We can't have children, but my friends are hinting that it is time. What should I do?

How can a couple who is unable to bear children respond to well-intended hints that it is time for them to be parents?

Those who cannot have children will know how devastating such a comment can be. The example of the Lord and the statements of Scripture teach us to respond to evil with blessing, not responding in kind (1Pe 3:9)." TARGET="_blank">1Pe 3:9). This person probably meant well and was attempting to express interest, encouragement, maybe even confidence. Depending on the Lord to give help, the couple could simply express appreciation for the concern expressed and ask for the help of that person in prayer. The Lord will know how to answer the prayer in ways the person praying may not understand.

For the benefit of the well-intentioned individual who thrust a knife into the heart of this couple, many passages, if heeded, would have sealed his lips. One will do. Christians are to consider the effect of their words on others and to limit their communications to what is beneficial ("good"), strengthening ("edification"), and enabling ("ministering grace to the hearers," Eph 4: 29)." TARGET="_blank">Eph 4: 29). None of us is perfect (James 3:2)," TARGET="_blank">James 3:2), but Christian grace will increase our sensitivity to others.

D. Oliver
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Does God treat people differently in different ages?

When God deals with different people in different times, do His dealings ever overlap?

"Unto the King of the ages,... be honor and glory unto the ages of eternity" (1 Timothy 1:17," TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 1:17, Newberry), indicates that the Sovereign of the universe has designated distinct ages and He controls and dispenses all in all the ages. Such principles as repentance, faith, and submission to God abide in every dispensation. Likewise, the gospel of the grace of God in this age and the gospel of the kingdom in a coming age are both founded on atonement. How God works distinguishes these periods. Since the Church is a wholly new entity and not an extension of Israel, each has its own peculiar and distinct dealings from God. In the present age, God is forming the Church. When this masterpiece is complete, God will deal with the nation of Israel in a distinct way Although God's ways are always consistent with each dispensation, events in one age can foreshadow events in the succeeding age. We may be observing events today that foreshadow prophetic scriptures yet to be fulfilled. To borrow from another, "If it were not that we knew that the clock of prophecy cannot commence until the Church is raptured, we would have thought it had already commenced." "How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out" (Romans 11:33)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 11:33)!

A. Hull

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Gospel Hall FAQ

What is a Gospel Hall?

Gospel Hall the name of the building where Christians meet to “gather to the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Matthew 18:20)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 18:20). The churches who meet in Gospel Halls are sometimes referred to as Plymouth Brethren churches.

For simplicity sake, http://www.gospelhall.org/ is much easier to remember than http://www.christiansgatheredtothenameofourlordjesuschrist.org/

Where can I find a Gospel Hall?

You can look at the section called Assembly Directory on this site.

Why the name Gospel Hall?

The word “Hall” is a general name for a public building. Since the Gospel is preached regularly in a Gospel Hall, the name is appropriate for its use. To distinguish the church (group of people) from the building, the name is distinguished. Some assemblies choose to name their building a “Gospel Chapel” or use the name of the town or street such as “Smithville Hall”. Gospel Hall is a common name used in many English speaking North American assemblies.

Are you associated with the Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall?

Absolutely Not. Unlike a Kingdom Hall, the teachings at the Gospel Hall are based on salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from good works or membership in any organization.

What are the beliefs at the Gospel Hall?

God's Word is the foundation on which a healthy church is built. Our mission is based on the commands of the Lord Jesus to worship, preach the gospel, help believers learn more about Him and honor the Lordship of Christ. Some of his words include

Matthew 18:20" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Matthew 28" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 28

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

1 Corinthians 1123" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 1123 …the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come.What is a church service like?

What are the Services held in a Gospel Hall?

Following the pattern of the first churches in Acts, church meetings in the gospel hall will include devotional worship on Sunday, Bible studies, Gospel preaching, pastoral teaching for believers, reports from missionaries and meetings for elders of the church.

Every Sunday, the assembly will meet to break bread. This meeting is either called the “worship meeting”, “breaking of bread” or the “remembrance meeting” based on Jesus’ actions and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 11:23-26. The focus of this meeting is Christ - his divine character, death, resurrection and Lordship. Each man will take turns in leading the congregation in prayer, reading a scripture or choosing an appropriate hymn. After a set period of time (30 to 90 minutes depending on the size of the assembly), someone will specifically thank God for the bread which symbolizes the Lord’s body. The loaf of bread is handed around the congregation so everyone can take a piece. Similarly, someone offers a prayer of thanks for Christ’s blood which is symbolized by the cup. It too is shared and then placed back on the table. Someone will close with a hymn or prayer or both. This is the Lord’s pattern of worship for the church (Matthew 26:26-38;" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 26:26-38; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 11:23-26). It allows for the practice called the “Priesthood of all believers” (1 Peter 2:5-9)." TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 2:5-9). Far from being an entertaining experience, the breaking of bread is an expression of reverence where Christians enter the Heavenly Sanctuary, that is the Holiest of All, to offer praise through the value of the blood of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 13:10-15)." TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 13:10-15).
The ministry meeting is a teaching meeting for the “edification, exhortation and comfort” (1 Corinthians 14:3)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 14:3). One person will take 30 to 60 minutes to read a portion of the Bible and teach the meaning, its context and apply it to daily living. The teaching meeting typically is scheduled after the Breaking of Bread. Many assemblies will conduct an annual Bible conference where hundreds of believers will meet in a rented auditorium for a more intensive or in-depth session of teaching.
Sunday evening is the customary time for a Gospel Meeting. At the Gospel Meeting two speakers will preach from the Bible regarding salvation themes – sin, the soul, redemption, the character of God, eternity, faith, assurance etc. From time to time, the assembly will conduct a series of nightly gospel meetings that may last several weeks. Sometimes these are conducted in the Gospel Hall. Often they are in community buildings, tents or schools.
An assembly will usually conduct a prayer and bible study meeting one evening mid-week. The correspondent for the assembly typically will read a few thank-you letters from missionaries and preachers who have received financial support from the assembly. Several of the men will lead the congregation in prayer for various needs. The assembly will then conduct a bible study on a portion of scripture or specific subject. One person will give a short synopsis of the topic and then the remaining time is an open forum to compare ideas on the meaning of the chapter. This is the forum to learn bible doctrine, ask questions, and consult commentaries or dictionaries.
Sunday school classes are typically offered on Sunday mornings during the same time period as the ministry meeting. Very often families who are not part of the assembly get their first impression of the assembly meetings through their children. The goal of a Sunday school is to plant the gospel message into young minds that might not have any other source for their spiritual knowledge.
The elders of an assembly meet periodically to pray, discuss the needs of the people in the assembly, schedule “house calls” for infirmed believers, plan the assembly calendar and discuss other matters.

What type of church government exists at the Gospel Hall?

The leadership of the church features servant-leaders called elders. According to the Bible in 1 Timothy 3" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 3 and Titus 2," TARGET="_blank">Titus 2, the men who lead a church must be of good moral character, able to teach the bible and care about the people of the church. These leaders are ultimately responsible for the doctrine taught in the church, the integrity of the use of funds and pastoral care of the church.

The men who serve as elders are recognized in their role by informal consensus of the church by their pattern of living. Elders usually serve as “unofficial” elders for years before being recognized for their work. That is, he teaches, encourages, mentors, supports and cares for people long before his elder status is recognized as “official”.

This method of recognition is based on the words in 1 Timothy 3" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 3 verses 1 and 6 “This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work”. It is a work, not a position. “Not a novice…” means he is proven trustworthy to the other people of the assembly.

Is the Gospel Hall part of a denomination?

No. Each Gospel Hall building is owned and maintained by the local church that meets there. Although a loose link of friendship exists between many of these churches, there is no central office or membership organization to report statistics, finances or doctrinal creed statements. There is no official list of assemblies.

The historical heritage shared at the Gospel Hall comes from the early 1800’s United Kingdom group known as the Plymouth Brethren. Some historical information about early Plymouth Brethren can be found at http://www.brethrenonline.org/. There are many other brethren history sites, some of which are here http://dmoz.org/Society/Religion_and_Spirituality/Christianity/Denominations/Plymouth_Brethren/

Each assembly is a unique story of the people who were saved in a community because of sound gospel preaching. No one history defines the entire group of assemblies worldwide. So while the Plymouth Brethren of England may be defined as the starting point for the movement, there are others who were similar. The assemblies represented on this page take their history from men in Scottland. See the history section of the online book Gathering Unto His Name for more details.

Where can I find a Gospel Hall?

You can look at the section called Assembly Directory on this site for North American assemblies of believers.

Some other directories for assemblies include:

www.gospelhall.org.uk/ (United Kingdom)
www.geocities.com/andyabel/assemblies.html (United Kingdom)
http://www.bibletruth.net/ (United States)
http://www.assemblynews.com/ (Australia)
christianbrethren-nsw.org.au (Australia)
http://www.keralabrethren.net/ (India)
www.biblebeliever.co.za/Brethren%20Assemblies%20Main%20Index.htm (South Africa)
http://www.elimgospel.com/ (Malaysia)
www.mycgc.info/english/links.asp (Malaysia)
www.palabrasdevida.cl/listado.html (Chile)
http://www.brethren.org.nz/ (New Zealand)

Who are Open Brethren and Exclusive Brethren?

For a history student, the terms “Exclusive” and “Open” refer to groups of assemblies who have formed lines of membership based on doctrinal differences. The "open" brethren believe that each assembly (church) is an independent entity. Each group handles its business of teaching, finances and receiving new members as an independent action from other assemblies.

The "exclusives" believe that since each assembly is part of the body of Christ, in order to maintain unity of the body, a decision rendered by one assembly needs to be recognized by all others in order to maintain the fellowship of the body. The practical results of their views are chronicled in the various books and articles about the Brethren but you will not find their story here. Exclusive assemblies often use the name “Gospel Hall” for their building, but these assemblies have very little relationship to the assemblies listed on this site. You can read about the exclusive brethren on their own web site at http://www.theexclusivebrethren.com/

Is a Gospel Hall part of the “exclusive brethren” or “open brethren”?

Most of the assemblies listed on this site could be called “conservative open brethren”. Exclusive assemblies often use the name “Gospel Hall” for their building, but these assemblies have very little relationship to the assemblies listed on this site.

The Gospel Halls are “open” in the sense that any person may join the fellowship who has experienced salvation from his/her sin through faith in Christ Jesus. It is also required that a Christian's life and beliefs conforms to the general pattern of godly New Testament living. Believers who are unknown to the elders of an assembly are welcome to the fellowship if they first have a meeting with elders to discuss their standing in regards to salvation, relationships with others and their standing on doctrines of the bible.

The Gospel Halls are "open" in the sense that each assembly is independent. That is to say, a decision made in one assembly does not need to be ratified or reviewed by other assemblies.

The Gospel Halls are “exclusive” in the sense that a person may not join the fellowship if their beliefs and life reputation are either known to be in error or unknown to the assembly. A person may attend assembly gatherings as a visitor, but is not invited to speak from the platform, pray publicly, contribute financially or share the bread and wine at the Lord’s Supper.

The Gospel Halls are “exclusive” in the sense that unity and fellowship between assemblies is maintained by sharing common doctrines. For example, if one assembly began to promote speaking in tongues or promoted a teaching for a works-based salvation, other assemblies would no longer cooperate with them in evangelism, conducting confereces or by providing financial help when needs arise.

The majority of "open brethren" assemblies in North America meet in a building named “Gospel Chapel”. These assemblies share much of the same doctrine as a Gospel Hall, but may have a less direct approach in gospel preaching and some may have an open policy of fellowship with all other churches in their community. Outside of North America and in other languages, there is a variety of names applied to buildings for groups that meet in a similar manner.

More information

You can find teaching, news from various assemblies at these publications

Truth and Tidings (USA) http://www.truthandtidings.com/
Words in Season (USA) http://www.saved.com/wis/
Precious Seed (UK) http://www.preciousseed.org/
Uplook (USA) http://www.uplook.org/
Assembly Testimony (UK) http://www.assemblytestimony.org/

You can read another FAQ about the brethren at http://www.brethrenonline.org/faqs/Brethren.htm

Who wrote this FAQ?

Shad Sluiter is the author and site manager for http://www.gospelhall.org/. You may send feedback on the contact form. Since no official brethren headquarters exists, there will be different opinions about the accuracy and tone of language used in these answers. I believe many assemblies who meet in North American Gospel Halls will agree with the statements on these pages. Your mileage may differ depending on the city where you live.

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In what ways does the Spirit of God lead us?

In what ways does the Spirit of God lead us?

Since it identifies us as sons of God (Rom 8:14)," TARGET="_blank">Rom 8:14), being led by the Spirit of God should characterize our lives. Paul’s teaching assumes that all believers are led by the Spirit (Gal 5:18)." TARGET="_blank">Gal 5:18). The Spirit leads us both rationally (through our minds) and mystically (through an inexplicable awareness). The former needs to be emphasized and is more easily explained. If we are not willing for be led by the Spirit daily, we will not likely be sensitive to His leading in "special experiences."

The Spirit of God and the Word of God both reflect the same source and must agree. Generally, therefore, the Spirit leads through the clear directives of Scripture. Thankfully, He not only directs but also enables our walk (Gal 5:16-18)." TARGET="_blank">Gal 5:16-18).

The more we walk in the Spirit, the deeper will be our acquaintance with "the things of the Spirit of God" (1Co 2:10-16)." TARGET="_blank">1Co 2:10-16). As the Spirit unfolds to us the mind of God, we learn through the Word of God the principles by which God works. Increasingly, therefore, the principles of Scripture will guide us. Daily subjection of our will to the Scriptures cannot be distinguished from the leading of the Spirit in our lives. To more fully know the mind of God through His Word is a life-long challenge. The Spirit leads us rationally by enriching our minds with the practical knowledge of God. As we submit, He both directs us and enables us to please God.

One of the greatest difficulties in life is to be honest with ourselves. That is why the mystical leading of the Spirit is difficult to discuss. Too often we attribute our own preference to the leading of the Spirit. The Spirit of God superindends our circumstances and often directs us through them, but always in keeping with the Word of God.

Two verses in Psalm 25" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 25 instruct us in knowing God’s ways. Verse 12 emphasizes reverence for God, acting to please Him. Verse 10 points to meekness. The meek humbly submit to God and totally depend on Him. Who could boast about possessing these qualities? To hear a voice behind us "saying, This is the way, walk ye in it" (Isa 30:21)" TARGET="_blank">Isa 30:21) is always an evidence of God’s grace. Nevertheless, this is not something for which we need to beg God. He desires to lead us through His Word (rationally) and to prompt us as we are sensitive to His will (mystically). Self-consciousness and self-occupation will not produce this. In many ways, this is a sacred secret between the soul and God. We obey His written Word and, through the Spirit, He takes care of the rest.

D. Oliver
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Does God ever refuse to forgive in this life? If one is COflSCIOUS of having resisted the call of Go

Does God ever refuse to forgive in this life?

If one is COflSCIOUS of having resisted the call of God, may not that make it impossible for Him to forgive?

It is quite certain that God will never refuse forgiveness in this life to anyone who comes to Him as a sinner in the Name of the Lord Jesus, pleading in faith His atoning work. No other plea can suffice, but that will always reach the ear of God. “To Christ give all the prophets witness, that through His Name, whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:43)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 10:43). “We have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins” (Ephesians 1:7)." TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 1:7). This is the forgiveness of God as Judge. Then to believers, the Father’s forgiveness, for the restoration of communion, is granted on confession. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9)." TARGET="_blank">1 John 1:9).

As to Divine forgiveness, there may seem to be an exception in Matthew 12:31," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 12:31, where the assurance of “forgiveness of all manner of sin and blasphemy” is qualified by the Lord with the words, “but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men,” the reason of His saying this being, “because they said He hath an unclean spirit.” I know this is usually taken as proving that the Pharisees had actually committed the “unpardonable sin;” for myself I feel more and more persuaded, taking other Scriptures into consideration, that the Lord was rather warning them of the terrible danger of refusing the future testimony of the Spirit, at and after Pentecost.

The rejection of Christ did not shut the door of forgiveness, for the Spirit was poured forth; but if His testimony were rejected there could only remain judgment. No one who finally rejects that testimony will ever, I believe, feel the need of forgiveness, much less ask for it. How many there are who did at first resist the offers of God’s mercy, and the pleadings of His Spirit, but who afterwards were led to repentance. Was not Paul’s “kicking against the pricks” a case in point? But it is not poor, timid, anxious souls who have finally resisted the appeal of the Spirit, but hardened and impenitent sinners like the murderers of Stephen.

W.H.

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How does the Holy Spirit lead a meeting of the church?

What does the Bible teach about being "led by the Spirit" in an assembly gathering?

Spirit's guiding the disciples into all truth (i.e. The Word of God). In Romans 8:14," TARGET="_blank">Romans 8:14, "As many as are led by the Spirit of God," relates to what is characteristic of all true believers. Being led by the Spirit instead of the flesh relates to the character of our lives, not a specific activity.

In Galatians 5:18," TARGET="_blank">Galatians 5:18, "If ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law" corresponds to the earlier statement "walk in the Spirit." it involves dependence on the Spirit, rather than the law, for fruitfulness in a believer's life.

Thus the three occasions relate to the believer's entire life and not to a specific gathering of the saints. To the degree to which these are predominant in a believer's life, he will be intelligent as to the Spirit's purpose when the saints are gathered together and will be able to contribute to the glory of God.

A Higgins

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Are there ways to improve our singing?

Are there ways to improve our singing?

Hopefully, the answer is yes. If we are preparing our children for usefulness in divine things, experience with choral music in school can prove very instructive. Singing together as families while driving or while sitting at the table encourages singing. Singing along with wholesome Christian recordings is helpful. Getting together in fellow-believers homes to sing the hymns we love is uplifting and beneficial to assembly singing. Learning about music could hardly be harmful.

More important than the art in our singing, though, is the heart in our singing. Since singing is so entwined in our past (Psalm 40:3)," TARGET="_blank">Psalm 40:3), present (Mark 14:26;" TARGET="_blank">Mark 14:26; Ephesians 5:19;" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16)," TARGET="_blank">Colossians 3:16), and future (Revelation 5:9)," TARGET="_blank">Revelation 5:9), it is difficult to believe - despite ample evidence -that a believer who puts his mind to it and his heart into it cannot sing. If we grasp that our songs express our praise of God, no believer would mumble along or not even mouth the words during the singing (heavenly conditions!). Our Lord deserves our best. Singing "with the spirit" (1 Corinthians 14:15)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 14:15) means that the songs come from the deepest part of our being; they are heartfelt. Is it wrong to say that singing "with the spirit" will produce spirited singing? A Christian who enjoys his salvation and joyously sings hymns from the Believers Hymn Book while hoeing his beans or driving his car will start the assemblys singing in a manner that will draw the others to join in the singing. In a small assembly, singing may be difficult, but whatever their number, worshipful hearts will cultivate "a joyful noise unto the Lord" (Psalm 100:1)." TARGET="_blank">Psalm 100:1).

Those responsible for the public worship included some David "set over the service of song" and they "ministered . . . with singing" (1 Chronicles 6:31, 32)." TARGET="_blank">1 Chronicles 6:31, 32). Evangelical congregations are hiring those with a "song ministry" Will redeemed hearts not gladly volunteer for this service and "serve the Lord with gladness, come before his presence with singing" (Psalm 100:2)" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 100:2)?

D. Oliver
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When does the worship end at the Breaking of Bread?

When does the worship end at the Breaking of Bread?

Believers who worship by the Spirit of God (Phi 3:3)" TARGET="_blank">Phi 3:3) will come to the Breaking of Bread with overflowing hearts (Psalm 45:1)." TARGET="_blank">Psalm 45:1). Their worship begins before they come, but their united worship begins as the meeting opens. How could an assembly remember the Lord (1Co 11:24, 25)" TARGET="_blank">1Co 11:24, 25) without worshiping? The united worship ends with a closing prayer, but the fragrance of worship lingers in spiritual hearts long after the gathering is dispersed. Any prayer or singing following the actual breaking of bread will continue the worship. Since the believers have already "declared the Lord’s death" (1Cor 11:26)," TARGET="_blank">1Cor 11:26), it is likely that the Spirit would lead the worship to emphasize the Lord’s resurrection and glory. Spirit-led ministry at the close of the meeting would hardly quench the spirit of worship in the gathering.

And there is ample reason why worship should be integral to all our gatherings. Worship will be our eternal occupation.

D. Oliver
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Is Jesus the only person in the Godhead?

When Moses in Deutonomy 6:4 says, “Hear, 0 Israel, The LORD our God is one LORD,” are we to understand that therefore Jesus Christ is the only Person in the Godhead?

No, it would be a very serious and fundamental error to do so, upsetting and dislocating the whole revealed truth concerning the Godhead, as it has pleased God to reveal Himself in His Word.

This is the teaching of a certain fearful system of error, which we need not name, but which has, alas, adherents to-day; but I question whether there is one point of God’s revealed truth on which they are sound. It is a false system built on lies.

Moses’ words are perfectly true: “The LORD our God is One LORD,” but in that Unity there are three distinct Divine Persons or Subsistences —Father, Son and Spirit—co-equal, co-eternal, co-substantial (see e.g. Matthew 3:16-17;" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 3:16-17; Matthew 28:19;" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14;" TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 13:14; Revelation 1:4-6," TARGET="_blank">Revelation 1:4-6, etc., etc.). The last expression means that each glorious Person of the Triune God possesses the entire Divine Substance or Essence. God is Spirit and as such is invisible. “No man hath seen God at any time, the only-begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.” “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” . . . “and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld His glory, the glory of the Only-begotten of the Father full of grace and truth” (John 1:1-14)." TARGET="_blank">John 1:1-14). He was “the express image of God’s Person”; “the image of the Invisible God” (John 10:14, 18;" TARGET="_blank">John 10:14, 18; Hebrews 1: 3;" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 1: 3; Colossians 1:15)." TARGET="_blank">Colossians 1:15). Only in the Lord Jesus Christ is the Father revealed by the Spirit. Let us not reason about it, but bow and worship. If we do not understand our own tripartite nature, how can we claim to comprehend the Infinite, the “One God in Three Persons”?

W.H.

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Is there a difference between being gathered to His name and being gathered to Him?

Is there a difference between being gathered to His name and being gathered to Him?

Strictly speaking, the New Testament doesn’t speak of "being gathered to Him." The Hebrew believers however were to "go forth" to the Lord, bearing His reproach (Hebrews 13:13," TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 13:13, JND). These believers were to identify themselves with Christ because the despised, yet exalted Jesus of this epistle drew them.

"Being gathered together unto My name" (Matthew 18:20," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 18:20, JND) is passive, emphasizing that the "two or three" present did not per se gather themselves to His name. Because the Spirit works to glorify Christ (John 16:14)," TARGET="_blank">John 16:14), the Spirit is likely the One Who gathers believers to His name. What is the Spirit’s purpose in gathering believers to that name? The Lord’s name, like Hebrew names, reveals His character; it testifies about Him. God said regarding Solomon’s temple, "My name shall be there" (1 Kings 8:29)." TARGET="_blank">1 Kings 8:29). The greatness of the temple that bore God’s name testified to the greatness of God. Thus, at present the Spirit gathers believers to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ because God has established a testimony in a locality; the church of God is to express the character and glory of Him Whose name it bears.

Love to Christ causes us to be identified with Him ("gathered to Him") in assembly fellowship; the Spirit gathers us to His name, establishing and maintaining a testimony regarding the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

D. Oliver
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