‘Benefits of Meeting Together’
We understand from the Bible that our fellowship is with the Father, His son, Jesus Christ and with one another (1 John 1:3-7). As we follow God’s unfolding purpose, we see the church as a covenant community: a people belonging to God, a people of common unity, purpose, vision and calling; Acts 2:44; 4:32: “they had all things in common”. The benefits of fellowship as we see them in scripture are as follows:
Identity in Christ: “By this shall all men know that you are my disciple, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Jesus tells us that love for one another will show the world that we belong to Him. This is a powerful evangelistic tool.
Access to receive from Christ: Matthew 18:18-19 (Amplified Version). “Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven. For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as my followers) in my name, there I AM in the midst of them”.
Increase and growth: As a result of the fellowship of believers in Acts 2, the Lord added to their number daily. We can also experience this in our midst, if we commit ourselves to fellowship with God and with one another
Miracles, signs and wonders: Church is about life together as a family of God’s people, dedicated to establishing His Kingdom on the earth, where the supernatural power of God is manifest in our midst
Strengthening one another: Relationships develop when we meet together. Church in the Home provides the opportunity to deepen relationships through breaking of bread, praying together, encouraging one another, encountering God together and sharing our lives together.
