For so long as I can remember the debate has continued whether The Church should congregate in a building, or whether they should gather in homes, as it was originally done in Bible days.

Both has maintained it’s arguments and presented good grounds for them.

What I have come realise is that it really has no relevance where The Church gathers, because it is not a building and neither a house that gives “Church” it’s identity.

Authentic Church is something to be housed within the warm home of our hearts.

That is it’s true and authentic home and it’s true identity, for it is the reason why we come together — to fellowship and to make room for each other within our hearts, that really matters.

It is to share that warm intimacy felt in our own hearts, just as those two disciples on the road to Emmaus felt it, when their hearts burned within them, (Luke 24:13-35).

That is why we should have “Church” and should gather together, as those whose hearts are on fire, burning within us with His Presence and overflowing with His Love and compassion for another.

Without this authentic expression of Christ within us, it really does not matter how tall the steeple is, or how modern the facility, it will never be “Church” or true Ekklesia*, the way The Holy Spirit intended it to be.

On the other hand, when we do have this true experience and authentic expression of Church burning in our hearts, it will not matter in the least where we gather — whether gathering in the finest facility, or in the humblest home, or under the cool shadow of a giant tree under clear blue skies — we gather not to celebrate our surroundings, but the One Who lives within our hearts — He is our Joy and our reason to be joined together in a Lovefest and a celebration of our Union with Him, and our togetherness with another, because of Him being in us and we being bound together with His Chords of Love that cannot be broken.

So whether you worship in a building, in a house, or under a tree, worship His Presence within, celebrate His Presence and overflow in the expression of His Love towards one another.

Original Word: ἐκκλησία, ας, ἡ
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: ekklésia
Phonetic Spelling: (ek-klay-see’-ah)
Definition: an assembly, a (religious) congregation
Usage: an assembly, congregation, church; the Church, the whole body of Christian believers.

~ Johann van der Hoven

Johann van der Hoven has been in service of The LORD since 1991 and has hosted numerous mass revival meetings. The Holy Spirit is announcing a NEW SOUND from Heaven beginning in 2020 — The Sound of His Glory being poured out!
For more info please see: www.sonsofsovereignty.com

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