Gathering [Email #2..]

Today I'd like to talk about one word... GATHERING.

It's a word that's been in mind for the last week or so... and there are 3 important parts to it that I'd like to encourage you with.

As Christians that are involved with the creative arts and the media in some form or another... it is extremely important, in fact, it's vital to gather with these groups:

Firstly, we need to gather with believers. As Christians, we need encouragement. Hopefully, this message is something that will encourage you in some way... but of course it's not just enough to read messages on the internet, to listen to sermons on your Ipod, and watch Hillsong TV. Those are great things to do... but we need to get around like-minded people that can inspire and encourage us in our journey.

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another" (Prov 27:17)

We need other people in our lives who are believers. No matter where we are at, no matter how far we've come, we need sharpening. We need people to challenge us, and even hold us accountable when nessecary. I was just at a great "leadership development" course. I have come home feeling challenged, encouraged, and definitely sharpened. Through the course, God's spoken to me and reminded me of several things that I need to apply.

I also believe that the Scripture above can apply to people that you don't get along with so well. Often, people that you don't naturally get along with, can help you grow. Don't let people you don't like, stop you from gathering with groups of believers!

For some... because of the line of work you are in, it can be hard to find gatherings of believers. Maybe you've been travelling with a film company, and you aren't surrounded by lots of Christians... maybe you are touring with a theater group and it can be hard to find gatherings like that. But can I encourage you - where there's a will, there's a way. If you are in a city, and it's a Sunday... go for it. And here's another thought: It's usually better to join a group of believers that you might think are (for example) -religous, old-fashioned etc, than to not join one at all.

So make the effort, where ever you are at, and GATHER with other believers. It will do you a lot of good.

Hebrews puts it well: "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25)

Secondly, we need to gather with non-believers! Many of you, simply because of what you do, are around unbelievers every day. This is a good thing!

Jesus was criticized for being a "friend of sinners" (Matt 11:19)... so to us that should be a great compliment. 

When Christ is in us, it's a very attractive things to others. Let's not limit our witness because of carelessness, or loose living though! Jesus did say that we are the salt of the earth, but he also warned us about losing our saltiness!

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. “ (Matthew 5:13)

Obviously, we shouldn't seek to become like the world, but we should certainly be connecting with people in the world. Follow your calling, follow your dreams, and make friends, and disciples as you go.

Bill Hybells recomends hobbies and avocations as the best way to connect with people who don't yet have faith. If you are doing that, that's great!

Thirdly, it is important to gather with Father, Son and Holy Spirit! The Trinity – One, yet not the same (Matthew 3:16-17). It's a beautiful thing which I will never fully comprehend... Why not talk to God now? 

 

Worried? Talk to God about it now! Unburden yourself before Him. Concerned about someone? Bring it before God.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phillipians 4:6-7)

There are still many things that I'm trying to figure out about life. But this one thing I know: Time with Jesus is essential!!!

There it is!

-Gather with believers
-Gather with non-believers
-Gather with Father, Son and Holy Spirit!!!

Have an awesome week!!!