This Bible study on togetherness outlines five things we all need to understand about the need to stay connected.īrothers, although we have been separated from you for a little while-in person but not in heart-we eagerly desire to see you again face to face. We can still deepen our relationships and have the spiritual impact today that the first century Christians had on the world, by redefining and rethinking what togetherness truly is. By examining the Scriptures, we can learn to build not only our faith but also the faith of others despite being physically apart. Togetherness is essential for our faith to grow and relationships to thrive. Every day the Lord added those who were being saved to the group of believers. They ate together in their homes, happy to share their food with joyful hearts.Ĥ7 They praised God and were liked by all the people. 46 The believers met together in the Temple every day. They understood that they were better together – deeply connected through shared conviction, passion for God’s purpose, and a deep love for each other that changed lives and the world around them.Ĥ2 They spent their time learning the apostles’ teaching, sharing, breaking bread, and praying together. The New Testament Christians were compelled by God’s love and desire to be with them. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.ġ6 Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death. The Scriptures illustrate how passionate God is about togetherness – about breaking down any “walls of hostility” or separation between us to the point of sacrificing and going to great lengths to bring people together into a relationship with him.ġ4 For Christ himself has brought peace to us. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, many throughout the world are limited to sheltering in place.įor the time being, we are no longer able to meet together at our usual campuses, workplaces, church services, facility venues, homes, or restaurants to make connections.Īlthough we may be apart, we do not have to be alone. Togetherness is about family, not a facility. My dad was trying to teach us all along that only together, we are better. Years later, after having a family of my own, I realized that in my own selfishness and pride, I didn’t appreciate or learn from those shared experiences the valuable opportunities to be together with my family. Upon arriving at our various destinations, each of us had our own individual interests, pursuits, or plans while on the trip – only to come back together for dinner at day’s end. We’d be together for hours on the road packed up in our forest green Mercury station wagon, (reminiscent of the Griswold family from National Lampoon’s Vacation.)Īlthough we were often together, the reality was each of us were often in our own worlds emotionally and mentally. Growing up, my dad would have our family spend many winters and summers together – going skiing, camping, visiting beaches and amusement parks, and taking the occasional trips to Las Vegas or Palm Springs. There was an intense sense of togetherness among all who believed. Though it discusses topics specific to this time, its insights and scriptures can be appreciated at any time. The following songs appear in both Lift Up Your Hearts and the Africian American Heritage Hymnal.This post was written in the midst of our world experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic. Nolan Williams Jr (arrangement) Charles Wesley (words) Ĭhris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, Louie Giglio, Matt MaherĪfrican American Spiritual Melvin Costen (arr)Īlbert Dennis Tessier and Nolan Williams Jr (arr)Īfrican American Spiritual Nolan Williams Jr (arr)Īfrican American Spiritual Wendall Whalum Nolan Williams Jr (arrangement) Christopher Idle (words) Richard Smallwood Nolan Williams Jr (arr) I Love the Lord He Heard My Cry (refrain)Īfrican American Spiritual Melvin CostenĪfrican American Spiritual Harry T. Wyatt Tee Walker (arrangment) Glenn Burleigh (refrain) Elderkin (refrain and music) Charles Wesley (stanzas) The second list that appears farther down the page is a list of all the songs that appaer in both Lift Up Your Hearts and the Africian American Heritage Hymnal. The following songs originate from the African American community, or are composed, arranged, or written by African Americans.
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