“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.”
Hebrews 10:25
God desires believers to live in a community, grow together in faith and strengthen one another. Gathering together as the body of Christ is more than a tradition; it is a biblical command. Let us explore the importance of meeting together as Christians.
- EXPERIENCE GOD’S PRESENCE
Our Lord Jesus promises His presence when we come together in His name. Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” In these moments, we experience the presence of God as we draw closer to Him in worship, prayer and fellowship. His presence brings peace, joy and transformation.
- ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER
Proverbs 27:17 states, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” We are called to encourage and support each other, especially through hardships. Hebrews 3:13 reminds us to, “encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” The Christian life is not meant to be lived alone. Living in community strengthens our faith as we encourage one another and build each other up. We are also able to hold each other accountable in love.
- GROW IN SPIRITUAL MATURITY
The Bible teaches that Christ gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers to equip His people for service, so that the body of Christ may grow in unity and maturity (Eph 4:11-13). As we gather, we are being equipped and encouraged to grow into mature followers of Christ.
- WORSHIP AND PRAISE GOD
Psalm 34:3 encourages us, “Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.” When believers gather in worship, powerful things happen. In Acts 16:25-34, Paul and Silas prayed and sang in prison. Suddenly, there was a violent earthquake that shook the foundations of the prison and all the prison doors flew open and the chains of all the prisoners came loose.
- UNITY IN CHRIST
Gathering together as believers is not just about social interaction but also about reflecting the unity we have in Christ. In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul writes, “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” The church is called to be one body, and when we gather, we are reminded of that unity. We are united in purpose and spirit through fellowship.
- GROW IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD’S WORD
The early church gathered regularly for teaching and fellowship, which deepened their understanding of God’s Word. Acts 2:42 says, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” The gathering of believers provides an opportunity to be taught God’s Word and grow in understanding. Colossians 3:16 urges us to, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom.”
Many believers face challenges that hinder regular fellowship, this could be busyness, discouragement, or even past church hurt. However, we are reminded that gathering together is not just a suggestion but a necessity for our spiritual well-being. It is important for believers to regularly come together, whether in a church service, small group, Bible study or prayer meeting. Let us continue to fellowship and grow together in our faith.
Further study: 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Psalm 133:1
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