Nancy Johnson went for a walk and discovered a little library in a neighbor’s yard. It’s estimated that there are now between 300 to 400 small libraries lodged in people’s lawns around the world. Each has a take-a-book/leave-a-book policy. Nancy commented, “I like the sense of community.”
Many of us are looking for a way to connect with people who share our interests. As Christians, we have the opportunity to rub elbows with like-minded people at church. The Bible challenges us: “Let us not neglect our meeting together” (Hebrews 10:25), so that we can encourage each other. Phone calls and text messages, are okay—but there’s nothing quite like a face-to-face (and heart-to-heart) conversation when we’re lonely, grieving, or feeling misunderstood.
Even if we’re not going through a difficult time, studying the Bible together allows us to build a common understanding of God’s Word. It helps us come to conclusions based in sound theology. The ancient Israelite priests saw the importance of this during a time when the Book of the Law of Moses had been neglected. “They read from [God’s Word] and clearly explained the meaning . . . helping the people to understand each passage” (Nehemiah 8:8).
Many churches explain the Bible’s text through preaching after a time of group praise and singing. Worshiping God with other believers reminds us of our common purpose—to glorify God (Nehemiah 8:6). It creates a sense of unity, which honors God (John 17:23).
Mingling with fellow Christ-followers is a great reason to attend weekly services. But even better is the fact that we can connect with Jesus too. He promised, “Where two or three gather together as My followers, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:20).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Numbers 21:4-9
More:
Read Acts 2:42-47 for a snapshot of the early church. Read Ephesians 4:1-6 for some of Paul’s teaching on unity within the church.
Next:
What kinds of heart issues might prevent a person from attending church? Do any of these apply to you? What’s your happiest memory associated with a church service?
Gene on February 21, 2013 at 7:54 am
What a great benefit it is to meet together to worship and study at church. I think people skip church mainly due to crowded schedules and other competing priorities. We need to have the attitude of the David in Psalm 122:1.
jennifer benson schuldt on February 21, 2013 at 3:04 pm
Gene,
Last weekend, an elder in our church read Hebrews 10:25 before the sermon. He emphasized the part about encouragement. He challenged us to encourage each other that morning. I wonder if people might be more willing to go to church if they saw it as a place to receive encouragement–to be lifted up and cared for–rather than a place of judgment. Of course, this is what happens in many churches. We go to church to take in a message, but we also go to church to give out encouragement and be used by God (2 Corinthians 7:6).
winn collier on March 2, 2013 at 7:18 pm
I long for our churches to be places of this kind of generosity: our gifts out on the front lawn for anyone to partake, if you will.