Key Passage:
Psalm 133: 1-3 ‘How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.'
Additional Scripture: Psalm 27:4; Psalm 51:11; Matthew 18:18-20.
This Sunday was called 'No Fear Sunday'. Undoubtedly, we are living at a time of crisis such as we have not experienced before. It is easy to panic and to worry about what the future holds. Yet the Christian faith is full of hope even in the darkest of times. At such moments we can discover the light of God rising upon us. We can experience, as Psalm 46 says, that ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way…’.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught that it is in the storm that you find out what your life is really built on. He said that those who follow His teaching and trust in His promises are like a wise man who built his house on a rock. At this time, we need to do all we can practically to safeguard ourselves and others. We should follow public health guidance and pay attention to personal and communal hygiene. But having done all we can practically, we should also focus on how we can become more connected with God and stay connected as a church in changing circumstances. Above all, we can know the presence of God every day and in every situation.
1. It's Important To Gather Together (Hebrews 10:25; Acts 2:46-47)
• Cell Groups
• Online Ministry
• Mini Cells Of Three (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
2. It's Important To Gather In His Name (Acts 2:42)
• The apostles teaching means that we need to read and reflect on the Word of God.
• Fellowship means that we show the love of Jesus to each other:
o Love one another, John 13:34; Be devoted to one another: Romans 12:10; Accept one another (Romans 15:7); Care for one another (1 Corinthians 12:25); Serve one another (Galatians 5:13); Bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2); Forgive one another (Ephesians 4:2, 32 and Colossians 3:13); Be patient with one another (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:13); Comfort one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18); Be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32).
• Breaking of bread
• Prayer
3. It’s Important To Know That We Can And Will Experience God’s Presence
• The Lord will be with you (Daniel 3:24-25)
• The Lord will work with you and through you
Apply
When God’s people live together in unity, God’s blessing rains down on us. Unity brings the anointing to our lives. The New Testament writers put great emphasis on the need for Christians to live in unity. Despite troubles, persecutions and not having their own buildings, they grew because they stayed close to one another. As Christians we should be determined to keep meeting together, but how can we do this at a time when we may increasingly need to self-isolate as much as possible? How can the church survive and indeed thrive if for example we were not able to gather for public meetings? The answer is that we should follow a New Testament model of church (Acts 2:46-47). The early church was very flexible to whatever situation they found themselves. Let us take this opportunity to keep gathering in cells and mini cells so no one is overlooked or left alone.
When we gather together in cells or groups of two or three, we are not just having a social gathering, but a gathering focussed on knowing Jesus. This is a time when we need to read the Bible more and apply its teaching and promises to our own lives. We need to take care of each other, especially in times of difficultly and hardship. Just like the early Christians, we must pray fervently, continually and in all situations. Let us pray that God will show us His mercy and protection and remove this plague. Let us lift our hearts and voices in agreement to see the kingdom of God advance in all situations. Let us care for one another at this time and help those in need, showing that we are disciples of Jesus by sharing the love of God. Let us encourage each other not to fear but to stand firm in our faith, knowing that Jesus said in John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
