Why Go to Church?

by Scott Huckaby


There are many reasons not to go to Church. Most people in this world do not understand why and see it as a waste of time. Those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord know we should but sometimes do not have the right attitude about it.

Christians know that Jesus Christ did everything on the cross necessary for us to be saved and we don't need to do anything to secure that salvation, even go to Church. But if we have truly made Christ Lord in our lives, we will want to go to Church to be with like-minded Christians. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. (1 John 3:14)

We need to fellowship with other Christians as a source of godly counsel. Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly (Psalms 1:1). There are many distractions in the world and it is easy even for born-again Christians to be drawn astray. This is why our closest friendships should be with fellow Christians or we are in danger of being influenced by the ungodly and turning away from Jesus. Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14)

True believers in Christ do more than simply go to Church, we are active in Church because of the opportunities to honor and serve Him. Thinking that Church "doesn't do anything for you" is the wrong attitude. Ask not what the Church can do for you but what you can do for the Church. According to 1 Peter 2:4-10 and Revelation 1:4-6, all Christians are priests. As priests, we should not participate in Church expecting to get something for ourselves but instead seek opportunities to minister to others. The example Jesus Christ set for us at the Last Supper where he washed the feet of His disciples shows us that we should serve each other as He served us. (John 13:1-20) But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (James 1:22)

All Christians have been given spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:1-11). The Lord expects us to make use of these gifts as active members in the Church. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. (Romans 12:4-5)

It is more important to be active in Church today than it ever was. We are living in exciting times. Every day brings us closer to the day the Lord will call His Church home (1 Corinthians 15:51-52 & 1Thessalonians 4:16-18 ). We don't know when this day is but the events of the world indicate it could happen at any time. The re-establishment of the nation of Israel, advanced technology, the move toward a global government, the degradation of society, a peace that is a false peace, an increase in wars, earthquakes, and bad weather are all foretold in the Bible. 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)

If you have not trusted in Jesus Christ as your personal savior, I would encourage you to open your heart to Him. You will find Him to be more of a help than a burden. Jesus said in Matthew 11:29-30, "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."