The psalmist said, ‘I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.”’ Our churches should be places that we’re happy to go to, where we feel at home, and where we’re welcomed by other believers. The Message paraphrases Paul’s words: ‘God is building a home. He’s using us all – irrespective of how we got here – in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he’s using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day – a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home’ (Ephesians 2:19-22 MSG). There are times when we need to be alone with God in prayer, and there are times we’ll find the answers we’re looking for when we’re with other Christians. When we meet for worship, teaching, encouragement and service, God shows up in a powerful way. We grow spiritually as we experience His presence, hear His Word, and spend time with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Every time we gather with other members of Christ’s body, it’s an opportunity to share how God’s working in our lives and our experiences of His goodness. It’s hard to celebrate alone; when we achieve something or have good news, it’s fun to share the joy we feel. Jesus is so excited about His victory at the cross that He calls us together to celebrate what He accomplished for us. And celebration is a group project.

What Now?

Pray for your church and for every person who is part of it.