Friday, September 19, 2014

September 20, 2014

"And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." Hebrews 10:25

I have heard it and so have you.

Perhaps you have said it.

"I don't need to go to church to be a Christian. I can worship on the lake or in the mountains or yada........yada......yada......."


The purpose of this post is to address the absurdity of that notion.

First of all it contradicts the Bible. Since the Bible is the Word of God and God is absolute Holy Truth, then that idea of being a Christian without going to church is a lie.

Second, the idea just doesn't pass the common sense test.

Can you join a sports team and never show up for practice? You won't hear anyone say, "I made the varsity football team but I don't have to go to practice. I'll go practice at the lake."

Can you get hired for a job and never show up for work? You won't hear anyone say, "I like my job but I don't have to show up at work every day. I can do my job on the golf course."

So, you can become a follower of Christ and then neglect attending the very group He refers to as His body - the Church? Does that make sense? Does it make sense that you can claim to love Christ and then neglect the fellowship He died for?

Claiming you can be a Christian and neglect church is the equivalent of RGIII claiming, "I don't need the rest of my team to beat the Philadelphia Eagles. I can handle them by myself."

Would you make the bold claim, "I can defeat the forces of evil by myself"?

Not if you are in your right mind!

How would that work?

Back when I was involved in team sports, I was able to enjoy several championships because I practiced and played with a group of other friends. I couldn't have accomplished it by myself. Not even the star players on the team could have done it alone.

I will never find out if I can do faith alone because I will not even try. Why should I when I can share the journey with some of the best Christ followers on planet Earth? Why should I miss that?

I need Jesus. You need Jesus. We need Jesus together in fellowship and worship and discipleship! The Bible says so, and I have found it to be true.

Don't try to do life and faith alone. Find a fellowship of believers where the Bible is taught and the Spirit is present. Commit yourself to that place and do not forsake meeting with them!