Why I Gather Together With the Saints!

In a culture that minimizes commitment and maximizes self-indulgence, I have understood and embraced the precious gift of the church gathered. I do not see church attendance as a burden or legalistic commitment. I’ve had professing Christ followers say to me, “I don’t need to attend church to be a Christian!” Attending a place of worship doesn’t make one a Christian, however, not needing to gather with those of like precious faith is totally foreign to the Bible! I view it as joy—a place where I can give and serve, a place where I can focus more on others rather than myself! Wow, talk about developing the mind of Christ! Allow me to share some reasons I show up at my local place of worship! I attend church to serve others. I attend church to encourage others! I attend church to participate in worship. I attend church with frequency, not on occasion. It is my prayer to be in my local place of worship every Sunday morning and Thursday evening! I pray I will never say, “I need a break from church!” I certainly don’t want God to take a break from me! I attend church because the Bible tells me to do so. Two-thirds of the New Testament is about churches, specifically gathered churches. The words of the writer of Hebrews in 10:24-25 are powerful: We read, (24) “and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, (25) not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” I attend church because I love my brothers and sisters! It’s becoming all too common to see gathering together as just another activity, an option among many, a place to get felt needs met, or an occasional gathering to hide in anonymity! I love to gather with the people of God! I love to gather with the family of God because the church is the most precious reality on this earth! Brothers and sisters, it just doesn’t get any better than that! Praise God for evermore! Be encouraged!