Why Go To Church?
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Intro
Intro
My initial topic was fear on this week but I had a conversation two weeks ago that changed my thoughts. We were discussing an overzealous church-goer who had described their boyfriend as being loved less than by God because they did not want to attend church with them. As I listened I heard a bit of heart in the voice of the person in addition to something that shook me to the core. They stated “I don’t believe you have to go to church every Sunday. I just pray and my relationship with God is good.”. In that moment I thought they are missing out and I realized in his thinking how it lined up with the thinking of some of us here today. When those tough moments in life come we stop coming to church. When we fall back into the sins that we were previously freed from, we are too dirty to come to church. Or maybe the individuals that go to church with you are not genuine and are extremely hypocritical. But what if I told you that you were wrong about your thinking as it pertains to church?
Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations 672 The Perfect Church
672 The Perfect Church
I think that I shall never see
A Church that’s all it ought to be:
A Church whose members never stray
Beyond the Strait and Narrow Way:
A Church that has no empty pews,
Whose Pastor never has the blues,
A Church whose Deacons always deak,
And none is proud, and all are meek:
Where gossips never peddle lies,
Or make complaints or criticize;
Where all are always sweet and kind,
And all to other’s faults are blind.
Such perfect Churches there may be,
But none of them are known to me.
But still, we’ll work, and pray and plan,
To make our own the best we can.
—Selected
The perfect church will never exist, especially as long as it is made up of human beings. But there is plenty of benefit to being a part of and worshipping God on Sundays.
What is Church?
What is Church?
In the New Testament, the Greek word ecclēsia, usually translated “church,” is primarily used in two ways: to describe a meeting or an assembly, and to designate the people who participate in assembling together (whether they are actually assembled or not). Carpenter, E. E., & Comfort, P. W. (2000). In Holman treasury of key Bible words: 200 Greek and 200 Hebrew words defined and explained (p. 252). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
This word is used in many NT passages in addition to the Septuagint (OT in Greek)
38 He is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors; and he received living oracles to give to us.
2 The chiefs of all the people, of all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand foot-soldiers bearing arms.
jgs 20 2
32 Meanwhile, some were shouting one thing, some another; for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together.
39 If there is anything further you want to know, it must be settled in the regular assembly.
41 When he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.
18 For, to begin with, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you; and to some extent I believe it.
acts 19
19 The churches of Asia send greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, greet you warmly in the Lord.
22 And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church,
The word ecclesia is used many times throughout scripture to describe assemblies of people not a building. When you see the word in the Bible understand that it is speaking about a group of people. Now in what we speak about today. The group of people are special in that they have a commonality among each other. They are called by God to be His eschatological people.
The Church Jesus spoke about
The Church Jesus spoke about
18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
Jesus spoke of building a group of people that even death would not win against! That’s a tough group!
To build would mean to erect, or put together from different materials.
The rock is the confession that Peter makes earlier in the passage, it’s a firm foundation to build upon. There’s not one geographical location we must worship.
Jesus promises this, dies on the cross, is buried, rises from the dead, gives instructions, and goes back into heaven. His apostles and disciples spread the word on how to be this special group of people called out from the world. And then they begin to be known.
2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
1 Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest
2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
These people had a philosophy based on what Jesus had told them. They were called to be the eschatological people of God.
Philosophy- The most basic beliefs, concepts, and attitudes of an individual or group.
Eschatology- A branch of theology concerned with the final events in the history of the world or of mankind.
So to begin with the early church, or followers of Christ, were more concerned with being doers of what God said to do more than they were concerned with what to be called.
26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called “Christians.”
25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,
26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called “Christians.”
So to begin with the early church, or followers of Christ, were more concerned with being doers of what God said to do more than they were concerned with what to be called.
The Church is the group of people concerned with being the eschatological people of God through Jesus Christ. A.K.A. Christians
Why “Go To Church”?
Why “Go To Church”?
Carpenter, E. E., & Comfort, P. W. (2000). In Holman treasury of key Bible words: 200 Greek and 200 Hebrew words defined and explained (p. 252). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
A Response To God
A Response To God
Because God has done, is doing, and will do more for you than you can ever imagine, the least we can do is respond with a “Thank You”. That thank you is called worship. We don’t go to church, we are the Church. The Church comes together to worship God, through Jesus Christ. Worship before the church has always been a prescribed thing by God that was inclusive of many different actions, many showing/teaching us what exactly worship was.
A Couple of examples
Bowing down before God was an outward response to an inward sense of reverence for a God who had done much for us.
Singing is an outward response of us only singing about God, forgetting ourselves, placing Him up high for all to witness His glory.
Giving was an outward response in recognition that He owns all and we give back a portion to the owner as good stewards.
Worship is us lowering ourselves and lifting God up in the process.
The only proper recipient of worship is the humanity creating and saving God.
6 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; 7 you shall have no other gods before me.
If you KNOW that God is your creator and the manufacturer of your salvation then worship is due Him.
OT Worship
Throughout the history of God’s people, God has always prescribed that His people worship Him. Whether it be in portable tents, synagogues, or in the Temple. It was prescribed not because God needed it, but for the sake of the people. It served as a reminder, it served as a route for people to build relationship with God, and was a vehicle towards their salvation. THE REFLECTION COLLECTIVELY OF GOD PRODUCED PRAISE AND A PEOPLE WILLING TO LIVE ACCORDING TO HIS WILL.
NT Woship
What has happened is that today we have taken what was prescribed by God through the Jesus and the apostles and we have, as a society said, it is not good enough. We have stated within our hearts some things that will lead to our destruction.
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Fellowship, breaking of bread, prayers...
23 For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
The remembrance of the method of salvation for the whole world.
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints: you should follow the directions I gave to the churches of Galatia. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and save whatever extra you earn, so that collections need not be taken when I come.
1 cor 16 1 2
Giving...
19 as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts,
Singing… mention hallel if time permits.
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Worship extends beyond Sundays into our daily lives..
31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.
all that we do should tell the story of who God is and how great that He is...
We do not “go to church”, the Church comes together to worship God. We assemble on the day that Jesus rose from the dead. We give thanks to a God who has provided the way for our eternal salvation and a way for us to live within a troubled world.
A Common Response To God
A Common Response To God
We Have Said Things Like Or Heard
“I don’t like going to church (worshipping God), it is a waste of time and the people are hypocrites.”
“Because of how my life is at this moment, I won’t got to church (worship God) today.”
“I don’t need to go to church (worship God), he knows my heart.”
In these types of statements we have ordered laid out a list of our priorities before man and God. We have said to God “I know that you have prescribed a communal worship, but I think my way may be the best way.” In doing so you have catapulted yourself above God and made yourself and your ways into being idols. I want you all to understand that Idolatry is dangerous. If your devotion to anything else is stronger than your devotion to God, then it is your idol and new god.
2 Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” 3 Our God is in the heavens; he does whatever he pleases. 4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. 5 They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. 6 They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. 7 They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; they make no sound in their throats. 8 Those who make them are like them; so are all who trust in them.
When you are highly devoted to something that lacks life, you will to.
1 Listen to me in silence, O coastlands; let the peoples renew their strength; let them approach, then let them speak; let us together draw near for judgment. 2 Who has roused a victor from the east, summoned him to his service? He delivers up nations to him, and tramples kings under foot; he makes them like dust with his sword, like driven stubble with his bow.
God is telling them, while you have decided to leave me I am the one who has allowed your calamity!
1 Listen to me in silence, O coastlands; let the peoples renew their strength; let them approach, then let them speak; let us together draw near for judgment.
5 The coastlands have seen and are afraid, the ends of the earth tremble; they have drawn near and come. 6 Each one helps the other, saying to one another, “Take courage!” 7 The artisan encourages the goldsmith, and the one who smooths with the hammer encourages the one who strikes the anvil, saying of the soldering, “It is good”; and they fasten it with nails so that it cannot be moved.
God is talking about how they have built idols that cannot even stand by themselves. It sounds absurd but us relying on US is the same thing!
9 All who make idols are nothing, and the things they delight in do not profit; their witnesses neither see nor know. And so they will be put to shame. 10 Who would fashion a god or cast an image that can do no good? 11 Look, all its devotees shall be put to shame; the artisans too are merely human. Let them all assemble, let them stand up; they shall be terrified, they shall all be put to shame. 12 The ironsmith fashions it and works it over the coals, shaping it with hammers, and forging it with his strong arm; he becomes hungry and his strength fails, he drinks no water and is faint. 13 The carpenter stretches a line, marks it out with a stylus, fashions it with planes, and marks it with a compass; he makes it in human form, with human beauty, to be set up in a shrine. 14 He cuts down cedars or chooses a holm tree or an oak and lets it grow strong among the trees of the forest. He plants a cedar and the rain nourishes it. 15 Then it can be used as fuel. Part of it he takes and warms himself; he kindles a fire and bakes bread. Then he makes a god and worships it, makes it a carved image and bows down before it. 16 Half of it he burns in the fire; over this half he roasts meat, eats it and is satisfied. He also warms himself and says, “Ah, I am warm, I can feel the fire!” 17 The rest of it he makes into a god, his idol, bows down to it and worships it; he prays to it and says, “Save me, for you are my god!”
is 44
God shows them the absurdity of worshipping something that is lifeless or nothing, it’s worshippers turn into the same thing. NOTHING!
You are what you worship.
Things Produced By Worship
Things Produced By Worship
If what you bow down to isn’t any more powerful than you, then you’re in trouble. Your ideas about being spiritual, about worshipping God as prescribed by the scripture, about being a part of the community of the called believers does not hold up in God’s court.
31 The people believed; and when they heard that the Lord had given heed to the Israelites and that he had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped.
1 O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
3 For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
1 O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
3 For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also.
20 Then Noah built an altar to the Lord, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
26 While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Helping Others to Establish Godly Relationships
Helping Others to Establish Godly Relationships
How did you come to be the church? How did you first hear about the word of God? I can almost guarantee that another individual played a part in you hearing and obeying the Gospel and becoming a Christian.
31 When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.
9 One night the Lord said to Paul in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent;
10 for I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to harm you, for there are many in this city who are my people.”
Boldness to witness
Worship will embolden you to share the message of the Gospel.
11 And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.
Jesus prayed for the unity of Christians. Help answer His prayer.
Worship is an answer to Jesus’ prayer for unity.
27 As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
28 There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.
There is equality in the Church created by God through the cross of Jesus.
To come to worship is to see an equalizing of all mankind.
10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.
There is an abundance of love to be found in the church for all people.
Worship is where we receive agape love and honor.
Maturity
Maturity
How many of us want to remain the same? One who lacks the vision to improve has no vision at all. God offers a way to maturity, not just for our sake but for others.
12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
13 until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.
3 We must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of everyone of you for one another is increasing.
1 Therefore let us go on toward perfection, leaving behind the basic teaching about Christ, and not laying again the foundation: repentance from dead works and faith toward God,
Worship is where we mature.
How Does One Worship God?
How Does One Worship God?
The Bible speaks very clearly on the subject of becoming the church, the eschatological people of God. The people who will be saved upon Jesus’ return.
It does not matter what you are trying to do or accomplish in your life, everything has a starting point.
If you want to lost weight you have to start by making up your mind to focus on diet and exercise.
If you want to be a drug addict you make a choice in your mind to take the first hit.
If you want to be angry you choose anger over love.
If you want to worship God, you must first make up your mind about Jesus Christ.
6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
17 So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.
The words of Christ are in the God inspired word of the Holy Bible, literally from Jesus and the apostles/authors.
16 The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned.
38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
These words are spoken clearly here by Jesus. To better understand let us look in context at an example given us in the book of Acts.
35 Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus.
ac 8 26-
26 Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a wilderness road.) 27 So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to this chariot and join it.” 30 So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 He replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. 32 Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth. 33 In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.” 34 The eunuch asked Philip, “About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. 36 As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?” 38 He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.
671 My Church
A room of quiet,
a temple of peace;
A home of faith—
where doubtings cease
A house of comfort,
where hope is given;
A source of strength
to help us to heaven;
A place of worship,
a place to pray—
I found all this
in my Church today.
—Owen W. Glassburn
Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (p. 242). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.
671 My Church
A room of quiet,
a temple of peace;
A home of faith—
A room of quiet,
where doubtings cease
a temple of peace;
A home of faith—
A house of comfort,
where hope is given;
where doubtings cease
A source of strength
A house of comfort,
to help us to heaven;
where hope is given;
A place of worship,
A source of strength
a place to pray—
to help us to heaven;
A place of worship,
I found all this
in my Church today.
a place to pray—
—Owen W. Glassburn
I found all this
in my Church today.
—Owen W. Glassburn
Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (p. 242). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.
Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (p. 242). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.