Pastor Charles R. Swindoll The past two years have taught us a lot, haven’t they?
Author: Charles R. Swindoll
Specifically, I’m thinking about the church. The lockdowns have proven just how essential it is for local believers to gather together. A stinging emptiness nags the soul starved of regular, Christ-centered fellowship.
Flying solo simply doesn’t work for the Christian. Just as God designed humans with a need for Him, He designed us with a need for each other—which means corporate worship lifts us to the peak of all blessings in this life. There’s nothing like God’s people assembling in worship to seek God’s face.
Together, His presence deepens.
Together, our joy increases.
Together, our burdens lighten.
Together, our convictions strengthen.
Yet . . . while gathering together is essential, it isn’t sufficient. God’s people must gather together for God’s purpose and in God’s way. Otherwise, He keeps His blessing behind heaven’s doors; His blessing cannot be manufactured. It will not come by accident. Jesus cannot be manipulated. He will not bless just any gathering. His Word clearly teaches what a church must be and do for it to be truly His. Consider Acts 2:42–43:
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all.
[This article was published in Pastor Charles R. Swindoll's Insight for Living Newsletter.]
Author: Charles R. Swindoll
Specifically, I’m thinking about the church. The lockdowns have proven just how essential it is for local believers to gather together. A stinging emptiness nags the soul starved of regular, Christ-centered fellowship.
Flying solo simply doesn’t work for the Christian. Just as God designed humans with a need for Him, He designed us with a need for each other—which means corporate worship lifts us to the peak of all blessings in this life. There’s nothing like God’s people assembling in worship to seek God’s face.
Together, His presence deepens.
Together, our joy increases.
Together, our burdens lighten.
Together, our convictions strengthen.
Yet . . . while gathering together is essential, it isn’t sufficient. God’s people must gather together for God’s purpose and in God’s way. Otherwise, He keeps His blessing behind heaven’s doors; His blessing cannot be manufactured. It will not come by accident. Jesus cannot be manipulated. He will not bless just any gathering. His Word clearly teaches what a church must be and do for it to be truly His. Consider Acts 2:42–43:
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all.
[This article was published in Pastor Charles R. Swindoll's Insight for Living Newsletter.]