Every child born into this world is born into a family. That family provides race, they still belong to a particular household. In the Bible, the early believers modeled this beautifully.
Acts 4: 32
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.
They were spiritually united in Christ, belonged to each other and practically united in fellowship. Some, today say things like, "I'm a Christian. I love God. But I don't go to church. We even watch sermons online or listen to Christian radio. While those resources are helpful, they cannot replace the biblical command to belong to a local church.
Christianity is not just about believing, it's also about belonging. Belonging to a local church provides what every believer needs: Spiritual nourishment, Encouragement during crisis, accountability. A place to serve and be served. A group to grow with in unity and truth.
As the body of Christ fellowships together, we are cleansed and refreshed. The Bible tells us in 1 John 1:7 that, "If we walk in the light... we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus that purifies us from all sin".
When we, believers, regularly gather and partake of the same spiritual truth, we begin to reflect the same values, lifestyle and purpose. We are encouraged to go back into the world and live faithfully, even in the face of persecution.
But God never intended for us to walk through such trials alone. In the spiritual home, your support base, where you can be recharged and equipped, we find love, strength and comfort. Outside of fellowship, we are vulnerable and more likely to drift. That's why Satan works hard to isolate believers because, an isolated Christian is a weakened.
