WE NEED EACH OTHER
24th May 2023
We are living in a very crowded country, and yet loneliness is a major problem causing great distress and multiple health issues.
The writer to the Hebrews gives a very comprehensive instruction to all believers in Chapter 10:19-25. One of the key verses is 25, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
When looking at the key points of how believers should be living we can go back to how it was at the beginning. Acts 2:42 says, “They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” It also states that they met together every day, ate together and broke bread in their homes.
The pandemic has caused a significant drop in the number of people regularly going to church. Most churches are only about 75% of the size they were before Covid. The saddest part of this statistic is that many people are becoming more lonely and isolated.
Being with people is a vital need we all have. On the last 2 Sundays we have connected with two Baptism Services, two weeks ago we tuned into a service from Hackney Church in London where our grandson Campbell works and is part of the worship band. It was great service and we enjoyed viewing it online.
Last Sunday we were in Guildford and attended St. Saviour’s Church and witnessed two of our grandsons being baptised. Another great service and a joy to see two of our family declare their faith and be baptised. Being there was dramatically different, we could worship, sing, pray, join in the responses and interact with people. There is no substitute for being with people.
We have recently moved house and have very friendly neighbours who we interact with almost every day. We have never lived in such a neighbourhood before and it is a blessing.
One of the last things Jesus said to His disciples was, “A new command I give you: Love one another….by this all will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34) Loving one another means being in vital contact.
So, who are you fellowshipping with on a regular basis? Who are you reaching out to? When did you last invite someone for a meal? Have you stopped meeting with believers in Church?
by Charles Sibthorpe
