As a Christian, we are told to get affiliated with a church. Why? It seems as though I am closer to God when I am not associated with church attendance than when I am. So the real question is, If I am able to attend church what would be God’s purpose for me in attending? What does the bible have to say about it?
Many people complain that going to church is a waste of time. They complain that the church consists of too many hypocrites. Why go there, if we can worship God also at home? Is it really necessary to go to church? What do the Scriptures say about that?
It is true that being a Christian means first and foremost to have a personal relationship with your Saviour Jesus Christ. Matt 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness…” NIV Nothing is more fulfilling to have Jesus as your friend, and have Him guide you. The world can take our job away. It can also take our possessions and our family away. It can even take our church away, but nothing and nobody can take that relationship with your Maker away. This is why so many Christians can endure the persecutions they are undergoing!
Please note that Mat 6:33 does not say “Seek only”. It says “Seek first”. There are other aspects in our Christian life that we need o seek. Is going to church one of them?
As being a Christian means to follow Jesus’ example (What would Jesus do?), let us see what kind of example He demonstrated towards the church of His time while He was in Israel.
Luke 4:16-22 “He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked.” NIV
It was Jesus’ custom to go to church. Was His church any better than ours? What did Jesus have to say about it’s leaders? Matt 23:13 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.” NIV
It doesn’t seem that the church in Jesus’ days were exemplary. Even in those days there were a lot of hypocrites, even among its leaders! Did this stop Jesus from going to church? No. If it didn’t stop Jesus, our example, from going to church, why should it stop us?
Notice what Jesus did when He went to church: He testified about His father! What a great opportunity to share the gospel! As the church does not consist of perfect people, but sinners, many do not have a personal relationship with their Maker. We can be instrumental in helping them find Jesus in their life. Didn’t Jesus use this opportunity of going to church to share the joy of knowing God?
Now, did Jesus’ disciples go to church after Jesus’ ascension to heaven or did they stop altogether from going to church at all?
Luke 24:52-53 “Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.” NIV
Even the disciples went to church continually after Jesus ascension to heaven. They used this as a way to praise God and share their joy with others.
Were there any hypocrites and sinners in the early church? Absolutely! 1 Cor 5:1-2 “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife. And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have been filled with grief and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this?” NIV This is but one reference to hypocrites and sinners being present in a certain church. There were many other cases listed in the New Testament.
You see, not all those who go to church are saved. The church consists of sinners and God gives us the opportunity to be blessed by helping those people find Jesus in their life, while praising God at the same time! Praise be to God!
What are some reasons to go to church, besides following Jesus’ example?
Ps 84:4 “Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.” NIV
There is a blessing uttered to those going to church! It’s a great place to praise God and share your joy with others!
Mic 4:2 “Many nations will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” NIV
At church God will teach you His ways as you hear His Word being spoken and it will give you direction for your week. No matter how bad the sermon is, or how hypocritical the congregation is, God will use some aspect of the service to speak to the heart of the sincere seeker of God’s presence.
Heb 10:25 “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” NIV
It is also a place where you encourage one another and give each other support by listening to one another, helping one another, loving one another and pray for one another.
My friend, you do not need to carry your burdens all by yourself. Great support is available at your church. Yes, there are hypocrites, but there are also some genuine Christians available. Help is available. Why not reach out to that help?
Maybe you are wondering how you can share your faith with others? Again the church is a great place, as many that come are unsaved. Why wait any longer? Come and join your local church and feel blessed by the Lord Himself. If you don’t know Jesus, why don’t you invite Him in your heart right now? Answer His call at http://www.answers2prayer.org/saviours_call.html.
Rob Chaffart
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INTRODUCTION
The English word ‘church’ is derived from the Greek adjective kyriakos as used in some such phrase as kyriakon doma or kriake oikia, meaning ‘the Lord’s house’ i.e. a Christian place of worship. Church in the New Testament, however, renders Grk. Eeklesia, which mostly designates a local congregation of Christians and never a building. Although we often speak of these congregations collectively as the NT church or the early churchesn, no NT writer uses ekklesia in this collective way. An ekklesia was a meeting or assembly. It commonest use was for the public assembly of citizens duly summoned, which was a feature of all the cities outside Judae where the gospel was planted (e.g. Acts 19:39; ekklesia was also used among the Jews for the congregation of Israel which was constituted at Sinai.
In Acts, James, 3 John, Revelation and the earlier Pauline letters, ‘church’ is always a particular local congregation.
WHY MUST I GET AFFILIATED WITH THE CHURCH OF GOD?
Acts 20:25 – 31 “Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Remember that for three year I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.”
From the above scriptures you will notice that there is a correlation of almost all the verses with the definition of a church. After ministering the Gospel to the people, Paul encouraged them to keep watch over themselves. That means getting them organized. It could be home cells, a particular place – large enough to contain believers of the same faith. Paul was encouraging the apostles to be the shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with his own blood. This is because there were wolves then and there are still wolves in the world today. There was an emphasis that they should be together to study the scriptures, pray share, and embrace the doctrine of Christ so they can know the truth and for the truth to make them free.
Look at II Timothy 3: 14-15 “Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth”.
Paul was seen here giving instructions to Timothy about organization and fellowship in the church. Your local church will make you disciplined in your faith. When you are wrong, your pastor will be in position to correct you. Look at what
I Timothy 5:20 has to say when someone who is a believer goes wrong:
“Them that sin rebuke before all, that other also may fear” (KJV)
Who are others? They are co-believers in church. The church regulates your spiritual and moral life in order that you can be a witness and ultimately make heaven. You must not only be in church, you must have someone that will give account of your soul before the Lord.
Look at Hebrews 13:17: “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you”. KJV
Can you see that? It’s important you belong to a church that believes the Bible so that your conducts and spiritual life can be regulated according to God’s standard.
THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE BELIEVERS IS CRUCIAL TO GOD
Acts 2:42-27 “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and the apostles did many wonders and miraculous signs. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Everyday they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved”.
You should realize from the above scripture that you are not an island to yourself. We need one another in order to do the work of God. You cannot stay in isolation and shake the Kingdom of God against the devil. The work of the Kingdom must be cooperatively done to achieve great result for the glory of God. Gifts in the church when used to the glory of God make God happier and build His church. Please read I Corinthians chapters 12 and I4 respectively. You are needed in the body of Christ. You are a member of the body of Christ if you have been sincerely born again!
THE CHURCH IS A NEW TESTAMENT BELIEF
Acts 18:18-22 “Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Acquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchrea because of a vow he had taken. They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Acquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. When they asked him to send more time with them, he declined. But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will”. Then he set sail from Ephesus. When he landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch”.
Look at Apostle Paul, a church planter visiting churches and leaving words of encouragement. It was his style of administration to visit churches and encourage them and also challenge them to move forward in the Christian faith.
GOD’S EXPECTATION FROM YOU: DO NOT BE YOKED WITH UNBELIEVERS
II Cor. 6:14-18 “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people”
Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you and I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty”
You have been bought with a price. The priceless blood of Jesus Christ!. He has redeemed you for a purpose. No only must you fellowship with other believers in the local church, you must also represent Him in holiness and righteousness wherever you are.
MORE SCRIPTURAL BASIS FOR BEING IN CHURCH
Psalm 122:1 “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go to the house of the LORD”
Psalm 55:14 “We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company”
Psalm 132:7 “We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool”
Acts 3:1-3 “Now Peter and john went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John abut to go into the temple asked an alms” (KJV)
FINAL CHARGE!
Hebrews 10:25
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another: and so much the more as ye see the day approaching” (KJV)
Hebrews 3:13 “But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of your sin”
God bless you!
Rev Debo Adeyemo
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As a Christian, we are told to get affiliated with a church. Why? It seems as though I am closer to God when I am not associated with church attendance than when I am. So the real question is, If I am able to attend church what would be God’s purpose for me in attending? What does the bible have to say about it?
“My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you: Ask what you can do for your country.” John F. Kennedy
These words from President John F. Kennedy’s inagural speech are well known to all Americans and also to most of the world. I would suggest that they may well be re-written to read;
“My fellow Christians, ask not what your church can do for you: Ask what you can do for your church.”
It seems to me that the asker of the above question has been disappointed with his or her church experience. While it may be true that one can remain a Christian while not affiliated with a church, such a person will be devoid of the company and experience of like minded people. It is common for someone in this position to slowly drift away. Membership of a church is nothing more than meeting regularly with others who are also Christian, for mutual support and fellowship. A person who does not share with others is also not giving of him or herself to others. Nor are they participating in the body of Christ.
There is a biblical principle that we have to give in order to get.
Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Hiding one’s light and not sharing it with others (being a Christian and not fellowshipping with others) will result in the person concerned not receiving anything. Such a person might well ask such a question as the one above. If you are not getting anything from your church experience, it is probably because you are not putting anything into it.
We are exhorted in the bible to fellowship with each other. Here are some references.
Romans 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
2 Corinthians 8:4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
Romans 15:1 ¶ We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Romans 15:2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
Galatians 6:1 ¶ Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Romans 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
Romans 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
Romans 12:7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Romans 12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
The sense of the above verses is that we should meet together. We should do so because each of us has different spiritual gifts with which we can enrich the experience of others. The whole focus is for the good of others not of oneself. Keeping to oneself and not sharing one’s gifts with others is therefore a selfish attitude and not in accordance with biblical instruction.
Not being able to get anything from meeting with others (church) indicates an attitude that one is already perfect and has no need of instruction; a very dangerous attitude because we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. A church should not be a ‘club’ for Christians, but a ‘hospital’ for sinners.
1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
We should understand that the temptations and weaknesses we each have are common to man and that we need to confess our faults to others and pray for each other to be strengthened. This is the kind of facility a church should provide.
If you, like the asker of this question are getting nothing from your church then I strongly suggest to you that you answer ‘The Savior’s Call’ in this newsletter. It may also be that your church is steeped in tradition, and not fulfilling it’s purpose as a ‘hospital’ for sinners. If that is the case it is time to look around for a Spirit filled church that can minister to your needs and allow you to minister to others from your own Christian experience.
Lance Wearmouth
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I think the question of why Christians need to attend church is a very important one. Based on what the Bible says, I don’t believe the “solitary path” is an option for Christians.
Many people interpret the following passage to mean that Christians are not to pray with others (text is from the New International Version of the Holy Bible): “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what it done in secret, will reward you.”-Matthew 6:5-6 In context, though, this means that Christians are not to pray publicly for the sake of drawing attention to themselves or demonstrating their piety. This passage should NOT be interpreted to mean that Christians may not pray in the presence of others.
The Bible as a whole demonstrates the public worship has always been a central part of Jewish and Christian belief. (The Old Testament alone has MANY examples of such worship). Christianity, as it’s shown throughout the New Testament, is a community-centered faith. The early Christian community gathered on Sundays for the breaking of the bread, or communion. This is still the practice of many churches. Much of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians is focused on appropriate behavior at prayer services. Obviously, this was very important to the Christian community.
Probably the strongest argument for church attendence is from the Book of Hebrews: “10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Due to persecution, some had fallen away from attending worship services. Most of the Christian community, however, continued to practice their faith, even if it meant death. If community worship was important enough for them, no matter what the risk, it should still be important to all Christians today.
What about a Christian who is aware of this but still refuses to fellowship with others? I won’t attempt to judge others, but Hebrews 10:26-27, states: “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.” While only God can rightfully judge who goes to heaven or hell, Christians should not go back to their old ways once they have become believers, because to do so may have serious consequences.
Also, since the Body of Christ is made up of all believers, we all need to be a part of the larger Christian community, “Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.”-I Corinthians 12:14-20 A “church of one” isn’t really a part of God’s plan for the Body of Christ.
I hope this helps, and God Bless.
AJ Demers
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It is an Expression of our Love for God. It is where we can gather with other believers to publicly bear witness of our faith and trust in God, something that is required of all Christians (Matt. 10:32-33) ………….The psalmist wrote, “I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You” (Psa. 22:22).
People are often motivated toward church attendance for how it will bless themselves, however we should remember that the primary purpose of the corporate gathering is to bring “service” to the Lord as a blessing to Him (Psa. 134:2).
Paul states that Christians face a wrestling match with the Devil and his evil spiritual forces, and warns that the church must put on spiritual armor for protection, as it will take everything at our disposal to stand (Eph. 6:10-18).
In such a gathering, Christ is able to do things in hearts that he may not at any other time. The scripture says that God inhabits the praise of His people (Psa. 22:3), and in such an atmosphere the Holy Spirit will often manifest spiritual gifts that minister to the body of Christ. “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:20).
Gathering together also has compounded importance to the relationship of the Christian brethren. The Bible makes it clear that a right relationship with God requires a “vertical” and “horizontal” alignment — that is, we must have a vertical fellowship with God and a horizontal fellowship with other believers. It is not possible to love God and refuse to love the brethren.
One of the most important reasons that we go to church is to practice love toward the brethren in the form of fellowship. The Bible clearly shows that if we have a right relationship with God, we have fellowship with others believers. “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Keeping ourselves in love and harmony with other believers keeps us humble before God so that Christ’s blood can continue to cleanse us from our sins.
We are reminded that a great part of the purpose of the gathering is for the consideration of our brethren, coming together to help motivate and encourage one another. This is a responsibility charged to every believer. To reject church attendance, is a rejection of one of the sacred duties of the believer.
More strong evidence that proves that we’re to be a part of a church fellowship, is that we’re told to submit to the authority of spiritual leaders (within the boundaries of God’s Word). “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you” (Heb. 13:17). God designed this system of accountability for the progress and protection of His flock. Obviously, this really isn’t possible unless we are a part of an organized fellowship which has identified elders, pastors, or leaders.
The Bible indicates that agreement in prayer with other believers has special favor with God. “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven” (Matt. 18:19). There is multiplied strength in the combined faith of God’s people, and it is clear that greater spiritual gains can be realized through corporate prayer and worship. This agrees with how God has historically blessed the union of His people in battle against their enemies. “Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight; your enemies shall fall by the sword before you” (Lev. 26:8).
MAY ALL BE BLESSED!
DeeDee
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The Bible says forsake not the assembling of yourselves together, like some do, but exhort one another, and so much the more as ye see The Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 A coal that falls from the fire soon goes out. God bless
Noeline
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This is a wonderful question that I have discussed with many believers that do not attend church. The bible says that we are not to forsake the assembly of ourselves together as the manner of some is. The word alone is enough. but, since he says line upon line, precept upon precept…
Jesus went to church. He listened and was taught in the synagogue since he was twelve, the Jewish age of accountability. He then taught in the temple . We say we want to be like him…..do the things that he did. He could have stayed by himself to seek the Father alone, fellowship and communicate with him alone. If he had done this , he would have been denying the purpose for which he was sent. Not to only redeem those that are lost, but to teach them, lead by example.
Be persecuted. murdered ……we cannot accomplish this at home. Many of us are strengthened in church by corporate prayer, singular prayer. As in a barbeque pit, when you start the fire, the coals should be piled up on each other. If they are separate when the fire starts, the charcoal will die out… Just like us, when we are not in the assembly of saints, we die out.
Also, if we are not taught by one sent, weird stuff gets going in us. The enemy will come and give us perverse interpretations of the bible.
And lastlly, it takes a diamond to cut another diamond. When we are alone, we are not rubbed the wrong way as when we are around another saint. How can we tell exactly where we are in the Lord if we don’t have other imperfect people, “messing” with us, causing us to get better or bitter, come to God pressing in, or just saying I am too holy too be dealing with mere, mortal man. God did not mean for us to fellowship alone. He loves us to be with his people. Everything he set up in the wilderness was a pre-condition for us today in the body of Christ.
Elaine Moore
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Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (The Anointed One and His Anointing). I pray that the Holy Spirit will open our eyes about God’s purpose for attending a church service.
Let us look at the original definition of the word “church”. The Greek word is ekklesia which means a called out assembly or a body of Christian believers in heaven and on earth. If we have confessed Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, then we have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light.
In the book of Matthew 18:19-20, Jesus said, “Verily I say unto you, That if any two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Jesus also said “…upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18).
When all of the saints are gathered together with on accord, then God releases a corporate anointing that will break and destroy yokes and remove burdens. Remember what happened in Acts chapter 2. Everyone was with one accord in one place. Therefore, the Holy Spirit came upon each of them and they began to speak in tongues and a sermon was preached and three thousand souls were saved. I am said all of that to say that it is vital to be connected to a Bible preaching, Bible believing church where the Bible is put into action on a daily basis. This will enhance your walk with the Lord. Hebrews 10:25 (Amplified Bible) says” Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching.”
Another reason for being connected to a Bible preaching, Bible believing church is that God has blessed you with gifts to serve Him in a particular ministry and God has blessed other people with gifts to benefit you. Allow God to use you to be a blessing to the Body of Christ and allow God to bless you through the Body of Christ. Ask the Lord to lead you to the church that He wants you in. May God bless you as you seek Him for direction.
Melvin Lewis