THE UNSEEN MYSTERY IN CHURCH SERVICES - PART 2

TUESDAY 02 MAY 2023

There is something quite unique or remarkable about genuine Christian gatherings, with all its blessings, moral contributions, supernatural upliftment and other beneficial effects. And that is, indeed, we are serving a true, living God and engaging the immortal beings as we get saturated with the cooperate anointing of the Holy Spirit in church services. Matthew 18:20 says, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them", meaning that God is mightily present.

Reference: 2 Peter 1:1 New American Standard Bible (NASB) "Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:"

Apart from Simon Peter, Paul was another apostle who dedicated his Christian life and active service as a living sacrifice to God by establishing the spiritual growth of the saints and advancing the progress and development of the churches he raised. Paul the apostle said in Ephesians 3:8-11, "Though I am the least deserving of all God's people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. I was chosen to explain to everyone the administration of this mystery that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning. God's purpose in all this was to use the church to display his many-sided wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord" (NLT).

Beloved, as the mystery, Christ, which hosts the "many-sided wisdom of God" is being unveiled and progressively revealed through the messages, preached and taught, in line with the glorious gospel during church services and meetings, our unseen guests (the entities of the Godhead) are present because the gathering is all about God. We also have angels in our midst. We don't see them with our natural eyes, except if their images are granted us supernaturally - and we perceive them with the eyes of our spirit. To that effect, 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NIV) says, "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls." In church we don't see the Godhead, yet we experience the tangible display of their manifestations through the Spirit. That's exactly what apostle Peter conveyed in this Scripture when he said, "you are receiving the end result of your faith - the salvation of your souls." Simply put, the evident display of their manifestations is part of the ongoing result of our faith and salvation.

In addition, Peter said: This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ's suffering and His great glory afterward. They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen (1 Peter 1:10-12 NLT). Now watch this: In this day and age, it is as a result of our salvation that we gather in church for the ministration of the Spirit, which is accompanied by the outpouring of grace. Also Peter noted that its so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen. So angels are really interested in our church services.

Our ministering angels who come to church equally benefit from the unveiling of mysteries, as the Spirit of God works in His church. They don't just watch over us or bring promised blessings to us, they also pay attention to the messages being preached and ministered to the saints. Another important reason they participate in our worship is that they attend to those who receive salvation, both in church and outside the building block of the church. Zero wonder the Bible says, "Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14 NIV). As they come to the gathering or assembly of the brethren, they don't only pay attention to the Word, they watch what we do, and also position themselves to serve those who will inherit salvation, in the process of worship, after the sermon or during the altar call.

Angels learn from Spirit-led church meetings and they don't get tired of observing our worship as the equipped leaders minister to the saints. This should get the attention of every born again Christian. Always stay focused on the ministry of the Word and other transforming or beneficial spiritual activities that take place, in the midst or gathering of the saints. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Psalm 149:1; Acts 2:47; 1 Peter 1:13; 1 John 1:7.

Guided Prayer: Gracious Father in heaven, I thank you for the privilege of participating in the assembly of the brethren, which empowers me to be governed by the right mindset built in accordance with the Word. As I devote myself to the teaching of truth and continual fellowship, to the breaking of bread and effective prayers, the move of your Spirit in church grants me the ability to absorb the flow of multiplied grace and by it, I experience good success and extensive spiritual growth and development, in Jesus' Name, Amen.