Why should I go to Church?

 

I have had this question come up several times this week. 

Why should I go to Church?

I have heard comments that “So-and-so doesn’t go to church because the church was judgmental and treated me like I was a second class citizen,” or “They don’t go to church because the preacher preached about money too much,” or “They don’t go to church because the pastor spoke over my head.” The excuses go on and on and on. There are a lot of voices in this world keeping people from experiencing church. As the body of Christ, the Church needs to be aware of our flaws. Yes, we have flaws. The Church is made up of flawless people on a journey to be like Jesus. We are not there yet, but we have committed to staying the course. The Church is the best place to PRACTICE grace, mercy, and forgiveness. If your church is made up of perfect people, I would seek another church. The people are living a lie. So, yes, it takes a little work and effort to find a group of believers that are real, a pastor who is connected with the LORD first and with his people. Those kind of churches are out there. I have attended several of them. FIND ONE!

So, WHY DO WE NEED TO GO TO CHURCH?

First of all the Bible tells us to (do we want to obey Scripture?):

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return in drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

If you are one of those people that just rush in as the service is beginning and rush out without saying anything to anyone or interacting, yes, you might as well not even go. I am sure the sermons and the music are wonderful. We are supposed to enter his courts with thanksgiving and praise. (Psalm 100:4) We are supposed to learn from the teaching (Ephesians 4:11-13) But, who did you encourage, who did you motivate to acts of love and good works. If you are one of those “stealth-church attenders” you are missing the point!

Maybe you are supposed to attend church to help someone else on their walk of faith. Maybe you are supposed to let someone else help you. Maybe your family needs it. Maybe your kids need that foundation in their lives. Maybe YOU need that rock to stand on when the rains and storms of life come your way!

Acts 2:42 is the clearest verse in telling us the mission:

“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing meals (including the Lord’s Supper) and to prayers.” (Acts 2:42) 

In Acts 13, there was a sorcerer trying to keep the governor from believing:

“ But Elymas, the sorcerer (as his name means in Greek), interfered and urged the governor to pay no attention to what Barnabas and Saul said. He was trying to keep the governor from believing.” (Acts 13:8)

There are many things in this life trying to speak to you saying, “don’t go, it’s not worth it, what’s the use, …” That is exactly the reason you SHOULD be going. There are evil forces in this world. They want nothing less than to keep you separate from God. Besides,….

Life is better when we Go To Church!