Colossians 2:6-7 "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." It’s hard to find words to describe the majesty, beauty, and strength of the great Redwood trees of northern, California. You really just have to see them for yourself to even begin to grasp their magnificence. Their existence testifies to the wonder and power of God’s creation. Amazing facts: California Redwoods grow roughly to the size of a 37-story skyscraper and typically live 500-700 years, but some have lived even more than 2000 years! Surprisingly, their roots only grow five or six feet deep but they thrive in thick groves, where the roots can intertwine and even fuse together, giving them tremendous strength against the forces of nature. What a beautiful picture of us as Christians, the Church, being intertwined with Christ and with each other resulting in us being stronger and able to withstand the forces that would topple us over. No mighty Redwood could stand alone for long. They each need and rely on one another for support, strength and growth. Similarly, Christians are called and commanded to have constant and continuous fellowship with God and with other believers for support, strength, and growth.
If you are not already actively involved in a weekly fellowship in your area then get planted in one today so that your roots can join with others and together the Body of Christ can grow strong, stand tall, and testify to the power of God! Hebrews 10:25 "Some people have given up the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord's coming is getting closer." What do we GAIN by meeting together (and MISS when we don’t)?
Encouragement & Exhortation
Instruction & Teaching (Wisdom)
Sharing (Giving and Receiving) of Prayers, Gifts, and Love
Accountability & Spiritual Discipline
Participation in Corporate Worship
Opportunities to Serve & Build up the Body
A HABIT-FORMING EXAMPLE FOR OUR CHILDREN
Acts 2:46-47 "Every day they (followers of Jesus Christ) devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved." HEAVENLY FATHER, HELP US TO UNDERSTAND THE VALUE OF REGULAR FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER BELIEVERS. HELP US TO SEE IT AS CRUCIAL FOR OUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND COMMUNION WITH YOU AND NOT OPTIONAL. FOR THE SAKE OF THE CHURCH, FOR THE SAKE OF THE LOST AROUND US, FOR THE SAKE OF OUR CHILDREN, HELP US COMMIT TO FELLOWSHIP NO MATTER WHAT THE COST. YOU ARE WORTH IT. IN JESUS’ NAME WE PRAY - AMEN.
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