I’m an idealist to be sure, but I do so desire and pray that the love we are called to have for one another, ‘the body’ could be balanced with the call to assemble together physically. Call this coming together what you will, nevertheless we are called!

     I am acquainted with those on both ends of the spectrum…..ones who exalt the visible assembly far and above where it was ever intended to be, forgetting, it seems, that Jesus Christ shed His own blood for flesh and blood, not for the institution. And then there is the other end of the spectrum, those who see only the problems within the institution forgetting that there are those of ‘the body’, the flesh and blood assembled there.

     We are called to have true fellowship with one another, true “koinoinia” and I believe that to do that in all its fullness, we must come together. What is it but love, acceptance, honesty, humility, concerns, restoration, confession, forgiveness, encouragement and availability!!!

     We are called to be servants of Christ and servants to one another. Read again in wonder and awe John 13 and read of Christ, who knowing that His hour had come, would in all humility and love wash the feet of His disciples and give them a new command, to love one another as he loved them. How can we do this if we do not assemble together?

     For me, I will continue to assemble even in the midst of the problems, and trust that the Lord will make straight what He alone thinks is crooked. May the Lord bless each of you on your path, guide and direct you for His glory alone!