The term “gather” does not only include a Sunday morning worship service, but may also include life groups, small groups, socials, discipleship groups, etc. The following are some of the many advantages to gathering faithfully with other believers in the context of a local church.
- You receive help and support in time of need.
In our walk with Jesus, we all struggle at times. We all have needs. We get discouraged. We are prone to drift. Our faith gets weak. We grow weary in well-doing. When such times arise, should we merely “strive harder” in our flesh? No. Instead, we should lean into the power of the Holy Spirit and allow ourselves to be vulnerable and honest with trusted friends. God wants our fellowship with others to be real, honest, and transparent. We should be able to say to others, “I am really struggling. Would you please pray for me? Do you have any advice from your experience?” Sometimes we might even need physical or financial help from the body of Christ. “And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need” (Acts 2:45).
Continue reading “Ten Advantages to Gathering Together as the Body”
argued that those who caved in under persecution should not be allowed back into the church…ever, and that those who were baptized by leaders who did the same were not genuinely Christian. On the opposite spectrum were those calling for the lapsed to be readmitted to the church without asking any questions.
JARRETT FLETCHER 