WHAT'S WRONG WITH CHURCH?

“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

These days, it isn't uncommon for most professing believers to be absent from church on Sunday morning. If the truth were told, a large percentage of church members rarely, if ever, attend their own church.

It is rather common to hear excuses like, “I don't have to go to church to be a Christian,” or “I can worship God just as well while I'm fishing as I can in church.” They think these are spiritual arguments. What they fail to understand is how far off the mark their thinking really is.

To be honest, local churches are imperfect. Each church has an imperfect pastor, imperfect deacons, imperfect Sunday School teachers and imperfect members. A few churches have strayed from the Biblical truth and should be avoided at all cost. However, most churches in the area where I live have good pastors who are faithfully preaching the Word. Yes, mistakes are made by churches and those who lead them. However, the key is to follow the perfect Son of God. If you are a critic of local churches, I have a word for you. You aren't perfect yourself, so stop nitpicking about imperfections that you see in a church.

To be rather blunt, some church members have dropped out of church because they were never saved to begin with. You can't expect wheat and tares to enjoy fellowship together. Some aren't satisfied unless they are entertained and have an emotional “high” every week. For many, Jesus is no longer the main attraction. Instead, His Name is used as a means to an end. They want the main attraction to be entertaining music, exciting programs and a brief motivational speech.

But that is not what Church is for. Church is not about having religious fun or spiritual entertainment. At least it shouldn't be. The local church is a place where believers of that community gather to worship publicly, experience Christian fellowship and hear God's Word proclaimed. The local church is place where the ordinances of communion and baptism are observed. The local church is place where believers may use their spiritual gifts for the glory of God.

Many want the church to be available for family weddings and funerals. They expect to use facilities for social or civic functions --- but they are noticeably absent when it comes to public worship. They want the church to be there for them, but they have no intention of being there for the church. Hypocritical, isn't it?

I think it is time for all professing Christians to put up or shut up. If you claim to follow Jesus, then act like it. It is time for every believer to be in church on a regular basis. Here are a few reasons why you get back in church.

1. JESUS ESTABLISHED THE CHURCH

Sometimes I hear people say, “I don't believe in organized religion.” I feel like responding, “Do you believe in unorganized religion?” The fact is that Jesus established the church, not men. The Church is a God-ordained organism. If He started the church, shouldn't you be part of it?

2. JESUS DIED FOR THE CHURCH

Jesus loved the church to the extent that He died for the church. If Jesus loved the church, shouldn't we? Shouldn't a believer be passionate about the same things Jesus was? He died for the church. That is how important the church is to Him.

3. GOD COMMANDS THAT WE ATTEND CHURCH

Hebrews 10:25 instructs believers to assemble publicly. “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.” Churchless Christianity is really nothing more than rebellion and sin.

4. EARLY BELIEVERS WERE PART OF A LOCAL CHURCH

When you read the book of Acts, you'll see that believers were involved in a local church. We don't read of churchless believers in the book of Acts. The early saints felt that the local church was important. Their example should inspire us.

5. THE CHURCH IS A PLACE FOR CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

We need the encouragement and inspiration that other believers offer. Furthermore, there are times we need to be giving the encouragement. We need each other. No Christian is meant to go through life alone.

6. CHURCH ATTENDANCE GIVES TESTIMONY TO YOUR FAITH

I can't see how professing believers can be very effective in winning souls to Jesus if they are not even faithful to a local church themselves. What a horrible testimony it is to claim to be following Jesus and yet not be a faithful church member.

7. CHURCH IS IMPORTANT FOR THE GENERATIONS TO COME

It is important for you to BRING your children to church with you each week. If you don't attend church regularly yourself, you are teaching your children to do the same. If you aren't faithfully attending church, don't be shocked to see your children and grandchildren living sinfully … and dying without Christ.

I am sure there are many more reasons I could give, but why should I? Aren't these enough? You may agree with me in theory, but you need to do more than just agree. You need to get in church yourself. Plan ahead. Get your clothes ready. Have your mind set. Attend the next service … and continue to do so in the future.

I realize that there are bedridden people who are physically unable to go to church and others who have jobs that demand that they work while church services are being conducted. This message is not aimed for these individuals. However, most people who are out of church do not fall into these categories and if you are among them, it is time to change your ways.

What's wrong with the church? There's nothing wrong with the church. However, if you continue to stay out of church, there is something wrong with you.