Q. Can you give me one good reason for going to church?

A. This is not an easy question, for my temptation is to want to give a number of reasons. However, let me try one reason. God has called us each one to share. We have been created social beings, therefore we will attempt to establish social intercourse within the activities of our life. I can think of no more fruitful and meaningful way to grow in the social graces that God has available to us than by fellowshipping with those who themselves also share the same rich desire to grow like Jesus. We have the opportunity at church to develop our social skills, not simply through just sitting in the pew, but by participating in various ministries of the church. In listening to the word of truth and righteousness we have the privilege to draw closer to the Lord, the Friend who sticketh closer than a brother, the One who has the opportunity to lead us into that ultimate relationship of peace in this life and readying us for the life to come.

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. - Hebrews 10:24, 25

Vol.6 No.4

Q. I'm just new at our church and I want to learn about Jesus so much. But as I look around me for examples of what it means to be a Christian, I get really discouraged, even with the leaders of this church. Is it wrong to feel like this?

A. In 1 Corinthians 3:18 we are told that if we look to Christ we will be changed into is image. What this really means is that we are to look to Him, not to others or ourselves. As we look to Him through His Word, His promises enable us to alive a victorious life.

As we search for God's will by a study of His Word, we are to grow into Christian maturity along with our brethren. A good Christian leader -s duty is to teach young Christians how to find God through His word. Christians choose leaders because of their experience in following Jesus. Yet if we follow such leaders contrary to the word of God, then we are guilty of putting people ahead of God's word. This is the sin of idolatry. And if we cannot discern God's will for ourselves, 1 Corinthians 2:14 makes it clear that we are not hearing God's voice and need to be converted.

In John 9:1-18 Jesus has promised to be our shepherd and to lead us personally by His voice. Even if you feel that no one is giving you a positive Christian example, do not be discouraged. Through prayer and Bible study, you can hear Jesus' voice leading you into a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Him.

Vol.12 No.5

Q. Do Christians need to attend church? I often get a greater blessing worshiping at home or alone in nature.

A. Attending church must be important because God urges us to do so: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25. Church attendance becomes even more crucial for people living in the end times.

God deems it so essential that he set aside a special day for it: “Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation …” Leviticus 23:3.

As a regular church-goer, you will be in good company: the prophets and saints of the Old Testament, Jesus Himself and the apostles all went to church. David exclaimed: “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” Psalm 122:1. Jesus “as his custom was … went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.” Luke 4:16.

Paul went to the synagogue, the church of the day, even in the face of opposition and persecution. Acts 13:42-46; 17:1-8. Later, he wrote the admonition in Hebrews 10:25. The first Christians were so filled with love for their new found truth that the weekly Sabbath service wasn’t enough for them. The Bible records that they were “continuing daily with one accord in the temple.” Acts 2:46.

God intends for His church to fulfill several roles:

We receive biblical instruction, correction and admonition. “… let us go … to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” Isaiah 2:3. Today, God speaks through His servants to His people gathered to hear His Word.

We worship God in song and prayer. Psalm 95:2; Acts 2:42. Church is not the only place where God will listen to our prayers. We are admonished to “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17. But Christ especially honors with His presence those gathered in His name. Matthew 18:20. As we sense God’s holiness, our heartfelt prayers ascend to heaven like sweet incense.

We experience Christian fellowship. Acts 2:42.We are social beings. Meeting and interacting with like-minded people, loving and caring for each other not only benefits us spiritually, but also physically. Scientists call it “social support.” Churchgoers are known to lead longer, happier lives.

We bring our financial gifts to God. Malachi 3:10. The church service is a fitting framework in which we can prove our faithfulness to God by monetarily supporting His church and its missionary work. And we can expect His blessings in return.

We prepare for and fulfill our mission. The church is the visible house of God, the beacon set on the hill of a dark world. People should be drawn to it and come to know God. God intended our worship services to proclaim His love and truth to those who do not know them. When we follow His plan, the prophecy of Zechariah 8:22-23 will be fulfilled: “Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord.…ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a [spiritual] Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.”