Going to church does not mean you are saved. That was accomplished at the cross and through your acceptance of that free gift. So, why go to church then? Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us to:
“Not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encourage one another” (NIV).
Christ modeled the idea of fellowship throughout His ministry.
The disciples continued this, carrying on with fellowship even before the Holy Spirit came upon them. Unfortunately, church attendance has been in decline in the United States. Here are some Scriptural examples of why a believer should make sure they attend a service every week.
Follow Christ’s Example
In numerous instances (Luke 4:16; Luke 6:6, and Mark 1:21), Jesus spent the Sabbath day in the Synagogue, teaching and reading Scriptures according to His custom. On the night of His betrayal, Jesus met with the Apostles in fellowship for the Last Supper and later brought some with Him to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. Paul spent a year in Antioch with Barnabas, ministering and fellowshiping with the early Church. Later, he instructed the church at Corinth to follow his example, as he followed Christ’s, and continue to join in fellowship.
Seek Communion with the Lord
Christ instructed the disciples that the Lord would be present when believers gathered together in His name. He also reminded them to always seek the Lord first and honor His Sabbath. Later, He instructed the disciples to teach new believers to follow His example and reiterated the promise to remain with the believers forever.
Share the Walk
Throughout the New Testament, believers are admonished to not forsake gathering together so that they would be strengthened, encouraged, held accountable, and helped in times of need. Paul reminded Timothy that he should be an example for the believers in his faith and work.
Worship the Lord
Christ instructed the disciples that believers should worship the Father, echoing the words of the Psalmist. Paul reminded the Corinthian believers to praise the Lord in everything they did and to do so together. He admonished the Roman believers to go to the church and worship by offering themselves as living sacrifices to God.
Be a Part of the Body of Christ
Proverbs reminded believers not to isolate themselves. Paul likened the church to a body, with each member having a role to fill and a function to perform. Each member has gifts which complement the body and bringing the gift into the church edifies and strengthens it. In writing to the church at Ephesus, he reminded the believers that Christ instructed Christians to equip each other for the work, building up the body. Later, he told the church at Corinth that each of them was a member of the body and that it was good for them to be present with the body.
Going to church helps you to commune with God and to stay connected with the body of Christ. Through the church, you will find help and solace, as well as a place to live out your faith in service to Christ.
COMMENTS