Hebrews 10:23-25 – “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” NASU

I have been challenged many times regarding the purpose of ‘Corporate Gatherings’ of the Church.  Some have argued that it is nothing more than a religious exercise that has more symbolism, pomp, and circumstance than substance and that may frequently be true, I hope not.  Is there a meaning and purpose to the ‘Corporate Gathering’ that is deeper than what is seen on the surface?  I would say unequivocally, YES!  I want to embark on a brief journey and hope to stir you with some questions that will provoke thought and reflection.

There are two major areas that I want to at least skim the surface of:  The Law of Degeneration and the Spirit of Our Day.  I believe that we can understand much about the value of the Corporate Gathering if we give at least cursory consideration to those two areas.  Join me for the journey.

THE LAW OF DEGENERATION…..

I am convinced that everything in this present world DEGENERATES if left alone.  I realize that there could be exceptions to that but virtually everything will degenerate if left alone including the FLOCK OF GOD.  Paul admonished those charged and commissioned as ‘overseers’ in Acts 20:28 to care for ALL the flock.  We readily understand that the FLOCK refers to all the sheep (people) as ‘one body’.  It is the whole yet comprised of individual sheep.

Overseers are understood as ‘pastors, ministers, elders’ and are charged to be ‘watchmen on the walls’ with the specific responsibility for the oversight of the ‘spiritual care’ of the ENTIRE FLOCK. That involves worship, training, and the general spiritual health of the congregation.  That is a weighty responsibility.  I did not say they were to DO IT ALL but are RESPONSIBLE for it all.

What are we talking about when we say the ‘spiritual health’ of the body?  That is a question that I have never ceased to ask myself.  I have discovered that I better understand this responsibility if I examine the Law of Degeneration as illustrated in the book of Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 2:21 – “Yet I have planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into a DEGENERATE PLANT of a STRANGE VINE unto me?”   (Emphasis mine)

There is a ‘state of growth’ or a ‘growth process,’ in the local church where truths are planted.  Believer, we have truth!  I am no referring to one group over another in denominational debates but the Body of Christ has truth because we have Him Who is Truth!   Many times I have had someone say regarding their church or a particular church:  “If they only knew about the worship, preaching, ministry, love, etc. that is regularly offered in this church the place would be packed every service.”  My question is, “Why don’t they know?”

I believe it can be understood in the LAW OF DEGENERATION.  As time passes, the original planting with either produce a ‘Noble Vine’ or will become a ‘Strange Vine’.  It will either ‘generate’ or ‘degenerate.’  As we teach truth and plant right seed much energy and emphasis is placed on the ‘sowing’ of the seed.  That is not a bad thing but the one thing that cannot be forgotten is that unless we energetically ‘maintain’ truth it will decay.

Now I realize that I stopping here may leave you with questions and challenges to that last statement but please hold that thought until tomorrow and we will dig a little deeper.  May God be with you, bless you, guard you, and guide you through your day!  BLESSINGS!