Gather: Loving Your Church as You Celebrate Christ Together

by Tony Merida Narrated by Marcus Jackman

Overview

Renew your understanding and enjoyment of gathering with your church and be excited by the ways that your presence can encourage others.

Why do we meet on Sundays?

Now that technology allows us to access services remotely, many see little need to meet face to face every week. Others think that because we have a personal relationship with Jesus as Christians, church is an optional add-on. For some, they know deep down that there is a reason why gathering on Sundays is important, but they are weary and don't feel excited about it. So what is the purpose of corporate worship, and what is our role in it?

In this book, Tony Merida highlights how in-person Sunday gatherings are central to God's plans and to our faith and joy. He reminds believers of their privileges as citizens of heaven, members of God's family, and stones in God's temple.

Readers will see how each part of a church service (preaching, praying, singing, baptism, Lord's Supper, and building each other up in conversations) are ways to enjoy and share God's grace, and are therefore essential for spiritual endurance. You'll also be reminded that your presence in corporate worship matters because you have a part to play in encouraging your brothers and sisters and spurring them to love and good deeds:

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Editorial Reviews

Jonty Allcock (Pastor of Globe Church

This book made me look forward to Sunday! Here, you’ll find a compelling and highly practical exploration of why we gather each week as God’s people.

Jason K. Allen (President

As a pastor, Tony Merida is giving his life to serving the local church. As a scholar, he uses his considerable gifts to bolster the church and those who serve it, through his teaching and writing ministry. Merida brings the full weight of his experience and gifting together in Gather. All who love the church will be encouraged by reading Gather, and every local church will be strengthened by applying its message.

Lucy Lyell (Chair

Tony Merida encourages us to move from spectating in directionless comfort to participating with joyful purpose. This book challenges us to reassess our individual motivations for gathering and to realign our hearts with the privilege we have in Christ—to praise and worship our Father God together. The biblical truths outlined in this book will renew our resolve to devote ourselves to our church gatherings (Acts 2:42).

Elizabeth Woodson (Bible teacher; Author)

With profound clarity, Tony Merida weaves together theological truth and practical wisdom to provide readers with a renewed vision of the beauty and necessity of the local gathering. In a cultural moment when more and more Christians believe they can hold on to Jesus while leaving behind his church, this is the book everyone needs to read!

Nick Tucker (Author

This timely book crackles with energy from cover to cover. The theological vision of church life that it offers is grand and exhilarating, yet it is grounded and practical, down to the value of a good night’s sleep on Saturday night! I hope that everyone in the church I pastor will read it, and I am excited to put its lessons into practice in my own life. You could easily read this book in a single sitting—which is great, because it is worth reading over and over.

This is a timely and necessary call to all who profess to love Jesus. Tony writes in a way that not only tells me why I need to gather but makes me want to. (Bible Teacher

Daniel L Akin (President

Gathering regularly to worship the risen Lord Jesus is essential to the health of the Christian and the health of the church. Without it, we will wither and eventually die spiritually. This book highlights both why we gather and what we do when we gather. Read it with much encouragement and profit.

Jason Allen (President

As a pastor, Tony Merida is giving his life to serving the local church. As a scholar, he uses his considerable gifts to bolster the church and those who serve it, through his teaching and writing ministry. Merida brings the full weight of his experience and gifting together in Gather. All who love the church will be encouraged by reading Gather, and every local church will be strengthened by applying its message.

Jonty Allcock (Pastor of Bush Hill Park Community Church

This book made me look forward to Sunday! Here, you’ll find a compelling and highly practical exploration of why we gather each week as God’s people.

Alistair Begg (Bible Teacher

This is a timely and necessary call to all who profess to love Jesus. Tony writes in a way that not only tells me why I need to gather but makes me want to.

Elizabeth Woodson (Author

With profound clarity, Tony Merida weaves together theological truth and practical wisdom to provide readers with a renewed vision of the beauty and necessity of the local gathering. In a cultural moment when more and more Christians believe they can hold on to Jesus while leaving behind his church, this is the book everyone needs to read!

Jonty Allcock (Pastor

This book made me look forward to Sunday! Here, you’ll find a compelling and highly practical exploration of why we gather each week as God’s people.

Danny Akin (President

Gathering regularly to worship the risen Lord Jesus is essential to the health of the Christian and the health of the church. Without it, we will wither and eventually die spiritually. This book highlights both why we gather and what we do when we gather. Read it with much encouragement and profit.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940159239198
Publisher:	One Audiobooks
Publication date:	09/13/2023
Series:	Love Your Church
Edition description:	Unabridged

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