I've heard the following phrase more times than I can remember, just about every Church preaches it, but it shouldn't take anything away from the truth of it.
'Going to Church makes you as much of a Christian as going to McDonalds makes you a hamburger!'
Viewing from the outside, it is easy to think that being a Christian is all about going to Church and this scares people off as it makes it appear religious and cult-like.
However, whilst being a Christian is about so much more than going to Church (a relationship with the God who created you and loves you!) going to Church is very important if you are serious about following Jesus. This is why.
- Encouragement. You have a guaranteed meeting with people who also testify that Christ is Lord. There might be times in the week where you are isolated as a Christian - in work, at home, amongst friends for example. But at least once a week (or more as most Churches have a few events you can go too) you will get to be people who share your views. It's really encouraging. Britain is a country that has slipped so much spiritually that people will make you feel like a fool for believing in God. Being amongst other Christians reminds you that Christ is HUGE as He has not just performed wonders in your life, but in the lives of others too!
- Teaching. When I became a Christian it was embarrassing sometimes how little I knew. I remember stuff I once believed and said and I cringe. God knew my heart and loved me all the same but it's definitely been big for me that I have learnt so much more about the Bible, about Jesus and about how God sees this world. It makes sense and I am now in a position where I can pretty much account for my faith in anyway before others. (If you ever want to challenge me with a question on here, please be my guest :D)
- Sung Worship. I really value the time to worship through singing. I would love to just go at it all the time but things like working with others, living at home with many people mean that a lot of people would be inconvienced by my rather terrible singing! I want to gain the courage to sing when I can but sometimes it just isn't reasonable to do so. So getting to sing, being led by people spiritually and musically gifted in those area, is a huge plus!
- Help. Church is a community and through it you can help others and also get help yourself if you have issues. In what should be a loving, caring environment issues like babysitters, relationship break downs and lack of necessities should be solved a lot more easily. Together the Church is much stronger to tackle issues in our country and our world than on our own.
- Jesus time! I love spending time with Jesus and Church is another opportunity to do so with less distractions!
Good stuff, Mike!
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