(Hebrews 10:25)
Going to church. This weekend is one of the two times a year almost
everyone
who even professes a belief in God makes it to church. The other is, of
course, Easter Sunday. I thought that would give me an opportunity today to
address something that I deal with daily in prayer requests I receive here
at
Liveprayer.com, and that is how important it is to go to church. Let me
make
this point perfectly clear up front. Going to church and belonging to a
local body of believers IS NOT AN OPTION. Read today's scripture verse from
Hebrews. This is God telling you NOT to stop meeting together. Even in
the early church this had become a problem. Never forget my friend, the
church is NOT a man-made idea, it is a God-made idea. This was another way
God provided for His children to remain strong, and live productive
victorious lives. Trust me, over my years in ministry I have heard every
rationale for not going to church, and the only one that is valid is when you
are physically unable. Sleeping in does not count as physically unable by
the way. Not going to church is living in rebellion to God's will for your
life.
The reason God has made this part of our life with Him is because to stay on
track, there are many basic things we MUST do. We MUST pray and read the Bible
every day. We must be part of a local fellowship because it is in that
fellowship we are spiritually fed and nurtured. It is in that fellowship we
make friends with other believers. It is in that fellowship that we usually
find ways to serve the Lord. It is in that fellowship that we grow
spiritually. Before you say it, let me. There is, never has been, and
never
will be a perfect church, simply because it is made up of imperfect people,
from the pastor on down. That is a fact. For those of you looking for a
church home, the best advice I can give you is pray, find a place where the
Word of God is preached in an uncompromising way, find a place that is not
operating in contradiction to the Word of God (example: A church that
promotes an unscriptural lifestyle such as homosexuality, or a church that
does not accept the basic tenants of faith such as the virgin birth, who
Jesus is, the work on the cross). You will have to pray about doctrinal
issues that are in contention and let the Holy Spirit guide you. But having
done in-depth study on the denominational differences, there are really no
major tenants in dispute among the major Christian churches). And find a
place where you feel you can grow spiritually as well as serve the Lord. I
have found after preaching in over 500 churches of every denomination, that
the key is the shepherd, the pastor. I have so much respect for those God
has called as pastors. I honestly prayed that God would never call me to
pastor. It is one of the most difficult jobs in the Kingdom. However, it
is
important to find a true shepherd as in John chapter 10.
I am praying today that this Christmas you will come under great conviction
about becoming part of a local fellowship if you are not already. It is
important to your life and relationship with God. You can and will never
grow spiritually mature without this being part of your life. It is
impossible. It is also a reason many are struggling in their life. You are
out there alone and make an easy target for the enemy. There is safety in
numbers. As I normally do, I am going to let you pray about this. One
thing
I realized early in my ministry. I cannot force someone to do something.
God didn't make us that way. He gave us the freewill to make our own
decisions. My job is to tell you what the Word says, what God wants from
your life, and how you can become all that He has raised you up to be. Like
in everything, there are basics. Without doing the basics, it just doesn't
work. Going to church, being part of a local fellowship is one of the
basics
and critical to your spiritual health. I am praying in earnest that this
message is finding fertile ground in the hearts that need to hear these
words
today. What better time to make that commitment than at the time when most
will be attending church this Sunday. Make it a part of your life not just
on Christmas and Easter, but part of each day.
I love you, am praying for you, and trusting God that those who are not a
part of a local church, will make that commitment this Christmas. Remember,
it is not an option, but something God requires. Be richly blessed today.
