Growing up in a pastor’s home, I was certainly raised to believe that church was a necessity in the life of every Christian. I’ve said this before but it bears repeating, I was there EVERY time the doors were opened. If it was Sunday, Wednesday, or revival was under way, our place was in church… NO QUESTIONS ASKED. As a child, it seemed to sometimes be over the top but now, looking back, I’m extremely thankful for that type of raising. Too many consider church an option which is a foreign mentality to me.
Of course, with that type of up-bringing, I sometimes would be the target of criticism from others my age. You need to understand this… EVERYTHING else came second to church and I do mean EVERYTHING. If there was something scheduled for school on Sunday evening, Wednesday or during revival, I didn’t make it. Other kids who weren’t raised to revere church like we were didn’t understand why it was such a “Big deal”. More than once I’ve heard somebody say, “You don’t have to got to church to be a Christian”.
Well, I’d like to set the record straight on that, if I may. The above is a true statement. You do not have to go to church to be a Christian. As a matter of fact, I believe there will be a ton of folks with perfect attendance pens on their lapel to whom God will say, “Depart from me”. In order to be a Christian, the Bible says… “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved”. (Romans 10:9) That’s what it takes to be a Christian and that’s all it takes.
Now, with that said… You don’t have to go to church to be a Christian but if you are a Christian you’ll want to go to church! When you believe on the Lord, He comes in to take up residence. When that takes place, He begins to change you. Your desires begin to change and your appetite for the things of God begins to grow.
If you find yourself regularly looking for a reason not to be in church or you have no desire to spend time with God’s people, I’d have to question your salvation. The word of God instructs us to, not only go to church but to look forward to the opportunity with an eager excitement!
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
Those who made up the early church understood the essential part that church played in their lives as Christians…
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42
You might think church is old-fashioned and you’re right. God is too. I saw a billboard the other day that was an advertisement for a church that said, “For people who don’t like church”! God help this generation that seeks to disguise what our precious Lord gave His life to establish! My friend, I make no apologies for church and that I need to go. I not only need it, I love it.
If you are a Christian whose allowed yourself to get out of the habit of going to church, I would challenge you to examine your life. Are you growing? Is your relationship with the Lord stale? Do you feel that your life is void of blessing? If so, your lack of commitment to the Lord and His church could very well be the culprit.
So, today is Monday and Wednesday’s coming… Put it on the calendar! Call somebody and tell them to come along with you! I believe the Lord will bless your decision.
I’m like you, Chris, i can’t imagine why a “Christian” would not want to be in church. It does make you wonder about their sincerity when claiming salvation. And what about those who request the prayers of the congregation but cannot attend because they are dealing with some sort of personal issues? It seems to me those are the times when we most need ot be in church. I can’t think of a better place to take our issues, our pain, our confusion, our grief, our despair, etc. than to our Father’s House.
I cannot imagine not being able to go to church. At times when sickness hindered my attending the week seemed so long and I longed for that refreshing that I receive when I am in the house of the Lord. Also I cherish the fellowship of Christian brothers and sisters. Another good one son.
Mom
Amen! Back in January, I had some illness that kept me out of church for one Sunday. I surfed the channels, trying to find a good service (we didn’t have the channels we have now), and ended up watching a live feed from a church in Hazel Green, AL, where a friend’s son is the pastor. It’s very hard to miss out on the fellowship and teaching we get at church, and I can’t imagine doing anything else on Sunday! Keep on telling us the truth, Chris!
Ever since we started going to church, like you,we attended every time it was open. For years and years. Then we moved to Fl and found very few churches that had Weds services so we attended when they were open. years later,we found a church open on Weds and we started going again but couldn’t go Sundays because of our jobs. I found that when we didn’t go we missed that sweet fellowship with others. Next we moved to Texas and started going Weds and Sunday but not Sunday nights cause my husband had to work very early. I must say, it gets easier and easier to not attend once that begins. You can convince yourself that everything is fine and you’ll go when this or that changes. We are moving once more to PA (where we started 12 years ago) and will have to find a church again. With that comes commitment and having gotten out of the habit it will be a challenge. I think what helps is finding a great pastor who preaches the word and people you can befriend.
Thanks for the post, Chris. I also am a (pk) and in our home, church always came first. Sun. morn., eve.,and Wed. eve. and revivials. I accepted the Lord as my Savior at a young age and going to church for me was common practice and I enjoyed every bit of it. As an adult now, my parents are both in Heaven and my husband and I both love to go to church. When things happen that we are unable to go on Wed. evenings, it just doesn’t seem right. The Lord is so good to us and we
need to show our loyalty and reverence to Him. He gave His life for us!
Well said! Sadly we get to the place where we believe it’s all about us when, in fact, it’s all about Him.
Thanks again, Chris for a wonderful down-to-earth nuggets of truth. My parents were the same when we were growing up; we attended church every time the doors were open and that was three times on Sunday, i.e., (remember I was raised Brethren) when we attended the Lord’s Supper; then Sunday School and Sunday eveninig service. Wednesday night was another time and then on Friday evening we had Young Peoples Service. However, we enjoyed it. In the Brethren Assembly we carried our Bibles and I daresay we learned more than most evangelical churches are preaching today. Thank God for parents who loved the Lord and loved His Word. Also, thank God for people like you, a Southern Baptist, who knows the Word and you are not afraid to share it with others. We love you Chris. Messiah’s Blessings to you and Greater Vision.
Thank you for reading, brother. We love you too!