Acts 2:42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper ), and to prayer. NLT
DESIRE FOR CORPORATE FELLOWSHIP
After the disciples of Christ experienced revival on the day of Pentecost, there was a continuous desire to fellowship with one another. They didn't just sit in their homes relishing the Pentecostal experience. We were told that Jesus had a custom of going to the synagogue. Luke 4:16, "When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went AS USUAL to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures." If it was customary for our Lord and master to attend synagogue meetings, why shouldn't you have the same custom? In revival history, revived souls never ceases to identify with a body of believers no matter how small. Revived souls are not looking for a church with name neither are they seeking to be under a popular preacher but they always seek to be in a company of believers where they can fellowship and draw spiritual strength because a living church is a recharge centre.
Where else can you experience the corporate anointing if not in the church? The early church experienced corporate anointing in Acts4:31, "After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness." That's the power of corporate worship. The church gives you the opportunity to learn the truth in God's word and to be grounded in bible doctrines. Apostle Paul said in 1 Tim3:15, "...This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth." The desire to fellowship with other brethren and learn continuously comes with revival. If you're unchurched, seek to be in a place where you can be taught the bible not a socio-Christian club or jamboree centre.
I have heard people say, "Church is in my heart". People put up this defense because of their refusal to attend a gathering of believers. Some have locked their minds against any invitation to be part of corporate worship. I understand the world has become dangerous and there are worldly churches with satanic leaders, however, God has preserved for himself a remnant that has not soiled their garment. Listen to what Jesus told the Angel of the church in Philadelphia, "I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me."(Rev3:8). Despite the decadence, there are thousands of churches still holding on to the faith that was once delivered unto the saints. You don't stop going to church because of what you hear in the news or print media. If you do not belong to a church, you can ask God to lead you to be part of a body of believers.
Father, revive me.