By Sis. Christie Martyn
INTRODUCTION
A believer’s meeting is where saints, sons of God, temple of God/ God’s house, i.e. we believers gather to give and receive, ministering to one another. A believer’s meeting is different because our purpose is to give and receive “a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation.” 1 Corinthians 14:26. It comes with teachings that we will be thoroughly equipped for ministry work. Since this meeting involves believers being taught and equipped to minister to one another and do the work of ministry, there is a need to know how to receive from such a meeting, as we engage with full participation, so as not to miss out on the operations of God by His Spirit through each one of us.
HOW TO RECEIVE AT A BELIEVER’S MEETING?
1) Attend The Meeting With An Expectation:
As much as it is in your power, plan to attend. Don’t just attend; come with an expectation to receive from God through His saints. Regarding our gathering together, we understand from Hebrews 10:25 that “we ought not to neglect our gathering together” and in 1 Corinthians 14, Apostle Paul alerted us that in such meetings we should expect to receive revelation. The believer’s expectation should come from the understanding that God is always working in our midst, and His power flows from us and towards us to change and transform men to be effective in His mighty work( ministry).
2) Have The Attitude Of A Child:
“Receive with meekness the engrafted word of God which can save your souls”
(James 1:21)
In the above paraphrased text, James admonished that the believer’s posture/ disposition/ attitude towards the word of God must be humility. Whenever we encounter the word via teaching, our eyes are opened much more to the revelation of Christ. Coming as a child means you are teachable rather than coming with an “I know it all” mindset.
3) Honour The Vessels:
Honour is having the right heart posture towards the brethren. It is not just saying “I honor you,” but it is what is in your heart and thoughts about God’s vessel. Every believer in Christ is God’s vessel (1 Corinthians 6:19); hence, we must have the right mindset and conduct in every gathering of the saints to receive. God’s ministration comes through men; the power of God flows through His men to cause order and bring things according to God’s pleasure in our lives. We are the custodians of God’s power, an extension of His hands, and an expression of His love. We must never be overfamiliar, dishonouring our pastors, friends, housemates, or spouses, as we must not regard them according to the flesh. We honor believers in Christ because God’s Spirit is active and working in and through us.
4) Actively Participate:
When believers gather together, no one should be a spectator, but instead a participant. Firstly, instructions would be given by the leaders, and they should be followed. Participation is an act of unity, oneness, and order, allowing for the flow through us. Additionally, with our expectation to receive, we must also earnestly desire to be a blessing and to edify others by functioning and expressing the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:26).
So, for the NECF Believers Conference – Katartismos, we are encouraged to be expectant, receive the word, honor the believers and participate to receive abundantly. So come with a yearning to edify men and burdens to pray for your life and the life of men. Come as an active participant to participate in what God is doing.
