The Gathering – A Christian Community @ Holly Hill Mall

So, I am very aware of all the pitfalls of the church. Trust me, I have seen it at its worst and best. As someone said, “The local church would be great if it were not for the people.” But as flawed as the church is, a gathered community of like-minded Christ followers is God’s design for His followers on earth. Yes, all Christians have the responsibility to nurture and grow in our faith individually. But Christianity is a Team Sport! It was designed to be a community! A gathered community is essential for Christians on many levels. A recent conversation with a couple confirmed this. They remarked how they wanted and needed to be a consistent part of the church. The reason they said this is that since they became a part of our local church, they have been all in. They have been deliberate in forming relationships. They joined a small group. They attend services regularly. They are receiving from the church and giving to the church. Ephesians 4:16 (NIV) — 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. You have heard the saying, “You usually get out of something what you put into it.” That principle is true for the church also. If you invest little in (Not talking about money) then you will receive little. When the faith community is functioning as it was designed to, something supernatural and very practical is happening. This has nothing to do with increasing numbers, a membership drive, etc. This has everything to do with helping Christians revisit their connection or disconnection with a local church. Yes, sometimes it is messy. But the benefits and blessings of being in a shared life community far outweigh the negatives. I feel very strong about this because it is Biblical. But also, because it is so practical, relevant and needed these days. We are witnessing the demise of all things decent and sacred. The pressure that our culture, workplace, peers, and family are exerting on us to compromise the deep, life-giving truths of God is measurable. On our own we will be deeply tempted to give in or give up. (And many have) We run the risk of losing our way and our witness. Hebrews 10:23–25 (NIV) — 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. So, if you are reading this and you do not have a vital connection with a local church – start this Sunday. Find a loving, Bible believing faith community and get connected. You will be glad you did! If you don’t you will miss a vital piece of God’s plan for you!

John @ The Gathering – A Christian Community @ Holly Hill Mall

So, as a minister for over thirty years I have been involved in a scenario many times that is very uncomfortable and heartbreaking. Here is an example: A local Funeral Home calls me and says they are with a family who’s loved one has died. The deceased nor the family have a pastor to conduct a Funeral Service. Think about it. At one of the most difficult times in a person’s life the family is not connected to a church or a pastor in such a way that they can contact them in their time of need. It is also very interesting that they want a Christian pastor. They do not have a community to provide support, love, prayer, food etc. This normally means that Faith in Jesus and an assurance that their loved one is in Heaven is nonexistent. (Certainly, being connected with a church doesn’t guarantee this either but it definitely increases the odds.) It is so sad that the last person to say words about your loved one does not even know them. Only what has been told them and it is usually very sparse. I can’t offer the family real hope for the deceased. I can only point the family to Jesus in hope that that they will consider eternal things. My youngest daughter just returned from a mission trip overseas. In the country she was visiting she said the Gospel was met with apathy. A shrug of the shoulders commenting that they are not concerned about what’s next and they really don’t think about it! Imagine that? And this is not an isolated event! The most important legacy we can leave our loved ones is that they know from our life that Jesus was our Savior and we lived for Him on earth and we are with Him in Heaven! In other words, we are living our eulogy every day. I know this might sound rather morbid. But think about it. What will be said about you when your eyes close for the last time? And who will say it? A pastor that you had no relationship with?  A life that offers no assurance that you are in Heaven? Matthew 16:26 (NIV) — 26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? The Bible says, “Today is the day of salvation!” How about you? Think about it! Please!

John @ The Gathering