One of the massive lessons from the COVID season was the blessing it is to be able to gather together in person each week as a church whanau. When we it wasn't possible meet physically together many of us experienced a significant sense of loss.
Given the preciousness of God's church this shouldn't have come as a big surprise!
When we gather there is so much more going on than just the singing of songs and hearing a sermon. Sundays and Community Groups are massive 'one another' moments. They are key points in our week when we have the chance to serve, encourage, forgive, love, care for, rebuke, train, equip and inspire 'one another' as we live as wholehearted followers of Jesus.
It is worth taking 5 minutes of your time to see all the 'one another' instructions of the New Testament. (I've made it easy for you read the key ones with this link. Warning! There's a lot of kissing!)
When you read through the verses and really take them to heart, you'll never be able to come to church or community group and think it is just about 'what I can get out of it'. Instead it is a massive opportunity each week to love and be loved, to serve and be served by the people of God.
Vance Havner, an American revival preacher said this about going to church, 'Don’t ever come to church without coming as though it were the first time, as though it could be the best time and as though it might be the last time.'
This is why we go to great lengths to make sure we can still meet together even when our usual venue is closed or we when we were restricted by COVID. Gathering together is so vital for us as followers of Jesus.
Is being at church it vital for you or an optional extra only if you can fit it in?
Grace and peace,
Andrew
P.S. My old boss and Andy's old boss have written a book together about church - Unmissable Church. It's on my 'to read' list and comes highly recommended.
eNews - 2nd June 2023