This week my pastor asked us why we went to church. With not being able to meet except online, the question was for us to clarify our purpose for attending when we are able to return. Immediately I had the answer and knew it was the correct one. I would get the gold star for the day! Of course, the answer was “to worship and have fellowship with other believers.” Then the voice of God prodded me and I began to ponder…should my worship of Him only happen when we gather in a building? Don’t I worship Him daily as I walk and see how majestic He is in all the earth? Why do I need to go to a building to do that?
BUT as our pastor’s sermon continued and he began to talk about “inward thinking” and “missional thinking” reasons, I continued to make my list of whys. These are some I came up with:
· So I can hear the Word (as long as I like what the preacher is saying)
· So I can sing praises to God (as long as we are singing songs I like in the style I like.)
· So I can fellowship with others (as long as they like me and pay attention to me)
· So I can share my prayer needs (as long as people care about me)
· So I can have a place where my children can be taught about God. (not the church’s responsibility according to Deuteronomy 6)
Our reasons need to go deeper and the early church knew that. They were being persecuted because of their faith and needed to join together for encouragement and to pray for God’s direction as they continued sharing the Good News of Christ. Their faith was firmly planted in knowing the belief of the risen Christ was something worth dying for. They were passionate about sharing.
So, what were some of the differences between the early church and today’s church? The scriptures cited were from Acts 11 and 13.
· They were filled with the Holy Spirit who gave them the words to say and showed them their purpose. (Acts 11: 18) They were compelled to share what God had done and the Holy Spirit gave them power and purpose.
· They wanted everyone to hear. Barnabus was compelled to leave his group to encourage others. It wasn’t about his comfort. As he left, it is said of him, “He was a good man, full of the Spirit and of faith, and large numbers were being added to the Lord. Acts 11: 23-24 Please note, they were not added to a congregation but to the Lord.
· They encouraged others in the faith. Barnabus went to Saul…a former enemy of The Way. He saw Saul’s potential and discipled him without a thought that Saul might steal some of this thunder or followers…So many times in our inward thinking, we become jealous of someone and often try to discredit them. We need to see other’s gifting’s and encourage them to use them for the kingdom. (Acts 11:25)
· The early believers helped other believers who had needs (Acts 11:28-30) Too often, congregations compete with each other. The early church shared what they had to other churches so that all could be equipped for the mission.
· They were a praying people (Acts 13: 1-3) Yes, they sang and listened to the teachings from those who taught, but then they spent much time in prayer and fasting, seeking God’s will for them. How much time do we as a congregation spend in earnest prayer seeking God’s will? Have we merely appointed committees to do that? Even mores, how much time after the service do you spend in prayer asking God what He wants you to do with what you have just heard? (ouch)
· They sent people from their own to spread the Word as the Holy Spirit lead. They laid hands on them to give assurance of their continued support. They were willing to let go of those they loved, so that the Gospel could spread. This church loved Barnabus—he was their encourager—but they let him go and did not get mad that he was leaving. The mission was more important than their own congregation.
So, how are we doing? I am not painting with a large brush all congregations, for there are many who are doing incredible things for the Kingdom. But if we are honest, for most of us, our inwardly focused thinking has resulted in a program-led church not a Holy Spirit-led church. I love the church... the body of Christ…the Bride. As a matter of fact I am the church. So, this leads me to the original question: Why do you go to church (meeting)? Why do I go to church (meeting)? Where are we in this list? Do we:
· Seek to be filled by the Holy Spirit so He can lead, or are we afraid of Him and what He will require?
· Do we desire everyone to know the good news? Even that next door neighbor with the barking dog? Or are we afraid of the persecution and keep silent?
· Do we encourage others to develop their gifts or are we jealous? Have we done a good job of mentoring the next generation?
· Do we help others in their need even if they are in another church?
· Are we teaching our own household how to follow God or expecting the church to?
· Are we willing to send those we love or do we want to hold onto them for our sake?
The bottom line—this is God’s church not ours. He established it so that the good news would spread. He did not intend it to be a huddled group inside walls doing programs. Perhaps that is why we have been taken out of our walls. His true church will blaze new, uncharted trails, unafraid, knowing He will guide them. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15 His final commandment is in Matthew 28:19-20 “Go and make disciples of ALL men…teaching them to obey all I have commanded. Remember, I am with you to the end.”
So, let me ask again, “Why do you go to church?”
