I told a story in Sunday School that I had read somewhere, and I believe it's worth telling here, also.

The story was about a Christian who had lost his zeal for attending church, and finally, he just quit going. He had various excuses he used as reasons, and just didn't see what difference it makes, anyway. He could read his Bible and say his prayers at home, and it was easier than getting up and getting ready and putting on a smile for the occasion. And he even used the one so many like...that he could talk with God just as well, fishing on the lake, as sitting in church.

One day, the pastor of the church came by, and sat down in front of the wood stove the man used for heat. He didn't mention church...they just did small talk. and as they talked, the pastor reached into the stove with the shovel used for reaching the ashes, and he brought out a glowing ember and laid it on the metal sheet under the stove, and just kept on with the small talk.

But it wasn't long until the coal began to cool and fade away. Then as the minister continued to talk about the weather and crops and such, he picked up the cold ember...and put it back in the stove. Immediately, it took on its fiery glow.

The man got the point, just as you did. Church is like the embers in that stove...they flourish together, but one fades away when away from the others.

When Jesus began choosing his 12 disciples, he went to the lake where they were fishing for their living, and told them they would be fishers of men. They followed Him, and what a difference they made to this world!

Christ is throwing you a line. Take the bait. You'll make a prize catch.