Pastor's Ponderings, April 22, 2019

Why Should We Fellowship?

As a member of an organized church during my childhood and as a church leader for the past forty years, I was dismayed to read the article entitled, “Church Membership Has Dropped Sharply Over The Past 2 Decades: Gallup.” Clearly something has happened to decrease interest in assembling and fellowshipping together to meet God and others who want to know more about Him. 

God commands us to assemble together (Hebrews 10:25). The Bible states that where two or three are gathered together in God’s name, He is there with them (Matthew 18:20). If He is there with them, He hears their various requests and will comply with their requests (1 John 5:14-15). This is not to say that every wish will be given to us, but the King of Kings and the Lord of Lord’s ears are open to our cries (Psalm 34:15).

The Bible says that where God is there is a great deal of joy (Psalm 16:11).  That joy from God is our strength to do what we are called to do (Nehemiah 8:10). Joshua stated that in spite of what others may decide to do, he and his family would serve God (Joshua 24:15).

Moreover, the church is a place that we can encourage one another toward good works as we live for God.  It is a locality where we can help motivate others, be inspired to become more like Christ, and receive instruction on how to more closely follow His commandments. We can allow the Holy Spirit to give insight into each other’s needs and can help them in challenging times. Perhaps the world has found other alternatives to church assembly, but obedience to God’s commandment is always the best way.  Let us see you at church! 

Hebrews 10:25
New International Version (NIV)

25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching

Matthew 18:20
New International Version (NIV)

20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

1 John 5:14-15
New International Version (NIV)

14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

Psalm 34:15
New International Version (NIV)
15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry;

Psalm 16:11
New International Version (NIV)

11 You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Nehemiah 8:10
New International Version (NIV)

10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Joshua 24:15
New International Version (NIV)

15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, …. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.