Where God’s people gather, he is there

Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Living Word of God. Jesus says: “Preach the gospel to the poor; . . . to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:18,19).
Some people have only three occasions for attending church: When they are hatched, matched, and dispatched! Jesus’ words make it clear: He habitually attended public worship on the Sabbath Day. If we really do believe in, love Him, and want to be like Him, as Christians, we should be church-going people also.
If we think about the pandemic and many other problems of life, we should want to be in fellowship with godly people and one another. After all, God’s Word declares that where His people are gathered together, He is there. God’s people gather in a local church facility.
Sure, people attend church because they have problems. Don’t we all? But, at church you find friends who can, and will help by loving, sharing, standing with you, praying for you. These very acts often bring the peace, healing, and deliverance we need when we’re in trouble. Not only that, when we are able to help others there is a great feeling that comes our way and what we have done will run back home to us when we need it.
Normally, if you want to be like someone, you try to copy His behavior and attitudes. What does it mean to be like Jesus?
First, Jesus developed worthwhile habits. He customarily attended the synagogue. His reputation preceded Him, and He was given the honor of reading the Scriptures.
Jesus operated in the power of the Holy Spirit in order to discern and fulfill the will of the Father.

Jesus accepted God’s plan and purpose for His life. In the Scripture we mentioned, He read a Messianic prophecy indicating that He was to minister to others.
Jesus understood the importance of the message He proclaimed. He was compelled to let people know God will accept anyone who will repent; that is to say, change their mind, attitudes and direction, and surrender to Him. He will accept you without any concern for how your life has been.
No matter how you have been or what you may have done; Jesus is ready and willing to forgive and help change you so that your life will be better, more meaningful, and fulfilling. Can there be a greater reason for joining with other believers as His church?
Have you noticed, we’ve been talking about Jesus, the Christ, the Son of the Living God? That is what happens when you gather with godly people. You just want to talk about Jesus.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit we can be like Jesus.
God has a purpose for our lives. We too, like Jesus, have been sent to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord. How do you do that? Love one another. This is Jesus’ commandment.
Why not join with friends and family in church the next time the doors are open? We have good churches in this area. Go regularly. You’ll be glad you did.
Rev. Dr. John I Chamness is pastor of the Family Worship Center A/G in Chester. He may be reached by phone at 573-547-7634 or by email at johnchamness@att.net.