Topical Bible: The Power of Christ: Present in the Assembly of Saints

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The presence and power of Christ in the assembly of saints is a profound and central theme in Christian theology, reflecting the belief that Jesus Christ is actively involved in the life of His Church. This concept is rooted in the New Testament and is essential for understanding the communal and spiritual dynamics of Christian worship and fellowship.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides several key passages that highlight the presence of Christ among His followers. In Matthew 18:20, Jesus declares, "For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them" . This promise underscores the assurance of Christ's presence whenever believers come together in His name, emphasizing the communal aspect of Christian faith.

Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 5:4, the Apostle Paul writes, "When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, along with the power of our Lord Jesus" . This passage illustrates the belief that the power of Christ is manifest in the gathered community, particularly in matters of church discipline and decision-making.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The power of Christ in the assembly is closely linked to the work of the Holy Spirit. In John 14:16-17, Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, saying, "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth" . The Holy Spirit acts as the presence of Christ within the Church, guiding, empowering, and uniting believers.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this in 1 Corinthians 12:7, stating, "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good" . The gifts of the Spirit are distributed among the members of the Church, enabling them to serve one another and build up the body of Christ.

Worship and Sacraments

The power of Christ is particularly evident in the context of worship and the sacraments. In the celebration of the Lord's Supper, believers experience a unique communion with Christ. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:16, "Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?" . This sacramental participation signifies the real presence of Christ among His people.

Similarly, in baptism, believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. Romans 6:4 states, "We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life" . This rite symbolizes the transformative power of Christ at work within the community of faith.

Unity and Edification

The presence of Christ in the assembly fosters unity and edification among believers. Ephesians 4:15-16 emphasizes the importance of growing together in Christ: "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head. From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, through the work of each part" . The power of Christ enables the Church to function as a cohesive body, with each member contributing to the growth and health of the whole.

Authority and Mission

The authority of Christ is also present in the assembly, guiding the Church in its mission to the world. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commissions His disciples, saying, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" . This Great Commission assures believers of Christ's enduring presence and authority as they carry out His mission.

The power of Christ in the assembly of saints is a dynamic and transformative force, shaping the life and witness of the Church. Through His presence, believers are empowered to worship, serve, and proclaim the Gospel, united in their common faith and purpose.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 5:4
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Power of Christ Illustrated by the Resurrection
... in the hope of finding an assembly who propagated ... accomplish the resurrection is
a matter of the present. ... There are no ebbs and flows with Christ's power. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the power of christ illustrated.htm

On all the Saints.
... the grace and kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power
unto the ... address in the church when the bishop was present, except by ...
/.../dubious or spurious writings of gregory thaumaturgus/on all the saints.htm

The Sufferings of Christ, and the New Covenant, were Announced by ...
... Chapter VI."The sufferings of Christ, and the new covenant ... his flesh [as a foundation]
with power; for He ... therefore, this does not exist at present, yet still ...
/.../barnabas/the epistle of barnabas /chapter vi the sufferings of christ.htm

The Coming of Christ was Predicted by the Prophets; and was ...
... Chapter XVI."The Coming of Christ was predicted ... of others, but having myself been
present, and actually ... of the once mighty Pharaoh whose power Moses crushed ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xvi the coming of christ.htm

An Abstract of a Speech Delivered by Lord Warriston, Before the ...
... set out such discipline as, to the utmost of your power, you may exalt Christ the
only ... church, his own house, in all his offices, and present the church as ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/an abstract of a speech.htm

Of the Thousand Years of the august Kingdom of Christ, and of the ...
... hast taken to Thee thy great power, and hast ... concerning the oecumenical dominion
of Christ, or the reign ... of the foregoing synchronism to the present; for they ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/synchronism v of the thousand.htm

On the Coming of Our Lord in the Flesh; Its Nature and Cause.
... But do thou, O Christ, Saviour of mankind, be present to aid me ... our God and Saviour,
according to our feeble power; unto thee, O Christ, supreme Providence ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xi on the coming of.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... At the present crisis, I feel that it is woe unto me if I do ... far otherwise, I will
the rather glory in mine infirmities that the power of Christ may rest ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

To the Reader.
... upon either of these; & to present how these ... distinct intrests (though meeting in
one Assembly), as the ... And in this Distribution of power, Christ hath had a ...
/.../cotton/the keyes of the kingdom of heaven and power thereof/to the reader.htm

A Sermon for the Time Present
... an indifference, and a lack of spiritual power, it is ... The present period of church
history is well portrayed by ... and therefore to be spewed out of Christ's mouth ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 33 1887/a sermon for the time.htm