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In our Sunday School class we have been going through the book of Acts. I like history, so the book of Acts has always held a particular interest for me. It just so happens that I've also been listening to some theology classes on Ecclisiology - the branch of theology that is concerned with the nature, constitution and functions of a church. So naturally these two have intersected and gotten me thinking about the church.
I've always gone to church. I was taken to church from the time I was born and to me it's just a natural thing to do. In fact, I've never even considered not going to church. But as I've been thinking about the church and it's role and purpose I've had to stop and ask myself a rather simple question - Why do I go to church? It seemed like such a simple question, but the answer didn't come quite as easily as I thought it would.
Have you ever asked yourself that question? If you would, I'd like you to ask yourself that same question and then comment. I'm really interested to see what types of answers we get.
I too was raised going to church. I walked away from the Lord for many years, and coming back I just thought the natural thing to do was come to church. I grew closer to the Lord through my church because I was taught the bible, before I can't really tell you what I learned. I became close to some very loving people and that made my "church" experience something deeper that worshiping the Lord. I am a student of the Gospel and I can't get enough of the teachings of the bible. My heart is connected to my church through the teaching and family I find there.
ReplyDeleteWe can worship God & study the Bible on our own. We don't need another person in order to do both...only the Holy Spirit of God. However, meeting together with those of like-mind is fulfilling & rewarding to me personally and spiritually. We're taught that 'iron sharpens iron' and we know it's true because we've experienced it in the church. The Bible teaches us our responsibility regarding one another (other believers), and in order to practice those things we must be in community, i.e. the body of Christ. The Bible also teaches that God gave each of us certain gifts for use in edifying one another. It's very clear to me why I desire to be in a church group, because there I can put into practice those things that the Word tells me I should do/be, and I think we all agree there is nothing more satisfying and rewarding as obeying the Lord.
ReplyDeleteGood question, Derricke. Good comments by Diane and Sandy. Being in an assembly of the visible body of Christ is a unique experience. To me the church is a plan of God. In Scripture, He has put forth the design by giving us the understanding of leaders and their role in leading us. He desires for us to be taught. He desires for us to be led. Therefore, even when we see the church flawed in everyday life, it is important that we realize it is in the heart of God and design of God for us to "be church, have church, go to church." I also have the example of seeing what going to church does for people and how we imperfect people still grow and change with each other. There is the example of those not in church because of whatever and it isn't working to their good.
ReplyDeleteOver the years, I have asked myself the question of why attending church was important. I would want to give up on attending, but I knew that I wouldn't have wanted to the church to quit existing. If I didn't want the church to quit existing, then should I not attend. As I have had this question arise more than once in my life and after going through the process, I have always come back to the simple conclusion that I need a local church body desperately for my very existence. The comments above are all good and true. Even without the Scripture, I know from personal experience that church is necessary for me. As one has commented above, the local church has its human flaws,nevertheless, it is important for me. I can not answer the question of why do I attend church any other way than to say without it I would be a much different and weaker person. I need the local body of people to allow me to have my questions, my doubts, my weaknesses in order to develop strength in those very areas.
ReplyDeleteSandy, it's easy to tell we have a very similar understanding of the reason for *Church*. The Church is where Believers in Christ come to meet for singing praises, receiving instruction in God's Word, to be with like-minded people who encourage, challenge, model Christ-like qualities (or not)and we are provided an opportunity to serve one another.
ReplyDeleteAlso, during the early years of the Church and probably, too, among the persecuted Christians around the world, the Church (assembly) was/is a place of refuge and help. Believers are called on to help meet the material and spiritual needs of each other.
One of the things that struck me several years ago was the verse which says that "God added to His Church".... which spoke volumes to me when I considered the *pressure* to bring people in. God is very aware of the needs of each local Body and sovereignly adds to each what is lacking. Many times, either out of a sense of incompetency, spiritual wisdom, or allowed opportunities...a person might not be utilizing their gift; ie. the reason God placed them there in the first place. When I realized that *I* was there for a reason, it changed my perspective and gave me a sense of purpose...instead of being just an occupier of a pew. God thought I had something to offer to His people and I needed to be available.