
Why go to church?
There are many reasons to be involved in our local church but let us focus on one… we all want to be known by God as an active and faithful servant in His Kingdom. With the Rapture of the church (I Thessalonians 4:16-17) fast approaching, we need to be in a constant state of spiritual preparedness. No Christian who believes the Bible is True wants to be caught off course pursing selfish pleasures and treasures.
Hebrews 10:23-25,” Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
It is important to develop meaningful relationships with people who understand how to exercise Biblical integrity. A mature Christian is not someone who has attained Godly perfection but has learned how to walk in the perfection of God’s grace that was provided through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. A Christ centered community will greatly encourage you to grow deeper in your relationship with God, will help you move beyond your sin, failures and insecurities, and will encourage you to accomplish the calling and purposes of God upon your life. You can also help others do the same.
Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
There are many people who go to church out of obligation, religious duty, or in an effort to earn the favor of God, their parents, or others. Going to church does not make us a Christian any more than going to McDonald’s makes us a Happy Meal. Worshiping God is more than a place we go physically. Worship is a God centered response to every circumstance and temptation we encounter. We can fool other people most of the time but we can never disguise our motives before God. If the condition of you heart is corrupted by sin and self- absorbed behavior so will be your actions, conversations and behavior.
Psalm 139:2-4, ”You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.”
Personal Spiritual maturity is propelled by being a part of a church that focuses on preaching the entire Word of God and knows how to demonstrate the love of Christ.
II Timothy 3:16, “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
No one knows the date or time when their life on earth will end. Each individual has to make a choice to accept God’s salvation plan through faith In Jesus Christ or reject it. Although spiritual growth is an individual commitment we make to God,…a Bible teaching, Christ centered church gives us a place to be planted and rooted in Godly fellowship. Being involved and committed to Godly fellowship will help keep our personal journey with God on track. God has not called us to be undercover secret agents that work alone. He has called us all to be a part of the Body of Christ.
Thanks, Rob! As we continue into the Easter season…if you’re one who only attends Church on holidays such as Easter, I strongly encourage you to find a church home to attend on a regular basis. Just like Rob said above, as Christians, we all need the fellowship of like-minded people for encouragement and even accountability. It’s true, you can worship or “be spiritual” anywhere, but your physical presence in a church provides you with the opportunity for growth in your walk with Christ.
Until next time…
Happy Blogging!
