The Benefits of Gathering Together (Part 2)

The Benefits of Gathering Together (Part 2)

Date: November 1, 2026

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

Author: Pastor Paul Stephens

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We have needs, all of us do. Very deep-seated needs that have to do with what we need personally and individually both from God and others and what we have to offer others in terms of how we can help to encourage the people around us. The church is the perfect environment for those needs to be met.

Let's talk first of our needs, mine and yours. We all need to hear from God. The preacher is God's gift so that can occur. The more we're in church, the more we can hear from God. His word, when preached with authority and anointing, meets so many vital needs in our lives. We can read our Bibles, we can pray... but we must hear the word of God preached in order for faith to grow.

[Romans 10:14]

"How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?"

There are certain elements of truth and revelation that are not going to occur to us without a preacher. We are given such a great advantage when we are faithful and we position ourselves at every opportunity to hear the Word of God.

[Mark 4:24]

"Then Jesus said to them, 'Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.'"

We hear and respond... God gives us more truth and revelation and that is the primary way that we grow spiritually.

Another need we have is for fellowship. Fostering good, healthy bonds of relationship with other spiritually and like-minded people. That can occur in a lot of settings... in your home, in a restaurant, at work or school. There are lots of opportunities for fellowship but the church offers a unique atmosphere. Set times when we gather and we are all there. We engage, catch up, maybe someone comes you haven't seen for a while, we have things to say and there are things we need to hear that will encourage us.

This all comes from the fellowship of the saints... believers in Jesus Christ, who are of the same mind and love one another. One of my favorite parts of coming to church is before and after the church service... It's time to fellowship, talk, connect. We need this as human beings and we can be so isolated if we are not careful.

I love sitting on the stage before church starts and just watching people interacting with each other. There's opportunity for friendships to be fostered and enhanced. Plans are made to get together... or go out afterward, some problems can be resolved, we can give and receive advice. It's so necessary and fulfilling when our relationships are good, strong, and healthy. We need an atmosphere for that to occur and church is the perfect setting.

The Book of Acts gives us a picture of the New Testament Church in its formative beginnings:

[Acts 2:42]

"And they (believers in Jesus Christ) continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and FELLOWSHIP, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers."

We are a community of people, having been forgiven our sins, who are striving to be more and more Christlike and for that to occur, we need each other. Today I'm thanking God for His Church and all the benefits that occur when we gather together... they really are incalculable.