It amazes me how so many people, including newly, born again Christians, get it into their heads that church is not necessary.
Well this is my thought on the matter.
Many new Christians have said, "why go to church? I can find out what the Bible means with my own intellect, just as well as a preacher can in his own human thinking. So why should I go to church?"
Believe it or not these people do have a point. We do have a brain, given as a gift by God to reason, think, decide, articulate, use common sense through processes of thought and reason.
We have so much potential as human beings. And part of that potential, when we have chosen the path of Christ, is to lift each other up with encouragement, love, kindness, understanding, prayer and so much more! But how are all of these things to be accomplished? Through fellowship, coming together!
I decided to use actual definitions of the word fellowship:
fel·low·ship /ˈfelōˌSHip/Noun:
1. Friendly association, esp. with people who share one's interests.
2. A group of people meeting to pursue a shared interest or aim.
Synonyms: companionship - friendship -comradeship - association
1. a. The condition of sharing similar interests, ideals, or experiences, as by reason of profession, religion, or nationality.
b. The companionship of individuals in a congenial atmosphere and on equal terms.
2. A close association of friends or equals sharing similar interests.
3. Friendship; comradeship.
Many of these are repeating the same definition, but that is because they are from two different sources [I googled it :) ] Anyway I think you get the picture.
Romans 1:12 NLT
When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.
Fellowship, from a Christian standpoint, is coming together in friendship, to encourage, pray for one another and share the same interest and our mutual interest is to worship and study the word of a living God. Wouldn't you agree that is the whole purpose of the church, at least it should be.
I know many churches, due to conflicts of beliefs or interpretations have divided into denominations and many do not participate in worshiping our Lord, but that was the whole reason we were created! (however that is another blog for another day)
To stay on topic, back to the definition of fellowship. In the first definition, number 2, I highlighted the word "pursue." Why? Because that is what we are doing in our meetings and daily lives. We are pursuing that relationship with God and desiring to know Him in a more intimate way! We are pursuing a life that Jesus Christ led!
Now to define the church. Yes, I think you know where I'm going with this.
Acts 12:5 NLT
But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.
I love this scripture, because when I read it I have to laugh. You must be thinking what's so funny about this verse? I'll tell you.
Many view the church as being a building. And in a way that is true. But if we simply thought of the church as being a building with doors, chairs, pews, stages, etc., then this scripture is funny. Because how does a "church" building "pray earnestly"? Yes, I know that is a silly way to look at it, but it's true. Many people think that is all the church is, but that is wrong. We are the church! The church building did not pray earnestly for Peter, the people prayed earnestly.
You may be thinking, she is proving the point of the people who think it isn't necessary to go to church, because if we are the church then why go to a church building. We have access to a Bible and she proved we can reason for ourselves what it means. My answer to that is bear with me, I'm getting to my point and no I am not proving they are correct.
We still must consider what the Bible says about fellowship concerning the church.
Hebrews 10:25 NLT
And let us [the church] not neglect our meeting [fellowship] together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Yes I reasoned for myself and interpreted this scripture without immediate aid of a preacher, but I also proved that the scripture clearly states that coming together in fellowship to encourage one another should never be neglected. The latter part of the verse is important: especially now that the day of his return is drawing near!
The time is drawing near. I believe that now more than ever. Of course, I don't know the day or the hour, but we are to live our lives as Jesus lived his life, sinless and walking daily with the Father, and live everyday expecting His return.
In conclusion, is it necessary to go to church? Yes! In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with going to church. The people in the church are meant to be encouragers! We are not perfect, but we desire to be as much like Christ as possible! I love the church I go to! I'm excited about what God is doing in our worship, our pastor, and many in the congregation. Our hearts and spirits are being stirred by our desire and pursuit of God! I am always encouraged by my family! That is also what the church in America needs to be--a family.
In a society where families are being torn apart, there should be a place where people can go to. If we have been transformed into the likeness of Christ, then we should be that family where the hurt, broken hearted, downtrodden, disappointed, lonely people can turn to. If we do not come together to lift each other up with encouraging words we've received from God for a specific person or even addressing the whole congregation, then how are we going to be strengthened in faith.
1 Corinthians 14:26 NLT
Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you. (emphasis added)
And can we strengthen each other if we do not fellowship with each other, whether it is in an official church building, a home group, or out in the open air. [I particularly love the last one! Praising God and studying His word surrounded by His creation! It's truly amazing!]
The point of this blog is simply to encourage those who think it's not important to go to a church and become part of a church family. You can judge for yourself which church family is showing genuine love or just faking that they are glad to see you. Look around Find the church that God has for you, in fact seek Him and ask where it is He wants you.
I can't completely change how people view the church, but I can at least express my heart and what God has put on my heart to share.
If you are not a Christian, and hate the church and have not experienced a true church family who have the love of Christ for you, then please search for it. If you are not a Christian, and hate the church, but have been to one, then I am sorry, because your experience must have been a bad one. All I can say is don't give up the search. God is waiting with open arms. If you are a Christian and hate the church, then you hate your brothers and sisters in Christ. Harsh, you say? No. Just the truth.
Well this is my thought on the matter.
Many new Christians have said, "why go to church? I can find out what the Bible means with my own intellect, just as well as a preacher can in his own human thinking. So why should I go to church?"
Believe it or not these people do have a point. We do have a brain, given as a gift by God to reason, think, decide, articulate, use common sense through processes of thought and reason.
We have so much potential as human beings. And part of that potential, when we have chosen the path of Christ, is to lift each other up with encouragement, love, kindness, understanding, prayer and so much more! But how are all of these things to be accomplished? Through fellowship, coming together!
I decided to use actual definitions of the word fellowship:
fel·low·ship /ˈfelōˌSHip/Noun:
1. Friendly association, esp. with people who share one's interests.
2. A group of people meeting to pursue a shared interest or aim.
Synonyms: companionship - friendship -comradeship - association
1. a. The condition of sharing similar interests, ideals, or experiences, as by reason of profession, religion, or nationality.
b. The companionship of individuals in a congenial atmosphere and on equal terms.
2. A close association of friends or equals sharing similar interests.
3. Friendship; comradeship.
Many of these are repeating the same definition, but that is because they are from two different sources [I googled it :) ] Anyway I think you get the picture.
Romans 1:12 NLT
When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.
Fellowship, from a Christian standpoint, is coming together in friendship, to encourage, pray for one another and share the same interest and our mutual interest is to worship and study the word of a living God. Wouldn't you agree that is the whole purpose of the church, at least it should be.
I know many churches, due to conflicts of beliefs or interpretations have divided into denominations and many do not participate in worshiping our Lord, but that was the whole reason we were created! (however that is another blog for another day)
To stay on topic, back to the definition of fellowship. In the first definition, number 2, I highlighted the word "pursue." Why? Because that is what we are doing in our meetings and daily lives. We are pursuing that relationship with God and desiring to know Him in a more intimate way! We are pursuing a life that Jesus Christ led!
Now to define the church. Yes, I think you know where I'm going with this.
Acts 12:5 NLT
But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.
I love this scripture, because when I read it I have to laugh. You must be thinking what's so funny about this verse? I'll tell you.
Many view the church as being a building. And in a way that is true. But if we simply thought of the church as being a building with doors, chairs, pews, stages, etc., then this scripture is funny. Because how does a "church" building "pray earnestly"? Yes, I know that is a silly way to look at it, but it's true. Many people think that is all the church is, but that is wrong. We are the church! The church building did not pray earnestly for Peter, the people prayed earnestly.
You may be thinking, she is proving the point of the people who think it isn't necessary to go to church, because if we are the church then why go to a church building. We have access to a Bible and she proved we can reason for ourselves what it means. My answer to that is bear with me, I'm getting to my point and no I am not proving they are correct.
We still must consider what the Bible says about fellowship concerning the church.
Hebrews 10:25 NLT
And let us [the church] not neglect our meeting [fellowship] together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Yes I reasoned for myself and interpreted this scripture without immediate aid of a preacher, but I also proved that the scripture clearly states that coming together in fellowship to encourage one another should never be neglected. The latter part of the verse is important: especially now that the day of his return is drawing near!
The time is drawing near. I believe that now more than ever. Of course, I don't know the day or the hour, but we are to live our lives as Jesus lived his life, sinless and walking daily with the Father, and live everyday expecting His return.
In conclusion, is it necessary to go to church? Yes! In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with going to church. The people in the church are meant to be encouragers! We are not perfect, but we desire to be as much like Christ as possible! I love the church I go to! I'm excited about what God is doing in our worship, our pastor, and many in the congregation. Our hearts and spirits are being stirred by our desire and pursuit of God! I am always encouraged by my family! That is also what the church in America needs to be--a family.
In a society where families are being torn apart, there should be a place where people can go to. If we have been transformed into the likeness of Christ, then we should be that family where the hurt, broken hearted, downtrodden, disappointed, lonely people can turn to. If we do not come together to lift each other up with encouraging words we've received from God for a specific person or even addressing the whole congregation, then how are we going to be strengthened in faith.
1 Corinthians 14:26 NLT
Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you. (emphasis added)
And can we strengthen each other if we do not fellowship with each other, whether it is in an official church building, a home group, or out in the open air. [I particularly love the last one! Praising God and studying His word surrounded by His creation! It's truly amazing!]
The point of this blog is simply to encourage those who think it's not important to go to a church and become part of a church family. You can judge for yourself which church family is showing genuine love or just faking that they are glad to see you. Look around Find the church that God has for you, in fact seek Him and ask where it is He wants you.
I can't completely change how people view the church, but I can at least express my heart and what God has put on my heart to share.
If you are not a Christian, and hate the church and have not experienced a true church family who have the love of Christ for you, then please search for it. If you are not a Christian, and hate the church, but have been to one, then I am sorry, because your experience must have been a bad one. All I can say is don't give up the search. God is waiting with open arms. If you are a Christian and hate the church, then you hate your brothers and sisters in Christ. Harsh, you say? No. Just the truth.
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