Keep the Fire Burning: The Power of Community
It’s campfire season again.
As I scroll through social media, I see friends celebrating their first fires of the year, while others are enjoying quiet evenings around a fire table. For me, these images trigger fond memories of times spent at the family cottage—singing,laughing, sharing stories, and of course, eating s’mores.
More than the food or the warmth, it was about the bonding.
That sense of connection is exactly what happened in John chapter 21 (and Luke 24) when the disciples encountered Jesus around a campfire on the shore. Before that moment, they were struggling. They were devastated, discouraged,and honestly, a bit hopeless. But when they encountered Jesus over a meal by the fire, their eyes were opened. They declared, “It is the Lord!”
That revelation changed everything. It brought joy, encouragement, and a renewed hope for the future. Around that fire,they ate breakfast, shared stories, and simply enjoyed the presence of Jesus.
Why Gathering Matters
This is why coming together as the people of God is so vital. Jesus gave us a promise in Matthew 18:20: “Whenever two or three of you come together in my name, I am there with you.” Whether it’s around a campfire, over coffee, or in a living room, when we meet in His name, He is there. But community isn't just about feeling His presence; it’s about ministering to one another.
In community, we study: We let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly as we teach and admonish one another (Colossians 3:16).
In community, we pray: We confess our struggles and pray for each other so that we may be healed (James 5:16).
In community, we encourage: We build each other up, just as the early church did (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
I see this in action every day. I see it in our WhatsApp groups where leaders share scriptures and prayer requests across the miles. I’ve seen it in my own life through deep friendships—like my friend Don Mann—who have walked beside me through thick and thin. Faith was never meant to be a solo journey.
Clothed With Power
A fire needs fuel to keep burning. Before Jesus ascended, He gave the disciples a specific instruction: “Stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).
He knew that to be His witnesses "to the ends of the earth," they couldn't rely on their own strength. They needed the fire of the Holy Spirit.
Today, I want to encourage you: Keep the fire burning. Don’t isolate yourself. Find your community, gather around the "fire" of fellowship, and wait on the Holy Spirit to empower you for everything He has called you to do.
— Garry Fess