The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation. We were created by God to have fellowship with Him and also with each other. The gatherings of God's people are meant to be like a families where everyone knows everyone else, and wants the best for everyone.

As we can see from Hebrews 10:24-25, it is important that followers of Jesus meet together to encourage each other, help each other with any problems they may be having and also to learn more about Jesus. As times become difficult, meeting together becomes even more important.

Traditionally, God's people have met together in churches. This web site is not against churches but it talks to a situation where churches will not be able to deal with the massive number of new believers during the coming awakening. See my page on church.

Types of Meetings

This site talks about small groups and large groups. Small groups offer the greatest ability to fulfill Hebrews 10:24-25 which is why I say small groups are most important. These are not the only ways we can meet with other followers of Jesus but they are the main ways.

People are social creatures. We don't just meet with other followers of Jesus. As we go about our lives, we meet many people on a daily basis, in our families, social groups, sporting clubs and other organisations and workplaces. Each of these situations will be different. There may be lots of other followers of Jesus in these groups. There may be none. As these groups are not intended to be meetings of followers of Jesus, we need to act appropriately. Where there are other followers of Jesus, there can be a tendency for all the followers of Jesus to become good friends to the exclusion of all others. While it is good to be able to get to know them, it should not be to the exclusion of others. The opposite can also occur when other people who are followers of Jesus or Christians have different understandings of Jesus and will not associate with us. We need to love such people as Jesus loved everyone, respect their opinions but do not get involved in arguments with them. See my page Evangelical vs Pentecostal. There may be people who are Atheists and object to our beliefs. Again, we are to love them and respect their opinions. If we live a Spirit filled life before them, they MAY see the fruit of the Spirit in us and begin to ask us about our faith.

Meeting with Other Followers of Jesus

Every serious follower of Jesus should be a participating member of their a small group or church, not a spectator. There are countries where actively following Jesus is illegal. In these countries, Churches are illegal. Churches that do exist in those countries are full of people who are very serious about Jesus because just attending carries great risk. In free countries where there is no risk, many Churches are full of people who would not be there if there was a risk or a price to pay. Do not use freedom as an excuse to do nothing. For Jesus, preaching this message cost Him His life.

One of the most important aspects of meeting together is praise and worship. Worship is not just something done at church on a Sunday morning but Sunday morning is a key element of worship. While singing in church is a specific act of worship, in a more general sense, the entire life of a follower of Jesus is a life of worship. Even activities as mundane as changing a baby's nappy are an act of worship if we do so without complaining. If our whole life becomes an act of worship, we will become close to Jesus and have much success. This is especially important of we want to be involved in outreach as our life will speak far more loudly than our words.