Relationships Last Forever

When you and I get to heaven, all that will really count is the relationship we have with our God and the relationships we have with one another. Church buildings and church programs will crumble, but relationships last throughout eternity. The early church met “house to house” so they could experience family-type relationships to the fullest.

Relationships were the key to experiencing the kingdom of God as they met in each other’s homes and nurtured, mentored and served one another. “So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved (Acts 2:46-47 NKJ).”

New people were continually added to this relational church family because these early Christians practiced loving one another. By meeting in small groups in their homes, disciples could be made more easily. Small groups of believers meeting together provide an atmosphere for everyone’s gifts and talents to be exercised and experienced. In small relational groups, followers of Jesus can pray for one another and experience God personally.

Paul said; “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes… (Romans 1:16).” The gospel is personal and powerful! During the Welsh Revival of the early 1900’s, many police officers had nothing to do; crime had diminished due to the impact of the gospel. The police force instead formed quartets and sang for community functions!

When I visited a village in an African community, the mayor told me that the police now have nothing to do since Jesus came to their region. They now spend lots of their time gathering together and building relationships, praying, studying the scriptures and finding ways to spread the gospel to the regions beyond them. Sounds like the book of Acts to me…focusing on building a relationship with God and with one another, expanding the kingdom…one person at a time. Building relationships that last forever.