6/2/13 Better when We're Together

Two are better than one,
    because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
    one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
    and has no one to help them up.
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
    But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
    two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

Thoughts: The passage above is a good indicator for why going to church is important.
1) Missions- doing God's work- two can do more than two individuals alone.
It is often pride that makes us do things alone- where we are in control.
2) Encouragement- when one falls down, someone is there to help them up.
Everyone falls sometimes- into sorrow/grief, into sickness, into sin. 
3) Keeping the warmth going- The Church can keep the flame of God alive in our hearts. 
4) For protection-   (two can defend themselves) in countries where persecution is common, this is important.  Sometimes we are called to stand back to back.  Christians can also stand up for doing what is right better together than alone.  
5) To keep the faith- together we are not easily broken.  The faith is stronger when we are together.  Always we are tempted to fall away from our faith.  

Prayer: Lord, help me see that it is better when we are together- as a church.  

Jack Johnson's song (not necessarily Christian- but a great message of love- which is the message of the church)