Why Church?

This week we are featuring guest devotionals written by members of our congregation.  Today, Paul Leasum:

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching.

Hebrews 10:24-25 NKJV

Have you ever heard someone say “I don’t need a church to be faithful'' or “Church is just a building. My faith is fine without it”?  I know I have.  In fact, if I am honest, there was a time in my life when I said those things myself!  This was PRE-salvation me, and I thank God every day for a very good friend of mine who persisted in inviting me to church.  It took him a year before I finally went!  It didn’t take long though before I was actively involved and my life has never been the same.  I am so very grateful for that and it is a true testament to the power of outreach.  So, what do you say when confronted with this?

As Paul says in Hebrews, we should not forsake the assembling of ourselves, and there are a number of very good reasons for this.  We each have been given spiritual gifts and along with that the responsibility of good stewardship of those gifts.

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold Grace of God.

- 1 Peter 4:10

Peter encourages us to use our gifts for the good of the Kingdom of God, and to strengthen the members of His Church, but this takes a team!  As  Paul says in Romans 12:4:

For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, For as we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.

In other words, as the body of Christ, we are united in Him when we use our gifts for the benefit of God’s Church and the Body of Christ.  We are called to be actively engaged with one another, and church gives us a place to do this.

So, when asked “Why Church?” here are a few good reasons:

Encouragement - Through community we participate in the body of Christ and build unity in our faith and works.  We encourage each other and all who we come in contact with.  We pour into each other’s lives.  How amazing is that?

Spiritual Maturity - Through community with one another, we obtain the fullness of Christ.  We learn, we grow, we become what Christ wants us to become.  We receive the message as God intends us to receive it, and God equips us to do His work.  He equips us through His word so we can bring others into His fold.

Gifts - Through community, we get to use our gifts for the advancement of God’s Kingdom and for the betterment of our fellow Christian Brothers and Sisters.  We become active parts of the Body of Christ and get to make a difference in the lives of others.  We get to make a real difference for Him in this troubled world.  By the way, we ALL have God given gifts!

Accountability - Through community, we keep each other on the right track.  We guide one another and make each other better.  We get to be teachers and counselors for one another.  We’ve got each other’s back!

Perseverance - Through community, we strengthen one another.  The enemy is always looking for ways to weaken us and make us like chaff in the wind.  Division is one of his favorite weapons.  He wants us to fail, but together we grow in our faith and love for each other.  There is strength in numbers. We persevere in the battle and remain victorious!

What are your gifts and how can you use them?  They are there, just pray about it and it will become very clear.  God wants you to use them for His purposes!

At a time when the world was in turmoil, technology proved to be a great tool in keeping us connected and safe.  As restrictions get lifted and we reopen our lives, it may be tempting to stay in that mode, but Christianity is not a long distance relationship.  True connection and unity is in the gathering of the saints.

I think Paul had it right when he implored us not to forsake assembly, so let’s get back to it!  We look forward to seeing your smiling faces on Sunday!

Paul

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