Rallying With Those Who Are Christ-Centered – Our Redemption Draws Nigh

When was the last time you met for communion?  Not specifically the Lord’s supper, but communion with a group of like-minded believers to share a meal and just reminisce about the goodness of the Lord?

Recently, three of our church families met together for food and fellowship.  The focus was on getting to know one another better, sharing our individual stories of God’s involvement in our lives, and receiving the marvelous blessing that results when believers gather together.

Three different cultures were represented.  Our cultural differences were evident, but the presence of the Lord brought a special unity and camaraderie.  We endeavored to follow the Lord’s admonition in Hebrews 10:25,  gathering together to focus on Him – especially as His return draws nearer.

Now is the time to get to know your nearby brothers and sisters in Christ.  Now is the time to gather strength from one another in order to prevail during the tide of persecution coming upon those who profess Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Lord of Lords.  God directs us to be ready because that day will come as a thief in the night to those who are not looking for His return. (Matthew 24:42-44)

As our little group visited and recounted the high points of just a few of God’s moves in our individual lives, the ups and the seeming downs, we began to see that within each life was a “Book of Acts”.   We realized if each of us would write a book entitled “God Moves”, our nine books would only scratch the surface of what John was talking about in John 21:25.  Jesus has moved in a myriad of lives since His birth and we all have a story worth telling.

Learning from another person’s experiences with Jesus can better prepare us for the road ahead. He is already on His way back to earth.  He didn’t tell us the exact time of His return, (Matthew 24:36) but He did give us some indicators to watch for that would keep us from being caught unaware like the sleeping virgins. (Matthew 25: 8-10)

1. The destruction of the temple in Jerusalem (Luke 21: 5-9)
2. Wars and worldly chaos (Luke 21:10-11)
3. The persecution of professing Christians (Luke 21: 12-19)
4. The destruction of Jerusalem (Luke 21: 20-24)
5. Pay attention to the fig tree’s example (Luke 21: 29-31)
6. Be ready (Luke 21: 28, 34-36)

Now is the time to rally with your brothers and sisters in Christ.  Unless you have been living in a “dome of isolation”, you must have noticed at least some of the above signs Jesus mentioned.  We need to support each other physically and spiritually.  Start now to develop that community with other true believers.  Learn from each other.  Draw renewed faith from their experiences with the Lord.  (Hebrews 10: 23-25)  The time for watching and praying and preparing for Jesus’ return is very near.

What steps do you need to take today to start forming a strong bond with your nearby brothers and sisters in Christ?  What urgency do you feel?