"To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours."
1 Corinthians 1:2 NKJV
Since when haven't you been going to church? Many people while calling themselves “Christians” do not like to go to church. Unfortunately, with the Covid 19 pandemic, a “sweet home” spirituality has spread, that is, directly to/from one's home, whenever and however one wishes. Prayer, meditation, and Bible study are entirely personal practices, and when needed one uses the support of social channels and profiles without any filter or direct knowledge of the listener. These people have developed the belief that there is no point in going to church if they have a personal relationship with God anyway. To understand whether this is indeed the case, let us try to understand the definition of “church.” The original word does not mean a building for public worship, but a local assembly or group of believers, just as the apostle Paul writes to the Corinthians. It is the body of living believers (Galatians 1:13; 1 Corinthians 15:9), the universal group of all who have believed in Christ throughout the ages. So the church cannot be done individually, you do not do it alone, as the Christian life is what you do together with other people. I admit that there is no perfect church, as a collection of “imperfect” people, it is a collection of people who have been called “out” of the world to follow Jesus Christ. Biblically, it is considered the “family of God,” that is, a group mutually dependent on each other.
If I do not go to church, I deny what God means by his church: community. Jesus used to go to the synagogue on the Sabbath (Luke 4:16), in obedience to the commandment to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. As Christians, we are called to do what Jesus did. The writer to the Hebrews admonished “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 10:25). It is a healthy habit for God to attend church and worship regularly. The church is where we gather not only to hear God's Word, but also to encourage one another. We do this not only through prayer, but also by participating in groups and services where we can get to know, pray for, help and encourage others. “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God”, encouraged the apostle (1 Peter 4:10). Church is a good habit, and when we practice it concretely we benefit ourselves and those with whom we fellowship. I go to church not only because it is a good habit, but to grow in spiritual maturity. I chose a community and decided to be part of it because it is what Christ wants for me, having called me to be a member of His body. When we are together in fellowship with believers, we are with Christ.
Some may have serious and sensitive reasons why they are not going to church or are even distressed by it. If these are situations or issues involving other believers, it would be good to talk to one of those in charge and clarify them as soon as possible. If, on the other hand, you have had the perception that your congregation is not being led according to the Scriptures or is not Christocentric, but heresies are being spread, it is right to be alarmed and to mention it to those in charge. If you have felt “forced” or “abused” because you have received some economic or behavioral imposition, know that this is not in line with the teachings of the New Testament. I hope you are not among those who reject worship because you are uncomfortable with the style adopted, the music offered, or the appearance of the place. Don't allow yourself to be overly conditioned to the point that you stray from the flock. This is the work of the devil. If you have experienced any of these realities, you have no right to stay home: that would be a defeat. If you have revulsion for the church, it is time to examine your heart and allow yourself to be counseled and helped. Rather leave your community and place your life under a healthy and serious ministry.
As Christians we are called to be part of a community of believers: find the one that is most like-minded to you. Remember that church is where we go first and foremost to offer our praise and worship to God, as well as to be inspired to model our lives after Jesus', to live piously and to discover the purpose of our existence. In church we find the ministries that Jesus instituted for our growth and good performance. So instead of going every now and then, make church attendance a priority. It is part of who we are as believers. Yes, there will always be a million other things you could do on Sundays, but none surpasses being in fellowship with God and the body of Christ. This is what God wants for you.
Weekly Bible Reading Plan #48
November 25, Ezekiel 27-29; 1 Peter 3
November 26, Ezekiel 30-32; 1 Peter 4
November 27, Ezekiel 33-34; 1 Peter 5
November 28, Ezekiel 35-36; 2 Peter 1
November 29, Ezekiel 37-39; 2 Peter 2
November 30, Ezekiel 40-41; 2 Peter 3
December 01, Ezekiel 42-44; 1 John 1
Comments