Why I Go To Church

Good question!

But first: Having experienced God’s grace in a new way in the early 70’s, that salvation is a free gift of God and not anything that I could do to merit it… I made a commitment to the LORD realizing that God both works in my individual life and also through the community of other believers in the universal church, that is both locally and worldwide and that the LORD could/would use me using my spiritual gifts, strengths, passion and prior experiences for His glory…starting in a local church.

At first glance, it looks like the intended answer is to why I go to a “place”.

The “place” I am in now, this morning as I write this “story” is at a local coffee shop, TSU, The Student Union in Cedarburg.

But first, we need to understand what “Church” is.

A great place to meet friends…. NOT a good reason to belong or go to a certain church. Meeting friends can happen later, but can this be considered the or a “church”? What’s missing?

It’s open, but no one but the Barista.is here. People are missing! O yes, now a few local people are coming in.

The Church is the gathering of God’s people, both locally and around the world, both living and those already in the presence of God. Should be a foretaste of Heaven.

With COVID the past two years, it’s been easy to stay at home and watch a church service online streaming in real time. Great at the time, meeting a purpose. We can/could check out “churches”, both locally and around the world, but again the missing ingredient is a gathering of God’s people, face to face. Why do we need that?

The Bible encourages us, “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. New Living Translation

We have not been called to go it alone in our walk of faith! No such thing as a lone ranger Christian. Why?

What are benefits of meeting in person?

Most of us think that we go to church to Worship. Yes, it’s called a Worship Service.

Yes, we can worship at home. TV, radio, podcasts. Great resources.

Meeting together…we can encourage one another, provide strength for each other through prayer, fellowship and encouragement. It’s so important for me to know that I have several small groups of men who can and will pray for me and my family…serious believers and praying men who are really interested in me and my family. A great place to share my thoughts where others will listen, non judgmentally.

We can do all this and “worship” the LORD together with other “like minded” people, people who have a relationship with the LORD and we can share our “stories” of what the LORD has and is doing in our lives…encouraging one another, through prayer and fellowship.

“Like Minded” people. Yes, they may not have the same political beliefs, interests, concerns and passions of mine, but that is not important! Some of my best conversations have been with people who do NOT think as I do.

I want to hear God's word and how it applies to my life. Also, what the LORD is doing around the world with mission organizations my church supports and missions people from our church that I may know. Yes, music is important. God also speaks to us, me through music...maybe even music that is not my most liked style.

So as we may be actively searching out “churches” online, we also need to actually visit these churches if we are not already connected to a good Bible believing church.

Always good to remember that there are no perfect churches. If there where, they wouldn’t want me.

What I and my wife have found helpful and encouraging through the years was to be part of a church that is made up of a lot of different people, especially in nationality. That’s what Heaven is going to be like! People from every tribe, nation, etc. That’s what kept us at Eastbrook church for 20 years. A great multi ethnic and multi generational church. Very unique. Led by the Holy Spirit. Now we are at a local church, close to home, Alliance Bible Church in Mequon. Wisconsin. A great Bible Believing church!

And yes, we also have a responsibility to actively use our spiritual gifts, strengths and our life experiences to benefit other believers. The LORD has gifted each person different. Each of us is unique and special!

It’s good to find a “church” where we can use our “gifts”!

Each church is different in its area of ministry…some of it based on their physical location, but we all have the same needs…to be loved and respected.

“And let us continue to consider how to motivate one another to love and good deed”, Hebrews 10:24

I certainly need to listen to the Holy Spirit and discern what the local church is preaching and teaching, but it is not a reason to stop attending or start looking for a new church if we are not hearing what we want to hear. The enemy is clever in using our flesh and the world to discourage me, but I need to be discerning of what’s going on. Reason to be in fellowship with other believers and share our thoughts.

“The trail is long, and we won’t arrive at our destination in this life. Still, we’re on the journey with Jesus for the greatest thrill of our lives.” Zig Ziglar

This was/is not intended to be a “sermon”, which none of us want or need.

This “story” will be edited in the future, but just wanted to get some of my basic beliefs and thoughts out.

Thanks for the “Question”!

Originally posted on "Storyworth" for my family. Revisions have been made.

Blessings

Richard