the saints. Please stop using excuses that you don’t know what your gift is; that’s one of the purposes  of the five ministry offices (Ephesians 4:11-16).

If your church is not teaching the essentials of salvation and how you are to function in your gifts, you need to get with someone who can help you in your Christian walk, so you can receive rewards for being faithful.

His handmaiden, Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org