What if you have 100 men and women of God, who are filled with the Spirit and Truth, gathering together, and then one man comes in railing and accusing falsely, and speaking hatefully? Or, a man comes in who is in love with himself and teaches heresy?
This one man’s sin appears for what it is: The light shows up the darkness and the light is never moved by the darkness. If the Lampstand witness is maintained then the darkness can’t get an entrance; the devil can’t get an audience!
And this fact demonstrates the multi-faceted wisdom of God in Him having relational churches, deep and real relationships, for the enemy can’t assail and succeed against such love. And God’s love is far more than a ‘warm and fuzzy’ spirit which descends on a congregation; it is laying down our lives for the brethren; not counting our own life as dear to ourselves.
Which is why the enemy’s MAIN focus is to keep a local expression of the church from shining as a Lampstand, from being one, from having a real testimony in the midst of the darkness. Which is why we MUST be committed to the assembling of ourselves together in Jesus name, and not forsake it, not give up bcos of the great falling away, not retreat into a private christianity.
Ian Vincent 
January 24, 2010 at 2:42 am
AND without fanfare. The fanfare spoils it.
January 30, 2010 at 4:41 pm
I think you’re words would also be a fervent reminder of the need for a plurality of elders within a given area who can come together and speak in one voice against heresy operating in the midst of any small assembly.
IF they are elders, they will desire such relationships as you speak of with all saints, but also, with other elders.
Peace
January 31, 2010 at 3:52 am
Yes, that’s ultimately the goal.
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The plurality of witness:
It’s not about ‘safety in numbers’ or even popular opinion or support making something right, it’s about the fact that God said, Out of the mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses let every word be established. The lone voice does not have credibility, even if what he’s saying is true.