A couple of weeks ago, I talked about my experience with finding a Christian Community and what it means to be part of one. But, it should be noted: don’t listen to anything I say, unless there’s Biblical truth to back it up 😉 In this follow-up post, we’ll look at some specific verses in the Bible that talk about the importance of gathering with other Christians and how it can be beneficial to our faith.
What Does the Bible Say?
“Don’t Neglect Meeting Together”
This verse is perhaps one of the most well-known passages on the subject.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
The letter of Hebrews was written to the Jewish believers, talking about Jesus’ fulfillment of the law, and how belief in Him is the only way to Heaven. The section leading up to verses 24 and 25 reminds the early Christians that they can have assurance of their faith in Jesus, then instructs them not to waiver from their hope in him. The fact that these verses directly follow that statement, tells us that it’s related in the context of Christian living and the perseverance of our faith.
In this passage, we see WHY Christian Community is important:
“Stir up one another to love and good works”
By meeting regularly with other Christians, we not only show and receive love amongst ourselves, but also inspire each other to demonstrate God’s love through our daily lives. By sharing our stories and discussing Biblical topics, we learn from one another. We can inspire each other to establish faithful habits and live graciously and generously toward others.
“Encouraging one another”
Who doesn’t need encouragement? Kind words and support from others can make a big difference in our lives. While we might receive encouragement from many sources (spouses, bosses, parents, friends, etc.), encouragement in our faith is unique and of eternal significance. Encouraging words from other believers can help us get through unimaginable difficulties in life. When you have support of Christian friends, it can help you hold onto your faith, when you feel like everything is falling apart.
Fellowship and Breaking of Bread
When we look at the end of Acts Chapter 2, we see a beautiful picture painted of the early church.
v. 42: ” They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers…”
To me, this sounds a lot like a “home church” or a community group. They were dedicated to learning from Biblical teaching, they spent time bonding with one another, broke bread and ate together, and prayed for one another.
v 43-45: “… And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. … they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
They gathered together, caring for one another and selflessly provided for those in need.
v. 46-47 “And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Verse 46 talks about attending temple as well as meeting in their homes together. To me, this demonstrates the value in both formal and informal gatherings. In today’s world, it might look like attending church on Sunday and gathering in homes during the week to further grow relationship and community.
I just have to say, I love the fact that food is mentioned multiple times in Biblical examples of meeting together. I think there’s something to be said about sharing a meal with others. Plus, I just love food!
Additional Biblical Mentions
On several occasions, we see the Bible talk about coming together.
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
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1 Corinthians 14:26
“What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.”
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1 John 1:7
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”
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Ephesians 5:19
“Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,”
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1 Corinthians 5:4
When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus.
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The Value of Meeting Together
Yes, faith is an individual thing. Your relationship with Jesus is personal, and cannot be reliant on your friend or neighbor. Being part of a Christian community isn’t a box to check on the steps to get Heaven or anything like that. Believing in Jesus and acknowledging him as your Savior is the only way to enter his Kingdom.
The New Testament isn’t full of as many rules and rituals as the Old (before Jesus came and fulfilled the law). Yet. it provides lots of insight onto how we, as followers of Christ, should live. It offers ways we can grow in our faith, share his love through our deeds, and live a life that is pleasing to him.
While there is power in the quiet moments between just you and God, there is also something uniquely powerful about when Christians gather together, united in purpose. It’s clear that this is what God envisioned for his Church, coming together as one to pray, worship, and share life with each other.
How Do You Find the Right Community?
If you are struggling to find a community group that is right for you, you’re not alone! Sometimes it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. You might need to consider things like location, meeting time, and comfortability level to fit your personal preferences. However, what the group actually looks like once you’re there is even more important. The Bible tells us how Christians should interact when they come together. For more on this, check back in the next couple weeks for “The 5 Attributes of a Godly Community”.
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