A huge part of experiencing abundant living is attending and being a part of a local church. We know that primarily the “church” is not an organization but an organism. It a living breathing entity made up of individuals who have put their faith in the death and resurrection of Christ for their salvation. Scripture in Corinthians and Ephesians calls it the “Body of Christ,” Revelation calls it Christ’s “Bride” for whom He will return. It is a mystery never before revealed in the Old Testament (Ephesians 3:3-6) as a people made up of Jews and Gentiles that is neither Jewish nor Greek. Instead, it is a totally new and unique entity that is made into one in Christ. So, it begs the question that if we individually are the church, why would we need to go to church? That is a popular question to which I will address briefly.
First, we are admonished to do so in Hebrews 10:24,25.
“And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near.”
Key words in this verse is “assembling” and “together.” From the time the Gospel was first preached at Pentecost (Acts 2), those who responded in faith met regularly for prayer, worship and to hear the word of the Lord taught. Everywhere the Apostles preached assemblies of believers were established. It is to these congregations that the epistles/letters of the New Testament were written. We also see in these verses that the tendency for people to want to go it alone was not new. That is because it is the tactic of the devil to isolate believers in order to overtake them (1 Peter 5:8). The metaphor in that verse is that of a roaring lion. The tactic of lions is to isolate the prey from the pack in order to devour it. We leave ourselves open to deception when we try live out this Christian life in isolation.
Secondly, we have the example of such gathering of the people of God in the Old Testament for both worship, work, and warfare. In Old Testament history, God always ministered to the people when they were gathered. Even though, He spoke to the prophets individually, it was always for the purpose of their ministry to the congregation of His people. When they embarked on rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after returning from captivity in Babylon, it was directed by God through Nehemiah to do it as a group effort. Each family took a section of the wall and they worked together. It is seen in warfare as Jehosaphat under God’s direction called the whole congregation out to go out against their enemies with the worshipers going out ahead of them. God fought for them and they walked away with the spoil.
Thirdly, the metaphor of the “body” and the purpose and function of the spiritual gifts can only be fully actualized in community. In 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12 and Ephesians 4:4-13. A human body cannot function in a dismembered state. A dismembered body is a dead body. With serious medical intervention, it may survive without legs and arms but it will not survive without the head. All parts of the body are important for it to function at peak capacity.
So it is with our spiritual life. Christ is the head of the body and we are all the members/parts of the body. God has given each of us what we need (spiritual gifts and talents) to help the body as a whole to function to peak capacity for the purpose of bringing glory to God that people may be saved and nurtured until Christ returns. This was written to congregations in order that they may work together for God’s glory and for mutual growth and edification. He has set leaders among us according to Ephesians 4:11-13 for our spiritual maturation as well. The very creation itself shows that God does all things in order and He establishes order in all areas of life. The order is always associated with purpose. He establishes leaders in the congregation and calls us to be in submission to them as they follow Christ.
Lastly, the validity of attending church is seen in how the word first appeared in the New Testament. In Ephesians 5:27 and Acts 11:26, it is referred to as “church.” It is the greek word”ekklesia” which means an assembly of “called out ones.” The believers in Antioch were referred to as “the church” and they were the first to be called “Christians.” In the book of Acts, we see that decisions were made and ministries launched by a community of believers never in isolation.
In conclusion, local assemblies of believers (church) is crucial for our maturity in Christ (being made like Him in character), effective warfare against the devil and his works, to effectively impact the world for Christ, and to fulfill our individual purpose in the earth.
It is important to understand that we go to church to GIVE more that to receive. We go to be a blessing to others by expressing the love of Christ as well as using our gifts and talents to serve. In so doing, we are mutually encouraged and blessed. It is more that hearing the singers and listening to the sermon. It is encountering God in the congregation. He who says, “Where two or three are gathered in My name, there I am in their midst.” (Matthew 18:20 NASB)
If you haven’t already, get in a local church that teaches the Scriptures, honors Jesus as God and savior. Get involved and be blessed, be challenged/stretched in your growth and be a blessing.
Shalom!
