Why Go to Church?

Recently a friendly waitress asked me, “ Why go to church? ”  I was glad that she asked, gave her some basic reasons, and invited her to come and visit.  Her question, however, prompted me to think deeper. The answers I gave her were correct, but I felt I could deepen them in order to provide her with some substantial reasons.

Having reasons to do what we believe and practice is important and of God.  Proverbs 16:1 states, “The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.”  Giving reasons is not something that comes from a capricious and arbitrary god.  Reasons come from a God who desires us to embrace Him freely, and is willing to work with us to supply answers that address our spiritual decisions (Isaiah 1:18).  And that is what people need when we are seeking to teach them the gospel.  They need answers to their questions that come from God’s word.  In that vein, let’s discuss some reasons in answer to her question, “ Why go to church? ”

First, God wants you to “ go to church ” to develop an awareness that there is something greater than yourself and your personal concerns.  This is the goal of worship.  When we worship God we acknowledge that God is, well, bigger than us.  He stands above all of creation as its Creator.  He is the ultimate Giver of life, breath, and all things (Acts 17:25).  We depend upon God for our subsistence and for our very being.  He gives us such things because He loves us, and we worship Him to acknowledge that love and to confess our own deficiencies.  When we so worship God we recognize that life isn’t just about us.  There is more to our existence than our own selfish concerns.  Worship moves us out of ourselves and into a relationship to the Divine whereby God blesses us with His fellowship, love, and joy.  The fullness of such a relationship is fulfilled in the worship of the church, and nowhere else.

Second, God wants you to “ go to church ” to foster moral growth and development.  This is the goal of instruction.  God’s word provides to us everything that is needed to live the best life in relationship both to God and to others.  2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”  We “go to church” to hear God’s word proclaimed and receive that instruction that will furnish us to every good work.  “Going to church” provides us with information to better ourselves individually and in relationship to our fellow.

Third, God wants you to “ go to church ” to enhance personal relationships with your fellow in the bond of brotherhood.  This is the goal of fellowship.  When we “ go to church ” we receive the blessing of fellowship with those who share our values and commitment to doing God’s will in our life; we have a “like, precious faith” (2 Peter 1:1).  It is much easier to do something when we know there is a group of individuals dedicated to doing it with us.  We are also strengthened by being united with others in the faith, and we, in turn, strengthen them as well (Hebrews 10:25).  We are able to receive encouragement, positive guidance for the road ahead, exhortation to do what is right, and even, when we need it, a fair word of criticism when we do what we should not.  We receive this from those who truly love us, not from those who are merely seeking to exploit us for personal gain.

Fourth, God wants you to “ go to church ” to personally contribute toward the success of an organization dedicated to the improvement of humanity.  This is the goal of giving.  It is not enough to simply receive the benefits of a loving God and a faithful church.  We must be dedicated to the proposition of giving back something that we have earned to the Lord.  For those who are members of the church, contributions of time, treasure, and talent are enjoined (1 Corinthians 16:1-2, 2 Corinthians 8-9).  In giving to the church, we support an organization of love, faithfulness, and mutual edification.  We also contribute toward the overall purpose of helping others build their relationship with God, which fuels the growth of the church itself.

Finally, God wants you to “ go to church ” to make appropriate preparation for life with God in heaven when earthly life ends.  The church is the only place for such preparation (Ephesians 5:23).  Life on earth is a pilgrimage that will one day end.  Jesus has prepared a place for those who want to live with God eternally (John 14:1-4).  We must prepare ourselves to live in such a place through righteous and holy living while on earth (1 Peter 1:16, 2:11).  God has prepared this holy city for those who diligently seek it (Hebrews 11:16).  “ Going to church ” will give us the necessary environment for faithfulness to the Lord, and citizenship in His heavenly kingdom (Philippians 3:20 ASV).

Not just any church can meet these goals.  Only the church about which you read in the Bible is able to provide an individual with the necessary resources to foster faithfulness.  Though, there are many churches in the world today, the one that will give you the resources to finish your course is the church that seeks to follow the pattern for the church set forth in the Bible.  Only that kind of church will ensure the fulfillment of these goals in your life. Jesus said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).  This applies to the church too!  It isn’t enough to simply call Jesus “Lord.”  The church to which you go must do the Father’s will.

The churches of Christ seek to do exactly that, and we invite you to “ go to church ” with us to evaluate whether or not we are doing our best to fulfill in our lives the will of God.  We do not claim to be perfect, but like you, we desire: something greater than ourselves; our own moral growth and development; to enhance our personal relationships with those around us; to contribute toward the success of these goals and objectives; and to prepare for life with God in heaven.  If you find these to be good reasons to “ go to church, ” then “ go to church ” with us.

Posted in Kevin Cauley | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Why Go to Church?

Polishing the Pulpit: A Piece of Heaven

I can hear the radiant songs of thousands echoing in my soul. My thoughts are filled with God’s precious messages that I am going over and over again in my head. I can see the faces of faith showering into my mind and I can feel the warm embraces of countless souls running throughout my being. Such a joy I feel as I reminisce sitting at the feet of beautiful and powerful proclaimers of truth, rubbing elbows with the mighty men of the brotherhood and humbling myself before the righteous leaders of the church. This seems like Paradise. Yet, what I am describing is not heaven, but dare I say, it is a piece of heaven.

If you will, imagine, having your vision filled with several elders sitting around you as you discuss with them the inner workings of leadership and the church. Imagine, being around the cream of the crop and speaking to preachers about the day-to-day problems and giggles in the life of the preacher. Imagine, people coming to you from all over the world and thanking you for being such an encouragement as they encourage you in your struggles. Dream for a while, if you will, that people come together, discuss issues in a brotherly and scholarly manner, without condemning and then walking away still as the body of Christ. Dream more of the laughter of them all, the happiness of gathering for meals, the giving of self and others, the roaring sounds of praise to our God and the rumbling sounds of fellowship echoing down every corridor of life. If you can say that you have experienced this, I would say that you know what a piece of heaven is like.

Polishing the Pulpit is just this way. It is a place that one dreams about throughout the year and a place where one can exhausts themselves in fellowship and love during the week. It truly is a piece of heaven realizing that the Bible tells us that we have a citizenship in heaven (Phil. 3:17-21) and that it seems that whatever we have done for this one week, it was all done to the glory of God (Col. 3:17). And while I think back on such a glorious event, I saw people dressed as a citizen of heaven, speaking as a citizen of heaven and engaging in the pleasures that please God.

You know, we live in such a wicked world, which is focused on itself. It is indeed a blessing to be reminded that a Christian’s life is to be as a city on a hill, a light in a world of darkness (Matt. 5:14-15) and that the believer’s life is to focus on the glory of God and on His Son, King Jesus. For, we are to be lowly and humble before our Maker. My family and I have truly been blessed to be a part of this encouragement and I hope that all of us will consider attending Polishing the Pulpit and be impacted and encouraged to look up more at our Savior. What a blessing it is to be a part of the body. To be a part of the Church of Christ.

Posted in Robert Notgrass | Tagged , | Comments Off on Polishing the Pulpit: A Piece of Heaven

The View from Heaven

Heaven Looks at the World So Differently

When the book of Hebrews was written, almost no one could see what really was happening. There was a vast difference in how Heaven viewed God’s people on this earth and how mankind viewed them. Christians were being persecuted everywhere and were seen as enemies of society. Even more amazing was that the Jews condemned God’s children as His enemies. It was only through the eyes of faith that reality was seen. The world of Christians, both those in the first century and in our day, is never understood by the people around them.

Christians have been objects of persecution from the beginning. Hebrews chapter ten described the time when the homes of Jewish Christians were plundered and their possessions were taken from them. This was nothing new. Years before the writing of the book of Hebrews, Luke vividly described how Christians suffered. “Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison” (Acts 8:3, ESV). Thirty years later, the same kind of persecution continued. The world rejoiced as they saw the way Christians were being abused.

Jesus had told His followers such would happen, “Now brother will deliver up brother to death . . . you will be  hated by all for My name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved” (Matt. 10:21-22). Paul described the fate of the apostles in these words, “We hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless . . . We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things” (1 Cor. 4:11-13, ESV).  The world saw Christians as the scum of the earth, the garbage of mankind, but Heaven saw them so differently!

What does this have to do with us? If from the beginning Christians were despised, we should not ever be surprised when those around us really wish we were not part of society. If your family members just wished that you would “stop being so religious,” and your fellow workers wished that you would sit silently while they mock God and righteousness, it should not surprise us. It has always been that way! All that matters is how we respond to this situation.

Those early Christians “joyfully accepted the plundering of (their) goods” (Heb. 10:34), and “rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name” (Acts 5:41). Let us faithfully serve Him regardless of how the world sees us. Just remember that God sees the “scum of the earth” as the greatest treasure in all of His creation. We are not the refuse of the world, but the honored guest in His house. Our worth is not determined by those around us but by those above us!

Posted in Dan Jenkins | Tagged , , | Comments Off on The View from Heaven

The Last Day

The Last Day:  The End of this Universe

The fears of many people today throughout the world are rooted in events that have taken place over the past 60 years. You see back in the World War II days the use of weapons of mass destruction such as poison gases, disease, and the atomic and hydrogen bombs were being developed and were being used in some cases. These weapons of mass destruction were spreading throughout the world from country to country. It was thought by some that the use of these weapons would wipe out mankind from the earth. This was and still is a false expectation on man’s part because God say that HE will destroy the universe in HIS own time. These ideas that man will end his own existence in this universe is impossible because God has said that the destruction of the universe will come as scheduled someday –

1 Thess. 5:1-4 – 1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 but ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

The end of this universe, all that God has created and sustained for all these past 6,000 + years will come to an end at the trumpet of God at the last day –

2 Peter 3:9-14 – 9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 10 a New Heaven and Earth but the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. 11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! 13 but according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, (NASU)

There will be no 1,000 year reign of Jesus Christ on the earth as is predicted by some religious teachers; there will be no warning, there will be no second chance, no purgatory for some Roman Catholics who are hoping that such a place exists. Indeed, the day will come swiftly, without warning, and the whole event will take place on the last day –

John 6:39-40 – 39 And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (KJV)

John 11:24-26 – 24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? (KJV)

John 12:48 – 48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day

The Bible tells us these things so that we will know that we must make preparations for the after life now. We must not delay our belief and obedience to the instructions of our Lord revealed to us in his Book, the Bible.

You can be prepared for that day that will include everyone that has ever lived on this earth; the last day. You see there cannot be but one last day – will you seek the way of the Lord before that day comes – it is our sincere hope that you will. There will be no survivors to live, work, play, and hope for another day because the end has come!

Therefore, dear reader as God spoke to Israel of old —

Amos 4:12-13, 12 Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel. 13 For, lo, he that formed the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, is his name.

Posted in Garreth L. Clair | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on The Last Day

Interpretation

That’s Just Your interpretation

How many times have we sincerely sat down with some lost sinner to study God’s word, and eventually landed upon a particular passage that hits a little too close to exposing some pet sin which they wish to perpetually participate in, and we inevitably hear some slightly altered version of the following response: “I disagree with you completely; after all, that’s just YOUR interpretation anyway!”?

My response? With all due respect, it certainly is not: “knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Ptr. 1:20-21). This is why when Isaiah wrote (about 722 BC), he understood the earth was round (Isa. 40:22), even though some of the best and brightest minds of Columbus’ day some 2,200 years later, reportedly still thought that the world was flat. Isaiah had no way to know, or “interpret” that except to accept what God had told him; in other words it didn’t come from Isaiah’s own private interpretation, but explicitly from Divine Inspiration.

And even though Scripture was accepted, received, and written down without men’s interpretation (1 Ptr. 1:10-12) and should also be believed with a whole lot less “interpretation” than it often is today, let’s try this… How would you interpret the following Biblical verses on baptism: “He who believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mk. 16:16); “…be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins…” (Acts 2:38); and “…baptism doth now save you…” (1 Ptr. 3:21)? Probably exactly the same way I would: That biblically speaking, baptism is essential to salvation, that it is specifically for the forgiveness of one’s sins, and that it is an element which saves you, right? Unless of course, you were raised with the anti-biblical and Calvinistic doctrines that baptism isn’t essential to salvation, occurs after forgiveness, and doesn’t save a person. In that case you would be faced with the impossible task of seeking to reconcile the irreconcilable. So, as you can see, the problem is not so much about Biblical interpretation, as it is one’s anti-Biblical indoctrination!  And therein the problem (2 Tim. 3:16-4:4)!

Posted in Doug Dingley | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Interpretation