Read it: Acts 2:42 NLT, Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT, Romans 14:19 NLT
Live it:
What does fellowship have to do with worship? Can’t I worship on my own? The answer is yes, you can, and you should. However, God himself stated (Gen 2:18) “It is not good for man to be alone; I will make a helper suitable for him.” We were created with a need for fellowship, both with God and each other.
Yesterday, we noted that one of the reasons for meeting together was to motivate each other to do good works. Today, we see that Paul encourages us to “build each other up.” Either one of those reasons is difficult, if not impossible, to do in solitude. We can motivate and encourage each other. Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT) words it this way: “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” Think of it this way, a fellowship braided with the Holy Spirit is not easily broken.
Communal worship enables us to be encouraged when we are down or feeling alone. It’s good to know that someone has our backs. By the same logic perhaps, it is our privilege and responsibility to support someone else who is feeling discouraged or defeated. Paul affirms in Romans 13:9b-10 that “These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law. Worship and fellowship enhance each other, so it’s important that we do both.
Ps. Gary