Earlier this year we were all shocked when COVID-19, a flu-like virus, spread around the globe creating a pandemic. We watched the news in horror as the number of deaths caused by the superbug rose. In an effort to stop the spread of the virus, government leaders ordered citywide lockdowns, preventing people from gathering and restricting families to their homes. One thing became clear as we were forced to separate: we missed each other. Soon, we all began to create ways of staying connected virtually.
We need and want to be with other. This week, we will discuss the importance of living out our salvation surrounded by Christian community.
Today’s reading comes from the book of Hebrews. The unidentified author of Hebrews addresses a group of believers, Jews and Gentiles, who are being pressured to follow the ways of Judaism. Through warnings and encouragement, the author makes the case for sticking with Jesus. The author also urges his readers to continue habit of assembling, a practice that some had neglected. It’s a serious warning during a serious time because of the pressure of apostasy, among other things. The author of Hebrews knew then what we know today. We are better together. As we’ve seen during the days of COVID-19, isolation can lead to loneliness, depression, and in the most extreme cases, death.
Jesus secured our salvation with his own blood. That means that we are more than just friends and even fellow believers. We are family—members of God’s own household. (Ephesians 2:19; 3:15). We are a beautiful, diverse family made up of people from varied backgrounds, ethnicities, and socioeconomic demographics. And in Christ, none of those things separate us. We are the individual members who make up the body of Christ. We are connected to each other, forever. Paul even says that we belong to one another (Romans 12:5).
God calls us to live out our salvation within the context of community. Getting plugged into a local church is about more than helping to complete some never-ending list of our spiritual chores. It’s a place of be- longing, a place that welcomes both the willing and the weary. The local church facilitates intimacy with God and his people through evangelism and discipleship.
Church is not a place where perfect people look down on less-than-perfect people. Rather the church is made up of people with deep pain and brokenness. We are those people, and we’re on this journey of faith together. As Paul says, we are to help one another and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). What does that help look like? Sometimes it looks like encouragement, sometimes mentorship. It even looks like correction. No matter what, it is all for our benefit and for our growth.
I am connected with a church that I feel lonely at (for lack of a better word) I come and go most times without even a hello from people.
I started going to a different church part time where I feel more welcomed. But the close friends I have all go to the other church. I now feel left out.
I would like to become involved in both churches. I am looking into joining small groups.
Small groups make all the difference! It’s virtually impossible to make meaningful connections on a Sunday morning, unless you’re taking time to socialize before and after. Being on the shy side, I tend to slip in and out unless I see someone I already know.
So excited for your IF:Table group. Praying it will be a blessing to you and all that come to the table.
Some of my deepest friendships have been from growing in community in a local church. Through discipleship, community groups, and intentional mommy and me play dates I have grown in my faith and experienced Jesus’ love through others.
My husband and I are discerning opening our home to invite a small group to watch our church service and share a meal after. I am an extrovert so my answer is "Yes!" but I know it take my husband sometime to be comfortable and host. Prayer on how to navigate that and while also obedient to God’s calling of community.
I have mostly positive experiences with the local church. However, I did have one hurtful experience that helped me understand that the church isn’t perfect because it is full of broken people and that is the whole point. That we come together broken and make mistakes but in the end we are doing our best to live like Jesus and forgive when we fall short. I am searching for a local church in a small town that doesn’t have churches I am use to. I miss being part of a church community. It is heavy on my heart to find one and begin community again. I’ve enjoyed streaming my old church’s services while we’ve been under stay-at-home orders but I really want one close to my home. I am praying that my search through the end of the year is fruitful and I can find a church to call home.
Praying for you right now, Ashley C., that God will lead you to a church you can call home. xoxoxo
I do like my local church that I go too, But with the pandemic, it has been hard to have bible studies. I don’t like the virtual groups that my church does. It is not just the same as in person. So over the summer, I held a small bible study at my home with a few of my co-workers. That bible study was such a blessing in so many ways. Now with the schools that have started, our time is very limited to having a new bible study. So I am going to do my first IF: TABLE this weekend with my bible study friends. I am very excited to host this and it will be a blessing too!
So excited for your IF:Table group. Praying it will be a blessing to you and all that come to the table.
I agree 100% online is No replacement for in person! JESUS didnt meet with people online ????♀️ just imagine if He did!!?
Ah well, if there were a global pandemic and online existed in Jesus’ time, He likely would have met online! In my experience, absolutely NOTHING stops the Holy Spirit! I’ve been part of many online meetings where the Holy Spirit was there in power! We can’t hug each other online, but then we can’t do that in person right now anyway, outside of our bubbles. I’m grateful that we do have the internet available during this time, and we can continue meeting together. <3