Assembly Required

"and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near."

Hebrews 10:24-25

Today I passed a church with a sign outside that read, "What goes on here, leaves here." What a great quote! Jesus never intended for Christians to gather in His name as a kind of social club. Keeping what they have learned and experienced to themselves in elite membership. Nor did He want His children to neglect getting together for worship. The purpose of the Church is to spread the good news of the gospel of Christ and makes disciples, to encourage one another in the faith,  to care for and love one another, and to worship, study and pray together. For the Christian, assembly is required.

Words of Wisdom

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." 

Ephesians 4:2-3

Having aged spiritually, as well as chronologically, I've come to see the wisdom of these words in Ephesians. It is not through forceful words or logical arguments that we Christians will win souls for Christ. Rather, it is in the "unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace". The world is full of discord. Unfortunately, the Church is all too often as discordant as the world. What a difference a humble, gentle, forbearing, loving, unified group of believers could make in their community. And think what could happen if this Ephesians model was multiplied across the globe; all to the glory of God. It begins with me. It begins with you.

No More Walls

"For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall," Ephesians 2:14

Once a wall existed between God and mankind. A wall also existed between Jew and Gentile. Christ came to fulfill the letter of the law -- the dividing wall -- and abolish it forever through His work on the cross. Through Christ's sacrifice God reconciled Himself to both Jew and Gentile. Christ broke down the barrier and the Church was born. Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

"I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord.'" Psalm 122:1

As a little girl, every Sunday I joined with the rest of the congregation in reciting Psalm 122:1. Those words opened the worship service of our little wood church in the country. They reminded me that there should be a feeling of gladness in gathering with other believers in worship. As an adult I often think of this verse on my way to church. The psalmist was glad to enter the house of the Lord. Am I? Are you?