Do this…before you start reading the rest go to YouTube and search people falling. Watch a video or two and come back.

Note-Those people who fell were basically by themselves with no one to help them stand firm. The point is this…if we as believers in Jesus Christ can stand together…with others of the same faith, values, belief system, and same Saviour we can stand strong in this world. I understand that living the Christian life can and is difficult in school and around your social activities. As Christians we need to surround ourselves with others that can help us. What does that do?

1) It helps us to be supported.
“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
We need each other to help support us, to stand firm in our faith. It’s like a roller coaster. Imagine the Wild Thing at Valleyfair only standing with one pole holding it up its track. That wouldn’t work. The same is true in our walk with Jesus. We need others to help hold us up.

2) It helps us to be sharpened.
“As iron sharpens iron,
so a friend sharpens a friend.” Proverbs 27:17
Sharp knives are good. They are more effective than dull ones. A Christian who is sharp, knows what they believe will be effecting in their life. They will show others how to life like Christ. In a group of other believers we can help each other become sharp.

3) It helps me to be strengthened.
“A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12
When we are by ourselves we can break pretty easily. For example find a toothpick. Now break it. Pretty easy, right? When we are together with other believers we have strength in numbers. Now, grab a handful of toothpicks and try breaking those. Harder, right?

Here’s what’s going to happen in a few weeks on Wednesday nights. we are going to start having more small group time and less big group time. Meaning, we are going to be surrounding ourselves purposely with other believers to help support us, sharpen us and strengthen us. Because with others we are strong, but by ourselves we are shaky.