Why Should I Go To Church?
Is Not Going To Church A Sin?
Is Going To Church In The Bible?
Christians ponder these questions nearly every Sunday. Do I have to go to church? Is it a sin to not go to church? Great questions! Questions that deserve biblical answers.
What is church anyway?
Most Christians in America view church as a weekly event. Church is a Sunday morning activity especially for the children. But is that what the Bible says? Does the Bible say I should go to a certain building, sit in a pew, sing a few songs, put money in the plate, and listen a pastor preach week after week?
From my early teens I was a regular church attender. Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings and Wednesday nights we were in church.
Later, I became a full-time minister and regularly preached all the things I was taught. One foundational truth I learned was to never add to or take away from the Word. The Bible is truth (it doesn't just contain truth), it's our final authority (overriding church handouts and by-laws), and THE source of all of our doctrine (regardless of denomination, visiting preacher or our beloved Aunt Maggie).
So what happens when the minister searches the scriptures for direction on how the church is suppose to function, and can't find most of the things he's been taught? Does he brush his concerns aside and just keep going like he has year after year? Or does he practice what he's preached to others and lay aside his own beliefs in favor of the truth of the Word of God?
When Jesus confronted the Pharisees about their traditions and teachings, I laughed. When Jesus confronted me about my teachings and traditions, it wasn't so funny. As I recall, it was a time of fear and trembling.
What is church anyway?
Most Christians in America view church as a weekly event. Church is a Sunday morning activity especially for the children. But is that what the Bible says? Does the Bible say I should go to a certain building, sit in a pew, sing a few songs, put money in the plate, and listen a pastor preach week after week?
From my early teens I was a regular church attender. Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings and Wednesday nights we were in church.
Later, I became a full-time minister and regularly preached all the things I was taught. One foundational truth I learned was to never add to or take away from the Word. The Bible is truth (it doesn't just contain truth), it's our final authority (overriding church handouts and by-laws), and THE source of all of our doctrine (regardless of denomination, visiting preacher or our beloved Aunt Maggie).
So what happens when the minister searches the scriptures for direction on how the church is suppose to function, and can't find most of the things he's been taught? Does he brush his concerns aside and just keep going like he has year after year? Or does he practice what he's preached to others and lay aside his own beliefs in favor of the truth of the Word of God?
When Jesus confronted the Pharisees about their traditions and teachings, I laughed. When Jesus confronted me about my teachings and traditions, it wasn't so funny. As I recall, it was a time of fear and trembling.
I believe there are thousands of church leaders today shaking in their shoes because they know the Bible does not support the pattern of church they were taught and currently live by. That fear is partly financial. They are like the buggy whip maker watching something called an automobile make it's way down the road without a horse.
If you go to church, why do you? Have you ever searched the scriptures to understand your relationship with other believers? You might be surprised to see what the Bible says! You might also be on the edge of a whole new life in Christ!
For some scriptural answers to the question, "Do I have to go to church?" Click Here to fast forward to Part 2 of this topic.
Visit our Contact Page to add your name to our email list to get future updates!
If you go to church, why do you? Have you ever searched the scriptures to understand your relationship with other believers? You might be surprised to see what the Bible says! You might also be on the edge of a whole new life in Christ!
For some scriptural answers to the question, "Do I have to go to church?" Click Here to fast forward to Part 2 of this topic.
Visit our Contact Page to add your name to our email list to get future updates!
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