Love to hear from and know who is listening
Why is it important for Christian believers to get together, how often should we gather and where? Since the beginning of creation God has made it known that it is not good to be alone. In Genesis 2:18 God said, it is not good that the man should be alone. But what is the purpose of gathering? For families it might be to celebrate a birthday or a holiday. At work we gather to support each other and to work towards a common goal. Hobbies and sports provide us opportunities to gather and enjoy a common interest. As Christians when we gather, we find personal connections with each other. We share each other's needs and blessings and let's not forget we worship our savior Jesus Christ when we gather. It is important to remember that the church is more than just a building. Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am with them. There are literally hundreds of verses in the bible that speak about the importance of believers gathering together. Getting together was so important to the early believers that they met daily, in the church and in each other's homes.
Acts 2:46-47 NIV Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Getting together gives us the opportunity to inspire and encourage each other and if there was ever a time when we needed to encourage each other, it would be now! Daily the Devil does all he can to discourage us, just watch the newscast on TV. When we fellowship together, we share different viewpoints and grow in our knowledge of God. It fosters stronger relationships and it reveals ways we can love generously and serve each other as a family. Worshiping together is one of the most powerful things we can do as a church!
Gathering together demonstrates the importance of the church and the message of salvation to an unbelieving world! I have had many conversations with friends and acquaintances that have begun with the statement, "I see that you go to church often, what do you think about this...." It doesn't matter what the question that follows that statement is about, because it is clear to those who know me that attending church is an important aspect of my life. Every time your vehicle is in the parking lot of the church you are sharing your own personal testimony to all who see it without ever speaking a single word. Don't be ashamed to tell your friends and family that you won't be able accept their invitation to whatever event they may be having because you will be going to church on Sunday. We need to be a light in our community to a dark and lost world.
Matthew 5: 14-16 NIV You are a light of the world. A town built on a hill can not be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let our light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Jesus invites us both as individuals and as a group to not hide our faith in God from those around us. We should not be ashamed, shy, or selfish! Instead, Jesus asks us to serve God as a visible light of hope in a dark filled world!
