IT’S TIME FOR THE CHURCH TO ASSEMBLE IN THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT
After a word of knowledge received by my wife Carolyn concerning a woman who was heavily oppressed mentally and physically, the Holy Spirit said, "It takes the faith of a corporate body to lift up such ones who are heavily oppressed. Even the angels participate in aiding such a one for it is the source of great power."
"Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (Lk. 15:10).
I know this verse applies to a sinner who comes to repentance, but the principle speaks volumes to us concerning the importance of the one, and the faith and agreement of the local body to aid the suffering one, or even unbelievers who may be in our midst.
"But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you. How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification" (1 Cor. 14:24-26).
The local body needs to have a revelation of how heaven moves for the one needing repentance or is suffering in some way.
When a church comes into agreement for any member of the body who is sick, oppressed, or going through a severe trial it becomes a great source of power for them.
OTHER EXAMPLES OF CORPORATE FAITH AND POWER
After this word of knowledge my wife was remembering when a man with a mask appeared through a window outside of the place where she worked at as a single young woman many years ago. This frightened her and fear gripped her. She went to the local assembly and asked for prayer and one of the pastors led the congregation in proclaiming the protection of Psalm 91 over her. It created such a force in the realm of the Spirit for Carolyn that she was able to go back to work without any fear.
I also was remembering when we had returned from some meetings in one city where corporate prayer was made on behalf of the pastor's wife. Her life appeared to be in disarray. Her business and health seemed to be failing, and fear and discouragement were plaguing her. Corporate prayer and power were released for her in the assembly. Love and encouragement were given. Soon God began to move on her behalf and manifested answers to her needs. Corporate prayer and agreement brings the manifestation of God’s power in a way nothing else does. Notice again the last part of the aforementioned Spirit-inspired utterance: “Even the angels participate in aiding such a one for it is the source of great power.”
RESULTS OF CORPORATE PRAYING
When Peter was thrust into prison by Herod the church gathered to pray constantly.
Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church (Acts 12:5).
What were the results of this corporate praying? The power of God was released and an angel was sent to deliver Peter from prison (vs. 6-11). When he realized he had gained his freedom he went to the house of Mary.
"So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying" (Acts 12:12).
The Church has got to learn to assemble in faith and in the power of the Spirit. In too many of our corpo