“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another.”  Colossians 3:16

How important is our fellowship in the local Church?  Dr. W. A. Criswell told the following story.

A minister was concerned about the absence of a man who had normally attended services.  After a few weeks, he decided to visit him.  When the Pastor arrived at the man’s home, he found him all alone, sitting in front of a large fireplace.  The Pastor pulled up a chair and sat next to him.  But after his initial greeting he said nothing more.

The two sat in silence while the minister stared at the flames in the fireplace.  Then he took the tongs and carefully picked up one burning ember from the flames and placed it on the hearth.  He sat back in his chair, still silent.  His host watched in quiet reflection as the ember flickered and faded.  Before long it was cold and dead.

The minister glanced at his watch and said he had to leave, but first he picked up the cold ember and placed it back in the fire.  Immediately it began to glow again with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.

Without a word, the Pastor rose to leave.  His host stood with him and shook his hand.  Then, with a smile on his face, the man said, “Thanks for the sermon, Pastor.  I’ll see you in Church on Sunday.”

“Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together as the manner of some, but so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”  Hebrews 10:25

Lord, help us see how much we need each other

As we walk along the Christian way;

In fellowship with sister and with brother,

You will keep us growing day by day.

The warm fellowship of the Church will keep your heart from growing cold.

“I was glad when they said unto me, let us go unto the house of the Lord.”  Psalm 122:1