One of the biggest deceptions in society today is that church attendance is not an important part of living a life for Christ and nothing could be further from the truth. As the body, it is important that Christians stay connected to the Head and one of the most effective ways of doing that is by attending regular church services. I often hear the popular quote, “going to church doesn’t make you any more a Christian than being in a garage makes you a Corvette.” Let me tell you, Corvettes do not have souls. While going to church does not guarantee a relationship with Jesus, it certainly does help having a group of strong believers in your corner. This is the topic I would like to touch on, the fact that going to church, in today’s society, is not necessary. I highly disagree and the following are reasons why church is important, with scripture to back it up.
First, church is God’s design. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus tells Peter where He will build His church. The fact that Jesus even mentions church should mean that it is important. The church is also referenced several times as the “body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:27; Romans 7:4). Also known as the bride of Christ, the church is the body of Jesus. We are His hands and feet. If a member is severed from the body, therefore cut off from the flow of blood –the life source– for too long, demise shortly follows. The same is true for believers. Does one need to go to church in order to get to heaven? The short answer is no. The thief on the cross, to our knowledge, never attended church, yet Jesus told him he would be with Him in paradise. Why is that? Because the thief knew who Jesus was and put his faith in Him, (Luke 23: 39-43). But I wholeheartedly believe that had the thief met Jesus under different circumstances, he would have gone to church.
The second reason to attend church is because of biblical instruction. Hebrews 10:25 says not to forsake assembling together. Regular church attendance allows us to learn more about God’s word and to have a better understanding of its meaning, as well as helps us grow in faith. When we listen to sermons, have bible studies, and attend Sunday school, we gain spiritual direction and nourishment. For me, when I listen to a sermon by a pastor that I know prays every day, who seeks wisdom from God, who prays that God would have right of way in all things, and who takes his relationship with Jesus as well as his calling very serious I know that the message he is delivering is God ordained and timely. My pastors have shared many sermons that I know were specifically written for me to hear that and know it was God who gave them the words to say. You cannot find that when you are by yourself.
The third reason church is important is because of fellowship and community. A good church with people who truly seek relationships with God is a safe place to talk about personal issues and to receive wise counsel. I know what you are thinking, not all churches are safe places, and you are right. But just because a church says it follows the teachings of God does not mean that it does. That is why it is especially important to not only go to church, but to find one that is biblical. If you are attending a church where you have experienced no spiritual growth, it is time to find a new one. It does not matter how long you’ve been a member; Jesus Christ doesn’t want us to stay at the same level. At some point we have to grow up. Having fellowship with other believers encourages and supports us during challenging times in our lives, it confronts our flesh and encourages spiritual maturity.
The fourth reason to attend church is because of the power of worship. Worshiping with other believers is powerful and magnifies God’s name. During worship, we draw closer to Him (Matthew 18:20) and welcome Him into our presence. Church worship with other believers establishes a unique environment that we otherwise would not be able to experience. I do think it is important to note that worship is a lifestyle, not something you only do on Sunday morning. At any rate, God deserves all our praise and what better way to praise Him than amongst other Christians truly seeking a closeness with Him just as you are?
The fifth reason, and arguably one of the most important reasons, is accountability. When we attend church, as we are listening to a sermon, we are challenged to live out our faith consistently. Have you ever heard a sermon that, after service, inspired you to take active steps toward growing closer to God? I know I have. It happens pretty regularly at my church. I am challenged to be bold about my faith to others, to step out of my comfort zone and witness to my unsaved family members, to give up things that are important to me so that my time is better spent serving the kingdom of God. I write blogs, not only because I enjoy writing, but because I heard a sermon at church challenging me to use the gifts that God has given me instead of sitting on them. My pastors hold us all accountable and correct us if need be. As a believer you need someone in your corner that will tell you the hard truth sometimes. Growth is often painful, but necessary.
The sixth reason to attend church is to discover and exercise spiritual gifts. Romans 12: 6-8; 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 speak on spiritual gifts and how each has a place in the body of Christ for specific reasons. God gives us all gifts to contribute to the church and it is important that we learn how to use them correctly and appropriately. Inside a biblical church is the most appropriate place to learn. If you are one who does not believe in spiritual gifts, then I encourage you to read the word of God and to seek His wisdom. There are numerous verses of scripture that will help you. Remember, praying before reading the word of God is important.
The last reason to attend church is to serve others by learning about witnessing and outreaching. Church is full of people from all walks of life and every one of them were witnessed to, at various points in their lives and chose to give their hearts to Christ. Church is about seeing needs and meeting them. You cannot be a taker of everything and a giver of nothing Christian. That is the exact opposite of what Christ tells us. John 13: 34-35 tells us that Christ has commanded us to love each other. Love, in the correct manner, is selfless. My church is extremely active with several ministries to join. When you join a ministry, you are serving the church. Ministry teaches us how to work with others and helps us live out our faith, thus becoming more effective witnesses for Christ. The Great Commission is to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). (“Go and Make Disciples: Matthew 28:19 Meaning – Christianity”) It is the continued work of Christ.
In conclusion, church is an important environment for Christians to be a part of because that’s how God intended it to be. The emphasis of building the church in the New Testament was not by man’s doing, but by God. I do not think Paul would have written as many letters to the church instructing them to stick to the gospel that Jesus preached, if church settings were not important for our spiritual growth. But Jesus called Paul to be an apostle and through Paul, the Lord was able to build a foundation that paved the way for Christians today. It is important to note that I am not condemning you for not attending church. I am simply encouraging you to find one if you have not already. As always, do not take my word alone. Go and read your bible. Seek the Lord’s wisdom. I know that through His will, all things will be done for His good.
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Amber Flippen
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