The Global Gathering
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The concept of a "Global Gathering" is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, but it can be understood through various scriptural themes and prophecies that speak to the gathering of God's people. This theme is woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting God's plan for His people and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises.

Old Testament Foundations

The idea of gathering is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where God often speaks of gathering His people from exile and dispersion. In Deuteronomy 30:3-4 , God promises, "Then the LORD your God will restore you from captivity and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where He has scattered you. Even if you have been banished to the farthest horizon, He will gather you and bring you back." This promise of gathering is a recurring theme, emphasizing God's faithfulness and His desire to bring His people back to Himself.

The prophets also echo this theme. Isaiah 11:12 states, "He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; He will collect the scattered of Judah from the four corners of the earth." Similarly, Jeremiah 31:10 declares, "Hear the word of the LORD, O nations, and declare it in the distant coastlands: 'The One who scattered Israel will gather them and keep them as a shepherd keeps his flock.'"

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the theme of gathering takes on a more universal scope, extending beyond Israel to include all believers in Christ. Jesus speaks of this gathering in Matthew 24:31 , saying, "And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other." This eschatological gathering is a key aspect of the end times, where believers from all nations are brought together.

The Apostle Paul also addresses this theme in his epistles. In Ephesians 1:10 , he writes about God's plan "to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ." This gathering is not only a future event but also a present reality as the Church, the body of Christ, is formed from diverse peoples and nations.

Theological Implications

The Global Gathering reflects God's redemptive plan for humanity, emphasizing His sovereignty and the unity of believers. It underscores the inclusivity of the Gospel, which calls people from every tribe, tongue, and nation to become part of God's family. This gathering is both a present reality in the Church and a future hope, as believers anticipate the return of Christ and the consummation of God's kingdom.

The Global Gathering also serves as a reminder of the mission of the Church to proclaim the Gospel to all nations, fulfilling the Great Commission as stated in Matthew 28:19-20 : "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."

Eschatological Perspective

From an eschatological perspective, the Global Gathering is associated with the end times and the return of Christ. Revelation 7:9 provides a vivid picture of this gathering: "After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb." This vision highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to gather His people, culminating in a diverse and unified worship of the Lamb.

In summary, while the term "Global Gathering" is not directly found in Scripture, the concept is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, reflecting God's desire to unite His people and fulfill His redemptive purposes.
The Gloating
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