God created us for community (Genesis 2.18). We find meaning and purpose in building meaningful relationships that are centered on Jesus.

For nearly 2,000 years Christians have gathered together weekly to celebrate God and to connect with other believers.

In Acts 2.42-47 we see the New Testament church connecting, worshiping, encouraging one another, etc. on a daily and weekly basis.

Yes! We need each other!

Some people are convinced that they can live without others.

One can live without others, but that person will be missing out on the fullness of life that comes from deep, meaningful relationships with other like-minded people.

The Bible even warns about the danger not continuing to meet consistently with other believers. 

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10.24-25).

God desires that we connect with other Christians because we each contribute to the spiritual growth of others!

When we connect with other Christians we:

1. Encourage one another. Life is hard and sometimes we need encouragement and affection from others to help us out (1 Thessalonians 5.11).

When we’re discouraged a hug or word of encouragement from a Christian friend can transform our day (Ecclesiastes 4.10)!

2. Teach & Correct. When we connect with other Christians we can be a source of truth or correction for one another. 

Each of us can share Biblical truth in our words or actions that may spur another on in their own faith journey.

We also may have occasion to correct a behavior or belief of one another (Proverbs 27.6; Luke 17.3).  There are times that we are not walking faithfully with the Lord and God can use another Christian to lovingly confront us and help us get back on the right path.

Or, we may be holding to a belief that is contrary to the Bible. God can use believers to find truth in God’s word (Colossians 3.16; 2 Timothy 3.16).

We can connect with other Christians by going to church on Sundays and/or Wednesday nights. ORBC has Bible study for students on Sunday mornings designed to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus.

We also have a time of connecting on Wednesday nights. We hang out, eat, and hear a relevant message.

We should go beyond connecting at church services.

We should also connect with a small group of believers to whom we can be more open, go deeper, and be more accountable.

Most churches have “Life Groups” or “Small Groups” through which you can connect with other Christians.

At ORBC our students connect through small groups that meet on Wednesday nights after our worship time.

They connect with one another, discuss questions about the message they just heard, and pray together! 

They often get together outside of church to get to know one another better or to do a service project!