Did you know that in the early centuries of the Christian movement, Christians were intermittently persecuted, often severely with imprisonment, torture and death? The amazing thing is though, that they could have avoided this if they had just prayed and worshipped on their own or within their own private households. The fact that Christians met together was the thing that drew suspicion and opposition from the Roman authorities that persecuted them. But, despite this, they kept meeting together. It was really that important to them. So, why? The reason goes to the very heart of God’s purpose. God came to us in Jesus Christ not just to reconcile individuals to himself, but to restore his family. This is what a ‘church’ is: not a building but a community of people. I’ve heard people say things like “nature is my church”. But again, a church is not a venue for worship, it is a worshipping community. An essential part of worship is bringing yourself into community. Worship means devoting yourself to God’s purpose. And there is only one way to serve God’s purpose: together. The mission of Christ is fulfilled in the body of Christ. This is why Christians have always come together and formed churches. Churches are inevitably imperfect, but churches are a central part of God’s perfect plan.
Lean into church life.
Read Ephesians 4:1-16.
