Late last year we had a bit of a think about why we do the whole church thing. I guess this is one of those things that it is good to revisit on a regular basis as we so easily slip into tradition, routine and/or confusion! It is especially important if we are going to be united and heading in the same direction.

For me, one theme keeps popping up in the NT and the early church. We meet together to remind each other, through the Spirit, of what Jesus has done. We encourage each other in the truth that we are loved and accepted by God, in Christ. Obviously other themes spin off from this main theme, such as the 'love and good deeds' that result from being encouraged in the truth of the cross.

Having this theme clear in our minds helps us to be united around what God has done, it points to and gives glory to God because of what he has done in Jesus, and it reminds us of our position in Christ: unloveable, yet loved!