READ: Acts 4:22-34
Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
1 Thessalonians 2:18
The presence of God is something the devil hates. Even though God is everywhere and there are Christians everywhere, the promise of “I will be where two or three are gathered in my name” implies a far greater experience of the presence of God in the assembly (Matthew 18:20).
Paul asked the Corinthians to gather and experience the power of His presence so that powerful spiritual happenings could take place (1 Corinthians 5:4-5). The declarations of power could only be made when the gathering of the people took place.
When we gather, His power is present. There are moments when there is a manifestation of the anointing. There are moments when healings take place. And at that special moment special things happen. These are special moments that can only take place in the assembly.
You will notice that shaking took place when they were assembled (Acts 4:31). It is less likely that you would experience shaking, trembling, shivering and other manifestations of the Spirit when you are alone. These things happen in the assembly.
In the assembly of saints, you become reassured that the world is deceived and that you are not deceived through your beliefs in God. You will see other like-minded people who believe the same things as you. The devil’s main work in the world is to deceive (Revelation 12:9). To be deceived is to be sent on a journey of destruction.
Can you imagine what the world is going to say when they find out that satan has blinded their eyes to the true God and led them calmly into hell fire? They are going to curse satan for all eternity for deceiving them so wildly. When you meet other like-minded persons, “Iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:11 NIV) and you are encouraged in the truth.