I asked this question to those who come to the Monday morning Bible class and the following is a recollection of the things they shared.
They like studying the Bible with others. They indicated that even though they do study their Bibles at home they find that they get so much more out of Bible study when they study with others. Think about it. When we study together we glean from one another and share with one another and this is beneficial for all.
They like being with one another and spending time with each other. They related to their relationship as one of being with family or close friends. They spoke of how encouraging it is to be with others who love the Lord in a mutual way that they do. Think about it. When we are with those who gather together in the Name of the Lord we are spending time with those who we most likely be with when we go to heaven.
WHAT BRINGS YOU HERE WHEN THE CHURCH ASSEMBLES?
What motivates you to come to Bible class on Sunday morning and be here for worship?
What stirs you to come out on Sunday evening for the CIA meeting and be here for worship?
What ticks inside of you so that you want to come out on Wednesday evening for Bible study?
What wonderful chemistry is at work in your life that you participate in the fellowships, giveaways, meetings and special services the church is involved with?
WHAT IS IT THAT BRINGS THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY TOGETHER?
BELONGING is a word that keeps coming to me. Belonging brings acceptance, identity, inclusion and involvement. Belonging brings ownership but it also means to be owned. Belonging brings purpose provided with are purposeful in our belonging. Belonging brings relationships but it also brings responsibility. Belonging brings security and support but it also calls for our support. Belonging brings strength but this strength must be shared. Belonging is vital for life. Belonging may very well be the zenith for life because it brings happiness, health and satisfaction. Research shows that the loss of belonging contributes to stress, illness, decreased wellbeing and depression.
WHAT BRINGS US IS KNOWING THAT IT IS GOOD TO GATHER TOGETHER!
“No man is an island.” Poet John Donne wrote this to help us understand that God created us to be interconnected with Him and one another. With this I want all of us to consider the words of Jesus when He said, “Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20 He said this because He knows the importance of us being together.
About the author:
Don and his wife Brenda have been married 48 years. They have two married sons Jason/Crista and Nicholas/Heather and four grandsons Luke, Ryker, Blake and Drew. Don is a graduate of the Gateway School of Preaching, Fairview Heights, IL, the Bristol Roads School of Biblical Studies, Flint, MI and he has a bachelor’s degree in religious education from Michigan Christian College. He has been preaching since 1979. He has preached at Pacific, MO; Howell, MI; Arnold, MO; Festus, MO; Dexter, MO; and De Soto, MO where he has served since 2007. He also serves the congregation as one of the elders. Don has done campaigns and meetings in several states and mission work in Cuba, India, and Jamaica. Don refers to himself as a “Minister” because he loves ministering to others and helping them learn about Jesus and growing in their relationship with Him.
De Soto church of Christ 