The Church:

The original word for Church is the Greek word “Ekklēsia”, which simply means the gathering or assembly of believers. For most of my life, I thought the Church was just a building that Christians went to on Sundays. But the true Church is not a building; it’s a people. Whenever any group of believers are gathered together in the name of Jesus, they are having Church. Jesus said, "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst” (Matthew 18:20).

The first moment in history that the Christian Church began to gather is found in Acts 2:42-46. They wouldn’t just meet on Sundays or when it was convenient; they were meeting every day to encourage one another, to listen to sound teaching, to do life with each other, to share meals (including communion), and to pray. And as they consistently met with one another, and spread the Gospel, the church grew rapidly (see Acts 2:47-48).

Can you imagine if the early Church never met together? But instead, they isolated themselves and kept their faith private rather than making it public. I believe that Christianity would no longer exist. You see, you and I were made to be in community with other believers. And we are weakest when we are isolated. When God made man He said, "it is not a good thing for man to be alone” (Gen 2:18).

Today, because of the coronavirus pandemic, many Christians are alone in their faith. Instead of gathering with other believers we are forced to watch church online, or our gatherings have restrictions such as social distancing, and some are no longer attending church at all. Let me remind you of this verse: "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another all the more as you see the Day drawing near" (Hebrews 10:24-25). 

Let’s not form a habit of neglecting the Church. Instead, find a way to meet with other believers even if it’s just one! I promise that your faith in Jesus will grow, and you will be equipped to follow Him all the days of your life. This is the purpose of the Church!