Gifts From God: Devotions From Time of GraceNäide

God's Gifts Through the Church: Fellowship

Mountain climbers never work alone--they always climb in groups. The “buddy system” has saved many, many lives. Your friend can help you when you slip and fall or when you get giddy from altitude sickness or when you run out of food. The harnesses and ropes that bind the climbers together are a matter of life and death.

Know what? God has great blessings to give you through the fellowship of other believers. The Bible says, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).

“Church people” are sometimes mocked as hypocritical phonies, more interested in jamming their agendas on people. Could be. But most congregations I’ve seen are God’s helpful rest stops for weary travelers. They are warm networks of fellow sinners and fellow redeemed, real people who share encouragement, praise, example, training, opportunities, correction, accountability, energy, and love. C’mon--let’s go to church.

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