When souls are won to Christ they leave the ranks of the kingdom of darkness and they enter the fellowship of the saints in light. They turn their backs on the things of the world, and they now face toward the kingdom of heaven. For all such who depart from the evils of this sinful world, God has provided a home. That home is the church. The Lord calls it “the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10), and all the members are recognized as “sons and daughters” of the Most High (2 Corinthians 6:18). The church of God on earth is also a refuge, a fortress; it is a haven of rest for all who are weary and who need the comfort and solace of divine grace. The church as a home is a place where all can find the joy of family relationship, where all are brothers and sisters, with the great God as their heavenly Father. For all, this home provides divine security, daily nourishment, and family affection.BSPC 185.4

Family life in the providence of God brings great comfort and joy to each of its members. So it should be in the church of Christ. What wonderful words of consolation God has given through His servants the prophets. We read:BSPC 186.1

“Comfort you, comfort you my people, says your God. Speak you comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned.” Isaiah 40 1, 2.BSPC 186.2

It is the plan of God that His people find comfort in fellowship and in communion one with the other. We are to enjoy communion with Him and also know communion with the saints. “The word ‘fellowship’ means participation, partnership.”—Gospel Workers, 392.BSPC 186.3

Such fellowship we are to experience with God (1 John 1:3), with Christ (1 Corinthians 1:9), with the Holy Spirit (Philippians 2:1), with the gospel (Philippians 1:5), with the saints (1 John 1:7), and with the sufferings of Christ (Philippians 3:10). What a prospect is held out before us as we enjoy communion with Jesus. Note the following encouraging words:BSPC 186.4

“Heavenly beings woo the hearts of men; they bring to this dark world light from the courts above; by gentle and patient ministry they move upon the human spirit, to bring the lost into a fellowship with Christ which is even closer than they themselves can know.”—The Desire of Ages, 21.BSPC 186.5

The church is the place where God’s children learn to live together in Christian fellowship; it is there that the grand rehearsal is enacted for living together in heaven. Many will be the lessons to be learned; many will be the experiences we shall be called to endure. If we are faithful, however, and kind and sympathetic in our dealings one with the other, our characters will be perfected, and we shall be made ready for the everlasting kingdom of our God. We may take comfort as we look upon the restless waves dashing their spray upon the seashore. There we see the pebbles on the beach with the waves constantly grinding them one against the other. This grinding process results in smoothing them until they are well rounded. This aptly illustrates the experience that comes to us in our church life, and how, as a result, God plans to round out our characters and fit them to live with Him forever.BSPC 186.6

The Purpose in All Our Preaching

Missionary Service Through the Church