The Beauty of the Church Is a Wonder to Behold — Part 5

The View From Above: Thoughts to Help With Everyday Life

August 11, 2026

Pastor Paul Stephens

The Beauty of the Church Is a Wonder to Behold — Part 5

The beauty of the church is a wonder to behold.

It’s a miracle, it truly is.

Jesus said something powerful about gathering with other believers.

He told us that when two or three gather in His name, He is there in their midst.

Scripture Focus

Matthew 18:20

“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

Of course, Jesus also promised that He would never leave us or forsake us.

But Scripture shows that there is a unique, transforming presence of Christ that we experience when we come together in His name.

Yet many people today say they are Christians while choosing to live their faith completely alone.

They don’t gather with the church.

They don’t join with other believers.

And they miss the spiritual strength and transformation that comes through Christian community.

Following Jesus was never meant to be a solo journey.

God designed us to grow, be strengthened, and encounter His presence as we gather with other believers.

This is especially important in the troubled times in which we are living.

We believe Jesus is coming soon, and the letter to the Hebrew believers encourages them to gather all the more as that Day approaches.

Scripture Focus

Hebrews 10:24–25

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Consider what happens when believers assemble:

Love.

Good works.

Exhortation.

Encouragement.

Building one another up.

These things happen within the all-important gathering together of believers.

And remember:

It’s not just about you.

It’s also about others.

It’s about what they need and the good that you can contribute to help, strengthen, and uplift them.

You don’t gather only because you need the church.

Someone in the church may need you.

A healthy, growing believer in Jesus Christ is one who is faithful to the assembly and who loves the church and the people who make it up.

Scripture Focus

Psalm 133:1

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

There is something beautiful about God’s people dwelling together in unity.

There is strength there.

There is encouragement there.

There is spiritual growth there.

And most importantly, Jesus is there in our midst.

Today’s Challenge

Examine how you view gathering with God’s people.

Do you see church primarily in terms of what you receive?

Remember that you also have something to give.

Someone may need your encouragement.

Someone may need your testimony.

Someone may need your friendship, your prayers, or simply your presence.

Don’t try to live the Christian life alone.

Gather. Encourage. Strengthen. Love.

And experience the beauty of the church Jesus Christ is building.