Why does a person choose to attend church? This has been a question that has been plaguing me ever since moving to Castle Rock. Is it so we can pacify our conscience for the week? To be able to enjoy fellowship with those who think and act like we do? So the church can justify owning a building? So we can tell our unsaved coworkers that we attend church? Is it to worship God? To obey God’s command to attend church? To receive forgiveness of sins? Is it just another social gathering? Is it so that the pastor can have a job? To be spiritually fed? Is it just what you have always done? Ok, I think you get the picture I really don’t know why you attend church or why you don’t attend church. I also don’t have the ability to judge why you come or why you don’t come to church. As I have contemplated these questions and many others (I chose to spare you from my barrage of questions) I have become convinced that each person needs to understand the reason that they choose to come to church and then reflect on what the Bible says about attending Church.
The most definitive passage in the Bible about church attendance is found in the book of Hebrews. “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 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 (Hebrews 10:24-25).” The context of this passage is shows that a positive response to the gospel results in salvation. It shows us this through three clauses beginning with the phrase “let us”. Verse 22 reveals that a person draws near to Christ through faith. Verse 23 shows us that a person holds fast to Christ through hope. This passage is about encouraging other Christians by showing Christ’s love to them.
These three responses faith, hope and love are also seen in 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter. “And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13).” These are the lasting affects of salvation. Notice that the most important lasting fruit is love. In Hebrews 10 we see that love is reflected by church attendance, “assembling of ourselves together”. This passage is not speaking about simply doing your Christian duty or filling a pew it is about encouraging each other in love. Notice it says in verse 24, “And let us consider one another.” Church attendance is not about you. It is not about what is convenient, easy, accessible, fun, entertaining, or even worshipful. It is about others. You should attend church so that you can “provoke” encourage each other in love to do what Christ is calling you to do. “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:”
This article will be continued next week so stay tuned.
So why do you choose to attend or not attend church? Is it for the right reason? Are you doing what God is calling you to do in church? I’ll see you on Sunday.
Through his Grace,
Pastor Josh
There is not Thursday evening service this week because it is Paul Nelson’s is High school graduation. I encourage all of you to come to his graduation service.
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