Forsake Not the Fellowship of the Saints
The Importance of Gathering Together
By Elder Tamu White
Critical is the relationship with like-minded believers who encourage each other in the Lord. Whether we are assembling ourselves together in the church building; gathering in our homes or in small group settings; conducting meetings over the phone or on social media sites, the primary focus is Worship and Word. No matter how we choose to come together, it is preferred, for those who have attached themselves to a local church body, to come together at the appointed time, in an environment made conducive to connect with God, on a corporate level.
The book of Acts is filled with scriptural content that promotes church attendance. Acts 2:42(NIV) says, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer”. This is how the first believers conducted their faith in Jesus.
The Greek word “koinonia” means to have a share in something or participation in something or with someone. The benefit of fellowship is the strength it provides to endure the many challenges we oftentimes face in life, alone. Coming together gives us the reality check that we are not alone in this world and that there are others who can identify with our struggles. Their connection with us is a gift and opportunity to learn and grow together as spoken in I Corinthians 14:26 (NLT) “Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you”.
As it pertains to our corporate fellowship, we have many options to choose from. My encouragement and challenge is to find somewhere to gather with other believers who make God the number one priority for assembling and who understands the importance of harvesting a healthy relationship with Him and others through praise and worship, prayer and the Word of God.
