Divine Appointments

I have heard many people on various occasions say, “I don’t need to go to church to be a Christian”.  The last time I heard it; a friend that I care very much about, was saying it.  I have to tell you that whenever I hear this I cringe, and I die a little inside. Today, I want to tell you why, in my opinion, this statement is not only completely false; but it may be spiritually lethal.

I could tell you that that Bible says in Hebrews 10:25 “not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”   However, I think it would be better to explain why I see Christians gathering together as not just a good idea; it’s critical to the body of Christ and our own spiritual well-being.

First, going to church is vital if the body of Christ is to function correctly.  The Bible in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12 suggests that we are the body of Christ, emphasis on body.  The problem is that while we are the body of Christ, each of us on our own is not the whole body.  I may be a hand, and you may be a foot or an eye.  The foot, by itself, is useless.  Likewise, the hand or the eye, or any other part of the body for that matter, is no good if it’s not attached to the rest of the body.  When we meet together, it, somehow, joins us to the rest of the body so that we are enabled do the work of Christ. Meeting with other Christians provides us with encouragement and strengthens us when we feel weak.

Secondly, but just as necessary, our desire to go to church is a direct indication of our spiritual condition.   I go to church because I love God, and I want to show him that I love him. It is like reading the Bible, praying, and or having quiet time with God; it is an outward demonstration of my love for God.  Think of it this way, if you were dating but your girlfriend/boyfriend never wanted to spend time with you; would you say they loved you?  No, of course not!  If they love you, truly love you they will have a desire to spend time with you.  The same is true of our relationship with God. The less time you spend with him; the farther you are from him. Likewise, the closer we are to God, the more we will want to be in his house and with his people.

I am in no way saying that if you are not in church every Sunday you are headed for hell.  I am saying that if you never go to church; you may need to determine if you truly love God. Let’s not neglect being in God’s house with God’s people.