Church No Longer Needed?

We've heard it all before:

"I'd rather sleep in."

"I listen to great sermons online."

"They're all just a bunch of hypocrites."

"I don't need a church." 

You're wrong. You do need a church. And here's why.

Bodies of believers meeting together is God's plan.

Look at the early church. From the very beginning, when the disciples were gathered in Jerusalem after the resurrection, what did they do?
     Acts 1:14, The all joined together constantly in prayer.
     Acts 2:1, they were all together in one place. 
     Acts 2:42, They devoted themselves to teaching and fellowship.
     Acts 2:46, they continued to meet together.
     Acts 2:47, the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

But that was right after Christ's death. They were scared, they were confused, and they needed each other. That doesn't mean we have to keep meeting together, does it? Well let's see.
     Hebrews 10:25, Let us not give up meeting together . . . and all the
     more as you see the Day approaching.

We could go on. The Bible clearly indicates that God intended for His believers to gather together in His name. That's called church.

But why?

Because God said so. That should be enough, but it isn't. We feel like we need to get something out of it for ourselves. And we do.


Going to church puts us in an environment where we are surrounded by like minded people. I know, I know--not everyone in church is a Christian. And those who are, are often far off the path of God's righteousness. And that's part of why we need to be there! Church isn't just about what you get out of it. When the church of Acts met together and God added to their number daily those who were being saved, how do you think those unsaved heard His message of salvation? 

But I digress. We were talking about what we can get out of church. Ever go to church in a bad mood and come out feeling a lot better? Yeah, me too. Ever have a spat with your spouse before church, and then leave not remembering what it was all about? Yeah, me too. Ever . . .

Going to church makes you feel better. On the other hand, have you ever felt guilty about not going to church? Yeah, me too. You know it's the right thing. And that voice of guilt? It's God.

Really?

Yep. That about sums it up. The Church is God's plan. Going to church makes us feel better (because it is good for us). Believers gathered together bring unbelievers the message of Christ. And we know going to church is the right thing to do.

We're not even scratching the surface of how going to church revives your soul, strengthens your spirit, and guides your walk with Christ. We don't have too. You already know.

Going to church is not a thing of the past.
 
Church is as important today as 50, 100, or 2,000 years ago. There is nothing like gathering together with a group of believers, whatever the size, and communing with God. You can't get that through the TV, radio, your ipad, your smartphone. You can't get that laying in bed. You can only get that when you go.

Have I changed anyone's mind? 

Nah. It's up to you to do that. All I can do is nudge you a little. I'll let God take care of the rest. But here's some advice: God wants you in church. You already knew that, and just so there are no excuses, I just told you. Have you ever not done something God wanted you to do, and felt His Spirit speaking to you as a "guilty conscience," or "small quiet voice?" Yeah, me too.

Willing to take that chance?

Get out of bed. Go to church. You'll be glad you did.