The Benefits of Gathering Together (Part 1)

The Benefits of Gathering Together (Part 1)

Date: October 31, 2026

Series: The View From Above (Thoughts to Help With Everyday Life)

Author: Pastor Paul Stephens

It was one of the best decisions ever made. I mean that personally, perhaps better stated, ONE OF THE BEST DECISIONS WE EVER MADE... that is my wife and I... and it really wasn’t a decision per se, it was more of a pattern established early on in our Christian life that we have adhered to no matter what. We made a decision that we were going to be in EVERY CHURCH SERVICE.

The pattern was not established because of a legalistic formula to be in attendance. We saw, felt, experienced the benefits, and we both wanted more and more of Jesus in our lives… and we came to know one of the best ways for that to be accomplished was faithful church attendance. We grew to love gathering together with our brethren in Christ, worshiping our God, having an opportunity to give and hear the Word of God preached and then being able to respond and make decisions that affected and changed our lives. Our life and schedule were built around the function of the church.

There are sound biblical principles connected with a need for this in every life:

1) A word in due season: The ministry of preaching is directly connected to needs in our lives and, the church collectively. We miss church, and we can miss what God wants to say to us in that moment in our lives.

2) Example: We need to live our lives in such a way that will benefit others if they follow our habits and patterns. Faithful church attendance is most important in the early formative days and weeks of our Christian life. So many very important things are being shaped and formed in the early days and weeks of our salvation, and, of course, it’s an ongoing need as we are all growing in Christ to become more and more like Him. Can people follow your example and be fed sufficiently? Will they develop a pattern of faithfulness if they follow you?

3) Time sanctified for God: This is the idea behind God establishing the Sabbath. A time dedicated to God to be used for no other purpose. It’s up to each of us to organize our lives to the best of our ability to put Jesus first. The church is and should be one of the highest priorities of life.

Jesus shed His blood to save souls, establish His church, and create a forum where His will and purpose are advanced.

[Acts 20:28]

“Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd THE CHURCH OF GOD WHICH HE PURCHASED WITH HIS OWN BLOOD.”

So therefore... Be faithful, put Jesus first when it comes to the church and gathering together. The missionary C.T. Studd said; ‘This life will soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.’ In church, people are being fed, challenged, helped, given hope, and encouragement, and through the preaching of Gods Word, we are growing to be more like Him!

I encourage you to make this the pattern and habit of your life. Return to it if you have drifted and be the example you need to be to help others in their walk with God. The benefits are incalculable.

[Hebrews 10:25] GNT

“Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another (to gather together) all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer.”