Have you noticed (as I have) something that happens when you grill?  I am specifically talking about the coals.

You stack the coals and light them.  After a few minutes you check to see if they are ready, and you see it.  One of those little rascals rolled off the mound and is just sitting there – cold – no fire.  On its own, the coal could not keep its fire.

I know a lot of people like that.

When you look at the first Christians, they were genuine, open, and honest with one another in their lives and their hearts.  They were there for each other.  In fact, Acts 2:46 describes them like this: “Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house.  They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts.”

They spent time with one another.  They helped one another.  They watched out for one another.  And that is something that we all need.

Unfortunately, lots of people do not see a great need to be plugged into a church to build deep connections.  Perhaps it is pride that keeps us from wanting to accept help from others.  Perhaps it is ego that keeps us from being transparent with others (even though we know that everyone has their own problems).

Even though Mississippi is considered to be religious, far more people are not engaging weekly in a church than those who do.

Some see no need in their church family.  Some think their spiritual life is fine without it.  However, how can we dismiss what the Bible tells us in Hebrews 10:25: “Do not neglect to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.”

We need to encourage one another, comfort one another, and bear one another’s burdens.  We need the same from others.  But it will not happen if we are not part of the family.

Like the coal on its own without fire within, we risk the danger of growing cold when we neglect fellowship.  In an ever-changing world, we need all the help we can get.  We need God’s help.  We need our church.  And the church needs you.

Take a look at the following resource to see how important this really is (just click the picture).