Wednesday, October 15, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: Revelation 4

I have two brothers and two sisters. I’m the only one of us who has a connection with at least three other siblings. We were raised better than that, but better doesn’t always prevent complications. 

Some will say family matters, and I agree. Others will tell you that you can’t choose your family, but I don’t think that’s always true. I have at least thirty siblings, and we live life together in various ways. Sure, that contradicts my first statement, but it’s the truth.

We’re not meant to live life alone, which is why family matters. Growing your relationship with Christ becomes stagnant if you don’t include others. I partnered with my wife, and we added kids to our family. We joined Groups together, and then we branched out to join and lead Groups independently. 

Fellowship grew our family to include more people than we started with. 

Hebrews 10:25
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

What’s the point of your church participation? If “going to church” was intended to be a singular obligation to feed our souls, then how could we pour into others as Jesus instructed? Similarly, it’s cool to have God during the good times, but what about when we hide from him during our struggles? When we’re in fellowship with others, they see our suffering and help us through. Devoting your time to God shows growth, but joining others who do the same is a sign of spiritual maturity. It’s how we share our love for Jesus and each other.

I came across this statement that really spoke to me from Our Daily Bread Video Devotionals, answering the question, “Why I Go To Church”:

“When we come together, we ought to stir one another on, not get in a habit of staying isolated. This is what coming together as a church body ought to be about: stirring and loving.” 

Some say times are getting worse, but maybe times are just the same as they’ve always been. There are so many individuals within our community, including those who “go to church.” Don’t just be another number in the congregation. Real change starts with you. So, actively come together in fellowship, growing Christ’s family, and choosing new members for your own: stirring and loving. 

Questions: 
How are you showing you’re devoted to fellowship in your faith walk? If you are in a Group, how has it helped you mature in your love for Christ and others?

Next Steps: 
Start fellowship by inviting others to a service or by joining a Group. Halloweekend is October 25th and 26th. At The Movies starts November 1st. You can find the Groups tab under the “At My Campus” section on the CedarCreek app or by going to https://www.cedarcreek.tv/groups. 

Prayer: 
Father God, I am told that when two or three gather together as Christ followers, God is with us. Help me find the confidence to fellowship with other followers, so that I may grow in faith, love, and unity. Let my love for you be reflected in my community. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:
Colossians 1:6
This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace.

This post was written by Jaron Camp, a Findlay attendee and regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.