We cannot stand alone

Winter-Church

© Gareth Weeks

I’ve been travelling a lot lately with work. Some aspects of travel are terrific, like seeing new places and getting out of my normal routine. But if there’s one thing that’s always difficult for me is being away from my church family.

It’s so important for all of us to be connected in community—not just to go to a place where we hang out for an hour on a Sunday, but to actually be known by people. This is what Jesus has called us to.

I really resonate with the way R.C. Sproul puts it in his commentary on Acts 1:14. Sproul writes:

…when Christ established His church, though He saved individuals one at a time, every person He has ever brought to Himself, He has placed in a body— His church.… We cannot stand alone. We need each other. We need the support of fellowship, the mutual encouragement, the strength, and the prayers of the community in which we are involved. I get excited when people join St. Andrew’s and become part of the congregation. It tremendously strengthens who we are as a body. There are that many more people to pray, encourage, and offer mutual support. That is what happened in the early church. The Apostles went back to the upper room. Later 120 gathered there as a group—the very beginning of the church. What did they do? How did they spend their time? “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication.” They gathered together for prayer.

(Acts:You Will Be My Witnesses To The End Of The Earth [St. Andrew’s Expositional Commentary])

Despite what our culture whats us to believe, despite how tempting it can be to give into my introverted tendencies and retreat to a cave somewhere, we cannot stand alone. When we are together, and when we are known, we strengthen each other.

Posted by Aaron Armstrong

Aaron is the author of several books for adults and children, as well as multiple documentaries and Bible studies. His latest book, I'm a Christian—Now What?: A Guide to Your New Life with Christ is available now.

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One Reply to “We cannot stand alone”

  1. When God calls us to himself, He also calls us to each other. People often forget this reality.

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