Christian Meetings

It has been my observation that there are several types of Christian meetings that help true spiritual development "preaching," "teaching" and "waiting" meetings. In addition "home meetings" and general gatherings such as "pot-lucks" help stimulate Christian growth as believers fellowship in love with one another.

Preaching

Prophetic preaching lays the "foundation" which is Christ.  Preaching is essential for people to "hear," the Word of God. (Romans 10:8-17) This is the living Word that brings Life. Christ Himself, "the Word that became flesh,” speaks in and through His servants. This is not something learned in school. This is a gift given by God the Father to those He chooses. The Holy Spirit carries a true anointed preacher along. True prophetic preaching does not originate in the heart of man but comes from the Source of Truth, Christ Himself. These are the words of the Faithful and True Witness flowing through faithless men made whole by God's upholding power and grace. These words shatter mans notions and break up the stony ground in the hearts of men. Preaching the Word of God plants the Seed of Life that when believed upon has the power to change men and women into the children of God, as they are truly "born-again." True anointed preaching corrects the misguided and opens the new and living way for us to walk in.

Teaching

Teaching builds on the foundation of Christ. True anointed teaching also comes from God. It is Christ, through His Holy Spirit, Who is our Teacher. He instructs us in the way we should go and trains us to love. All wisdom is summed up in Him. He drops nuggets of truth, knowledge and wisdom into the hearts of His teachers who then disperse them to those who have ears to hear. These are pearls that are not to be cast before swine. As the godly teacher instructs by the Holy Spirits leading, "Gods building," whom we are, becomes a little more complete. True teaching draws from the Well Spring of Knowledge, and refreshes those who receive it.

Waiting

Waiting renews our strength as we glory in Christ. It is of great importance. This type of meeting is for the instructed and the mature. It is best for a gathering of true believers and not a mixed group. If there are doubters or weak willed believers in a group, preaching and teaching are first needed to bring them into faith. Once this is accomplished a gathering of believers can then be assembled with the sole purpose of waiting on the Lord for His corporate instruction. In this place all are equal and come to the table of the Lord to partake together of the Bread of Life. All of our baggage needs to be left at the door before entering into this kind of meeting. All human thoughts need to be quieted so His thoughts can be received. Here there is only one body and one Head, one Spirit and one Mind. When an assembly of saints gathers in the Lords Name, His power is present and His Life erupts in His people. God moving in His church His power is over all. This is where all things are done in order, orchestrated by His Spirit, a tongue, a prophecy, a spiritual song, all to His glory and the edification of His people. I long for more of these meetings they are rarely seen in our time. May the Lord give us Light and instruct His people in the way that is right.

In addition to the above meetings godly talk and everyday fellowship is edifying and helpful.

Meetings that grieve God

Too often Christian meetings grieve God. Many meetings start with a time of singing... the "praise and worship" time. This is fine as long as it’s really praise from peoples hearts. Too often people are carried along by soulish music or stilted by stale songs.

The mere talking of men in "spiritual meetings," grieves The Holy Spirit and weakens the Body of Christ. Meetings that are nothing but form and tradition nullify the Word of God. (I am not talking about nullifying the Scriptures but nullifying the living Word of God, Christ Himself, Who speaks in and through His people. In other words He is shut out of the meeting. These same men shut the kingdom of heaven to those who would come in.) Route Bible studies that are void of the Spirit of God are of very little value as well.

A Caution

If you have a desire to be spiritually minded, which in itself is a good thing, beware not to preach or teach because you have preachers itch, or selfish ambitions. Otherwise the saying, "fools rush in where angels fear to tread," will be found to be true concerning you. Instead wait on the Lord and He will give you strength and His good instruction. Do nothing out of selfish ambition. Preach only under the unction of the Holy Spirit and teach only by His authority and timing. We have only one Teacher that can bring us into all Truth, may we all come under His teaching.


As you gather love one another from a pure heart.
DM



email: daniel@markoya.com