INTRODUCTION
1. We are moving into the “un-church” age of
Christianity.
A survey conducted in US in 1991 reported that
one out of every eight people who claimed themselves as
“born-again Christians” do not go to church.
Many believe that the Bible does not command
people to attend a church; that is a man-made requirement.
a. Some think that it is not necessary to go to
church on Sundays.
b. Others attend a home Bible class and do not go to
church at all.
2. As good as Christian television and radio
programmes, Bible Study groups and other organisations might
be, none can take the place of a church.
I. THE REASONS FOR GOING TO CHURCH
1. It is a biblical requirement for all Christians.
Hebrews 10:25a “Not forsaking the assembling
of ourselves together…”
a.
The background (Heb 10:34)
The Hebrew Christians were facing a problem.
b.
The writer of the Hebrews encourages them to “hold fast
the profession of their faith without wavering” (Heb
10:23).
c.
Then he commands them: “not forsaking the assembly of
ourselves together, as the manner of some is…” (Heb
10:25a).
(1) This is a clear teaching of the Word of God that
we are not to forsake the fellowship of believers in the
church.
(2) God has spoken about it. The issue should be
settled.
d. There is a subtle teaching in our world today.
(1) It teaches that we may believe in Jesus, receive
salvation, and secure a place in heaven.
(2) We do not need to go to church.
e. God has instructed us “not to forsake the
assembling ourselves together as the manner of some is…”
(10:25a)
The question is: Are you willing to obey God?
2. To prevent backsliding and apostasy.
a. The writer of the Hebrews was concerned of
spiritual erosion that was taking place in the church,
especially those who had gotten the habit of neglecting the
meetings of the church.
b. Neglect of church attendance is one of the first
outward signs of backsliding.
3. Brings spiritual fellowship and encouragement.
a. The regular activities of the early church is
recorded in Acts 2:42 “And they continued stedfastly in
the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in
breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
b. In Hebrews 10:25 we are told, “Not
forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as the manner
of some is, but exhorting one another…”
(1) The word “exhorting” is a wonderful word.
It
means “to speak positively.”
That is, to encourage one another.
(2) So, when Christians gather together for
fellowship, they are to encourage one another.
(3) When we go to church, we can receive
encouragement from the preaching and teaching of God’s Word
(Rom 15:4, 5).
c. It is God’s plan for believers to have
fellowship and encouragement from the church family.
4.
Expresses obedience to the greatest commandment (Mark
12:28-30)
a. How can we say that we love God with all our
hearts, if we would not even obey His command to go to
church?
b. Going to church is one way of showing our love
for God.
5. It allows you to take the Lord’s Supper.
a. The Lord Jesus commanded His disciples concerning
the Lord’s Supper.
He said “This do in remembrance of me” (Lk
22:19b).
b. The Apostle Paul followed the Lord’s instruction
concerning the Lord’s Supper.
He said to the believers of this event, “For
as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do
shew the Lord’s death till he come” (1 Cor
11:26).
c. So, it is God’s will and His command that we are
to participate in the Lord’s Supper “till he come.”
6. It helps to prevent an unbalanced Christian life.
a. Christians who do not attend church usually live
an unbalanced Christian life.
b. The Lord uses the church to protect us against
the common temptations that lead to an unbalanced Christian
life.
(1) In Ephesians 4:11-16, we are told that God gives
gifted teachers to the church to equip and strengthen the
believers.
One result of their work is described in verse
14. “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to
and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by
the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie
in wait to deceive.”
(2) Those who do not go to church are more prone to
being blown back and forth by the false teachings.
c. In the church, the Christian leaders and teachers
not only feed you with the Word of God, they also protect
you from the false teachers.
II. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING CHURCH ATTENDANCE
1. Going to church does not make you a Christian.
a. Church attendance does not gain favour
with God.
b. Helping in the church ministry does not
gain favour with God.
c. Giving to the Lord’s work does not gain
merit for your salvation.
Matthew 7:21-22
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord,
shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth
the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not
prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out
devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
2. There is no perfect church on earth.
a. We are not perfect.
b. However, by God’s grace and power, we are
striving to live a godly life, to please and to glorify God
in everything we do (1 Cor 10:31).
3. God wants us to go to church.
a. We are to obey His command.
b. We must not “despise the church of God” (1
Cor 10:22b).
(1) Will you commit yourself to attend the worship
services of the faithful?
(2) Will you be a channel of blessing to others in
the church? By “considering one another to provoke
unto love and to good works” (Heb 10:24).“exhorting
one another” (Heb 10:25b).
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