WHO NEEDS CHURCH?

1 Corinthians 12:21 “The eye can never say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you…’ ”

I know many professed Christians who faithfully attend “Saint Mattress” every Sunday morning tucked warmly within the confines of their sheets. These are the same people who don’t go to church unless their nephew is playing a sheep in the Christmas pageant. They also claim that they receive more out of a walk in the woods, than spending time in a Church all cooped up with a bunch of hypocrites.

What does the Bible say about Church attendance? Can Christians survive apart from a local Church? There are some who are trapped in a hospital bed, nursing home or some remote locale where attending Church is physically impossible. You can still go to Heaven even if you can’t go to Church.

The New Testament never divides Christians into Church members and non-church members. It does however assume that everyone participates in their local community assembly. Wherever and whenever Christians in the New Testament Church are within range of each other they come together to worship corporately, pray for one another and minister their giftings to one another. “Acts 20:7 reveals the practice of the early Church: “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached to them.” Regular gathering was a part of life!

Why should you go to Church?

1) You don't want to cheat the Church; the Body of Christ! 1 Corinthians 12: 7 states that “A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire Church.” NLT When you don’t join together with me…you are depriving me the benefits of your gifting! 1 Peter 4:10 commands us to use our spiritual giftings to help each other.

2) You will miss the impartation of the Gifting of others into your life. There are people at your local Church who are meant to encourage, uplift, edify and exhort you as described in the verse above.

3) You will miss the Voice and directives of God. Ephesians 4:11 “And he gave…apostles… prophets…evangelists…pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…” If the Pastor in your local Church hears from God and isn’t speaking from Readers Digest, Life Magazine, or some predetermined liturgical schedule, then you will hear the Voice of the Lord speaking a word that brings life to your soul and a spring to your step. It will touch you right where you’re at. It’s amazing how the Holy Spirit speaks to all those who attend in one form or another. You can receive a word of encouragement, correction, direction, blessing, etc. The Ministry gifts of your local Church are anointed and empowered to assist your development in the Lord and to build you up.

4) To receive the Care God has provided for you! The lone rangers of the Christian world, cry out to God and ask why hasn’t He responded and cared for them. That care is most oftentimes provided within the boundaries of your local Church. 1 Corinthians 12: “…all the members care for each other equally..” NLT Again in verse 27: “Now all of you together are Christ’s Body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it.”

5) So you don't disobey the “one another” commands. The New testament is full of these “one another” commands. We are to comfort one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18), build up one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), confess our sins and pray for one another (James 5:16), and many others. How can we obey these directives if we do no associate with the community of believers. You will reap what you sew into the lives of others.

6) You access Accountability! To many that sounds like an evil word. We are free people; we don’t need to be accountable to anyone! You’re not reading the same Bible I am! God designed the Church as a place where spiritual leaders could watch out for (Not Control) our welfare, as a shepherd guards his sheep. (1 Peter 5:1-4, Hebrews 13:17) A Christian who answers only to himself can easily rationalize sinful attitudes or behaviors, while regular contact and fellowship with other Christians can keep us sharp and growing.

7) You come alive and prevent decay! I’d like to quote my Mentor on this one. “A hand cut off from the Body, becomes a pile of dead meat!” You are not designed to operate alone! God has created you as part of a living, moving, functioning Body of Believers! You can put water in your gas tank if you want, however since it’s not designed to operate that way, it will break down and die. You will not survive apart from the Body of Christ! Paul warns us in Hebrews 10:25: “…let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other…”

Stop living your life below par! Come alive in your local Church this Sunday! By the way, if you enter into a local Church and you don’t experience the Presence of God and the love of His people….GET OUT…and find the place where He wants you! We’re waiting for you!

1 Corinthians 12:21 “The eye can never say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you…’ ”

Sincerely,

The Body of Christ

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