“Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 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 10:19-25)

Such is Scripture’s commendation to us, God’s redeemed. Knowing that our Savior, who loves us, welcomes us into His presence for intimate and continued communion, so Christ the head of the Church expects His children to gather together in His name.

Christianity (life itself really) is not designed to be lived in isolation. It was not good that Adam should live alone, and no Christian can demonstrate Christ’s love in isolation. God has designed us for relationship, community, and shared experiences. The NT Church (Ekklesia) is “a people gathered together, and apart from” the world. Just like being sanctified is both to be “set apart and unto” God, so the Church is distinct from the world and under the headship of Jesus Christ.

It is clear that Christians throughout history have understood that they will gather together. Scripture reveals that all of our human existence, joys and trials, are spoken to as we meet in Church. It is here that we share our burdens and sorrows – and are gently lifted up by the outpouring of Christian love. It is here that we find answers, that we build lasting relationships, that our hope is bolstered and together we lift our eyes to God who cares for and loves us.

“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42) Believers and those seeking God need a place where they can gather. Church is where believers grow in their knowledge of Scripture, are ministered to by their brethren and are reminded of who their Savior is. Hospitality and meals together strengthen bonds of human relationships – adding new layers of trust and shared life. It is as Christians gather together that we lift our voices in joyful adoration, that we glorify God in joy and humility.

From Romans 12 I see Christ’s vision for Church. It is in community that we each use our Gifts of the Spirit. Empowered by the Holy Spirit we teach, we love, build up each other and seek to demonstrate the life-saving love of Jesus to all. God gives us unique “giftings” to strengthen the body of believers, but also to go and boldly tell the lost the Good News – through word and deed.

Not all are called to plant or be part of the Church structure, but all are called to gather there.

John 4 tells us that some prepare the ground, others plant seeds, others still carefully nurture and feed – but only God causes the growth. 1 Corinthians 3:5-11 states we all have a part to play in Christ’s earthly Church. I wish to see Churches established with Jesus as cornerstone, the unshakeable foundation of Scripture, overlaid with a sincere love for God and others – demonstrated visibly in word and deed!