17/12/2021
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Church Fellowship
If you think you don’t need anyone in your life, you are not truly being honest with yourself. God created humans to be social beings. He didn’t just stop with Adam - He then created Eve. No man is an island - everyone needs someone with whom to share interests, beliefs, joys, sorrows, and life experiences. The Bible instructs Christians to gather together, because being around people who believe the same as you helps your own faith to grow as well as gain strength in your spiritual journey. Life can be hard and difficult and knowing you have brothers and sisters in your church to support you is encouraging. If your faith grows weak, it’s important to have a fellow believer lift you up. There’s a reason the Bible says in Hebrews 10:24-25, "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." God wants church families to love as He loves . . . unconditionally. When tempted to criticize, argue, or disagree, ask for Holy Spirit power to respond in a Christ-like way. And don’t forget to pray for more love in your hearts for each other. It’s important for Christians to gather together to pray. Matthew 18:19-20 says, “I also tell you this: if two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” Because of COVID, most churches around the world were shut down, and now that they are opening back up, many members are reluctant to return. They have become accustomed to watching church on their computers or televisions as it’s live-streamed or joining via Zoom. And an added benefit: if they didn’t care for the message from their own pastor, then they could listen to someone else who preached on a topic they liked or was a more dynamic speaker. Staying home in pajamas or sweat pants is more appealing than actually getting dressed and going to church. But herein lies the danger: the longer you stay away, the easier it is to not come back at all. Pretty soon, you stop watching church online and your channel surfing takes you to anything but spiritual things. The devil would like nothing better than to keep you home and away from fellow believers. It is a privilege to fellowship together, so thank God for the gift of your church family and don’t let the devil keep you away! Your church family needs you . . . and you need them!
Text: Romans 12:10-13, Ephesians 2:19-21, 1 John 1:7, 1 Thessalonians 5:11
- Brenda Walsh Ministries