If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. – 1 John 1:6-7 (ESV)

Sometimes I encounter Christians who do not attend any Church or fellowship with other believers. Often, they are judgmental and point to [what they believe is] bad doctrine as a reason to avoid others. It could be the Bible version somebody uses, the way they celebrate the Lord’s supper (Communion) or maybe the way they baptize. There’s usually some reason, perhaps a minor doctrinal disagreement or displeasure with  worship style that keeps them away. Whatever it is, it beings sadness to me to see folks deny themselves a substantial measure of comfort and happiness that comes from being with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Most importantly, I suspect that it displeases our Lord when we fragment ourselves and diminishes the message of love and transforming grace that Jesus brought to us from the Cross.

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. – Philippians 2:1-2 (ESV)