THE UNSEEN MYSTERY IN CHURCH SERVICES - PART 1

MONDAY 01 MAY 2023

The gathering of the saints in church services is of paramount importance. Manifold wonder the book of Hebrews says, "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near" (Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT). In such meetings, we are empowered in the Lord and strengthened by His might in our innermost being. More so, we are mutually encouraged by each other's faith and gifts, such that grace and peace are multiplied to us, the saints, through the knowledge of God and our Lord Jesus. Hallelujah!

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 Saviour, Jesus Christ:

In his statement of authorship, Simon Peter wrote to the elect or saints who habitually gathered in church, addressing them as those have received a faith of the same kind as his, by the righteousness of God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Beloved, we have all obtained a faith of equal standing, by the righteousness of God and Saviour Jesus Christ. To that effect, Romans 5:1-2 reads, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God" (NIV). So we have all received the same kind of faith that grants us access to the grace of God in which we now stand.

Now watch this: As we all gather in church as saints, we are conditioned to learn more about the mystery of the "Godhead" which symbolizes the entities, namely, God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. And in every true Spirit-led and Bible-believing church, these unseen guests: the fullness of the Godhead, are always present in the midst of the saints, meaning that unseen mystery takes place in church services. And according to 1st Corinthians 12:4-6, the entities of the Godhead have their roles to play. It actually reads, "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work" (NIV).

In line with 1st Corinthians 12:4-6, let's consider and take note of the order of their roles in church services:

Verse 4: There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. Here Paul made reference to the Holy Spirit. In other words, the Holy Spirit administers and oversees the spiritual gifts being demonstrated in our church meetings.

Verse 5: There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. Here Paul made reference to Christ. In other words, as the head of the church, Jesus is Lord over all kinds of services of all the true gathering of the saints, regardless of the denominations or branches of the Christian Churches. And remember that we are all His body. To instantiate this verity, 1 Corinthians 12:12 reads, "There is one body, but it has many parts. But all its many parts make up one body. It is the same with Christ" (NIRV).

Verse 6: There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Here Paul made reference to God the Father. In other words, God is the overall head, boss, director, or general overseer and all in all, who takes everything in church services into account, including the divergent manifestations and branches of interpretation in the field of perception of the Word, due to the denominational differences. For God is working in us through various operations, confirming His Word and giving us the desire and the power to worship Him and do what pleases Him (see Philippians 2:13 NLT).

What about this set of unseen guests: The angels? Indeed, they are not left out in every Spirit-led Christian gathering, meaning that the church services are not held in their absence; they have a special role to play. Therefore stay tuned for part 2 of this topic. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Psalm 95:2; Ephesians 5:18-20; Psalm 122:1; Colossians 3:16.

Guided Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, you are glorious and awesome for inventing the gathering of the saints which empowers me to stay alert spiritually and stand firm in Christ. I'm greatly encouraged and well equipped for good work in Christ as I participate in church activities and sacred ensembles such as singing hymns, praise and worship, speaking in tongues, thanksgiving, dancing in the Holy Spirit and all other spiritual activities which appear to be universal among all the Spirit-led church services all around the world. The experiences of your awe typically take place in all of these expressions in church and I'm forever grateful that I'm born again. Therefore, I thank you Lord for your mighty power working in me both to do and to will of your good pleasure, in Jesus' Name, Amen!