IS CHURCH IMPORTANT?

IS CHURCH IMPORTANT?

Heb 10:24-25

24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

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.

Ok! I know that preachers are always harping on this and the suspicion is that it has more to do with our reputation and our bankroll. But there it is – right there in the Bible! Why would God be helping preachers to enhance their reputation and their salaries? Maybe there are other reasons for attending church – reasons that benefit YOU.

In an internet article I found the following:

It is difficult to be the kind of Christian that God desires you to be apart from involvement in a local church. The church must be assembled in order to carry out many of its functions. These include:

The exercise of Spiritual gifts.

Everyone has been given at least one spiritual gift. These are not so that we might have more “fun” than we might enjoy otherwise. No, we are to edify (build up and make stronger) the church.

1 Cor 12:18

18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

1 Cor 12:26

26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

Mutual ministry in the family of God!

The Bible commands us to comfort one another, build up one another, confess our sins to one another, pray for one another, love one another, accept one another, admonish one another, serve one another, forgive one another.

1 Cor 12:25

25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

Accountability!

Heb 13:17

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.

The New Testament repeatedly emphasizes the importance of being in a local congregation and under the spiritual authority of church leadership. Congregational worship is not a suggestion, or a matter of personal preference. It is a command of Scripture and vital for the life of the church and for the life of each individual believer.

Dear Lord, today I will renew my commitment to be in your house. I will seek to encourage and to be encouraged. I will not hide my light under a bushel but will let it shine. I will use the gifts you have given me to strengthen my local church. AMEN