Last week we searched verses on what the New Testament church looked liked. This week we are building off that post by searching God’s word to answer the question “Why should we go to church?“. I need this encouragement now more than ever. If I need this reminder, someone else probably needs it too. Lets search scripture together to be reminded why we need to have church. But first, lets review what it is and where we can have it.

WHAT IS CHURCH?

The basic concept of church is still the same as it was in New Testament time. Church is when a body of believers gathering together to fellowship and build up the body of Christ, by using the Gifts that God has given them. (I Corinthians 12:12-32) It’s NOT a building and it’s NOT a place we go to. It’s the gathering of the Body of Christ for HIS purpose!

Let us continue to live out what God has called us to do by not forsaking the assembling of His people! (Hebrew 10:25)

WHERE CAN WE HAVE CHURCH?

Wherever the Body of Christ can gather, you can have church! This can be someone’s home, a building, a back yard, a park, or even a live video chat. Here are a couple real life examples. First example, we host and lead a bible study a couple times a month with people from various churches. We meet in different homes studying the bible, praying and singing worship songs. Second example, we do a live video chat once a week, this is specifically for prayer time. We meet with Christians that attend different churches, as far away as Brazil. (You can click this link to learn more about them) Third example, we gather with other Christians on Sundays, in the traditional building setting. We sing worship songs, listen to a sermon, and have prayer time. All three of these examples are church.

(Romans 16:5, I Corinthians 16:19, Acts 19:8-10, 16:13)

5 REASONS TO GO TO CHURCH

1) GOD TELLS US TO

Hebrews 10:25
“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.”

God calls us to gather together! He wants the Body of Christ to come together to better ourselves, and others.

2) GROWING GOD’S KINGDOM

Acts 2:46-47
“So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”

If we come together, for His purpose, doing His purpose, with a true heart, His kingdom on earth will grow!

3) PRAYER

Matthew 18:19-20
“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

James 5:16
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

The Body of Christ needs to come together for prayer. God calls us to prayer together, and for each other!

4) ENCOURAGMENT

Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 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.
I Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
God knows that we need to be encouraged, and encouraging to others!

5) SPIRITUL STRENGTH

Ephesians 4:11-12
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,

Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

We need each other to stay strong, and to grow in our faith. The best way to do this is by coming together and using the spiritual gifts that God has given each of us.

We hope you search our Free Bible Studies from Christian Fellowshipping for more encouraging ways to fellowship with God and other believes.

References:
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.