I was born into the Catholic faith, so naturally, I grew up with certain beliefs and prayer practices that just felt normal to me. It was all I had ever known. But when I started reading the Bible for myself and got connected to a Bible-believing church, I began to see things differently.
Some of the things I had always accepted didn’t quite line up with what the Bible actually said. Being in a Pentecostal church was like stepping into the light. It was as if a flood of truth had been unlocked in my heart. Scripture describes it as: “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple” (Psalm 119:130), and that was exactly my experience.
I remember my university days and my friend Joseph, who was the pastor of the fellowship I joined. He had this way of breaking down the Scriptures so clearly, and he never got tired of answering my many questions.That fellowship laid the foundation for my faith in Christ.
You Are Taught Sound Doctrine
Being in the company of believers helps keep you aligned with the truth of Scripture. It serves as a safeguard against drifting into error and provides the right environment for spiritual growth.
A perfect example of this is found in Acts 8:30-31 when Philip encountered the Ethiopian eunuch: “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?”.
The eunuch was reading the Scriptures, but he needed guidance to fully grasp its meaning. God, knowing this, sent Philip to explain the gospel to him, and that very moment led to his baptism into the faith.
Can you blame him? Imagine picking up the Bible and only having the Old Testament, no clear revelation of Christ, no New Testament to bring it all together. Without the Holy Spirit, the confusion would be overwhelming!
Thankfully, the New Testament has made the Scriptures so much clearer for us. And we can’t overlook the incredible work of the apostles, who, through the help of the Holy Spirit, carefully taught, examined the Scriptures, and laid the right foundations of doctrine for us as believers. We owe them a moment of gratitude.
This is why new converts to the Faith are encouraged to join a Bible-believing community, spiritual growth is much harder in isolation.
One of the key purposes of the church gathering is to teach, correct, and encourage one another in sound doctrine. Colossians 3:16 says “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” Proverbs 27:17 also says: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This is why the early church in Acts thrived and grew so rapidly. They gathered frequently, strengthening one another in faith. Acts 2:42 says of their devotion: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
Again, in Acts 2:46, we see their unity: “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.”
The church is not just a place of worship; it is a training ground for truth, a support system for growth, and a community where faith is nurtured. Alone, it is easy to stray; together, we are strengthened in the unshakable foundation of God’s Word.
The Church Provides Comfort and Accountability in the Church
The church is more than just a gathering, it is a place of comfort, encouragement, and accountability. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
When you go through trials, face temptations, or struggle with sin, the church becomes your support system. Whether through prayer, guidance, or godly follow-up, the body of Christ joins forces with you to help you overcome. The church is a place of positive influence, and no matter its imperfections, it remains the strongest support system a believer can have.
Peter’s security was effected on the basis of the church’s prayer. Through he was taken from their midst physically, he was a member spiritually. His ‘pack’ stood in the place of relentless prayer until he came back home. Acts 12:5 says: But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.
The church provides Marriage and Spiritual Alignment
Just as the church community strengthens our faith through teaching and accountability, the relationships we form within it, especially marriage, play a crucial role in our spiritual journey. Who we align ourselves with deeply influences our walk with God, and nowhere is this truer than in the covenant of marriage. Abraham knew this so well, he gave instructions concerning his son’s marriage. When he was about to die, he made his servant swear not to take a wife for Isaac from the surrounding nations, but instead to find one from his own people (Genesis 24:3-4).
Yes, there are challenges, even bad experiences and hurt within the church, but that doesn’t change its role as the best place to build lasting friendships, deep connections, and even a family. I believe this was God’s heart when He commanded the Israelites to marry within their community, not because of ethnicity, but to preserve their faith and protect them from following the evil ways of neighbouring nations.
After all, in His mercy, He grafted outsiders like Rahab and Ruth into His family, not because of their lineage but because of their faith. Ruth, a Moabitess, became part of the lineage of Christ because God’s focus is not on nationality but on spiritual alignment.
The church remains the best place for believers to find life partners. 2 Corinthians 6:14 says: “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”
If Solomon could undo one decision in his life, it would likely be his choice to marry so many wives, especially those outside the faith. 1 Kings 11:4 says: Despite his wisdom, this one mistake led to his greatest downfall. Scripture records that “his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been”.
Solomon started as a man deeply devoted to God, but his alliances through marriage gradually weakened his commitment. What began as political and cultural unions turned into spiritual compromise.
The truth is, no matter how strong your faith may seem, who you align yourself with, especially in marriage, has the power to shape your spiritual destiny. It’s why God consistently warned His people not to intermarry with those who didn’t share their faith (Deuteronomy 7:3-4).
Solomon’s life teaches us that wisdom alone cannot protect a person from the consequences of disobedience. Choosing a spouse outside the faith may seem insignificant at first, but over time, it can erode even the strongest convictions.
Just as Israel was set apart for God, so is the Christian community today. Marrying within the faith is not just a tradition; it is a safeguard for your spiritual journey. A shared faith ensures shared values, unity of purpose, and a foundation built on Christ.
At the end of the day, the church is more than a gathering, it is family. It is where we learn, grow, and find the right kind of relationships that shape our walk with God. Yes, no church is perfect. As Apostle Joshua Selman often says, ‘Ha, Body of Christ, na wa o.’ But God designed the church to be a place of strength, alignment, and unwavering support.
So if you’ve been distant from fellowship, consider this a reminder to stay connected. If you’ve been hurt, don’t let that push you away from the Body of Christ. Instead, seek healing and find the right community where you can thrive.
It’s ironic how some of the deepest hurts my family and I have experienced came from fellow believers. Yet, we’re not innocent either; there are surely those who could say the same about us. Still, we must all remain within the fold, because our safety and preservation are found there.
The enemy’s strategy is often to isolate, but God’s plan is always to gather. Stay planted, stay accountable, and let the church be the blessing it was meant to be in your life.
