Fourth Sunday in Lent
Sundays are not Part of Lent, but they are also "In Season."
"Not forsaking the assembling...as the manner of some is." Hebrews 10:25
How we assemble is changing. I can hardly keep up with it. Some of us are assembling around this devotion, even though we never actually see one another. Last week I assembled with other members of our Rocky Mountain Synod malaria team at a meeting that allowed us to meet with one another on the computer. Facebook allows people from all over the world to assemble with one another, as does Twitter and other social media.
The computer and our smartphones allow us to connect with one another in ways not possible a short time ago. This can be a good thing. But, especially in the church, face to face meeting is by far the best for me. You just can't beat all the human interaction that takes place when we meet together. I don't think we can grow spiritually better any other way. We can use social media for the good and connect with people we might not otherwise connect with. But it's no substitute for actually being present with one another. I pray we do not lose the importance of actually meeting together as the Body of Christ.
We don't need to go to church to believe in God, but I have found that I need the fellowship to encourage me to "follow Jesus" when I start to wonder, seeking my way instead of God's Way! The relationships that I have with the fellowship of believers, gently holds me accountable and is more deep and profound than any of my relationships! I am stronger because I have friends at my back and at my side, with Jesus out front. I don't believe it gets any better than that while we are still walking the earth! Thank you friends and Praise you Jesus!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully stated, Julie! Although our relationship with Jesus is #1, he ministers to us and through us in community.
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