Introduction
Why do I go to church? That is an especially important question. There are many reasons. Let us see.
First, we need to correct a common misconception. We do not actually “go to” church. The Bible teaches that the church is not a “building” or “place.” It is the body of Christ. Paul writes in Romans 12:5, “so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” He writes in Ephesians 1:22-23, “And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” The church is the body of Christ, that is, the body of believers who have been saved by his blood. Paul writes in Ephesians 5:23, “For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body.” We do not go to church. We attend worship services with the church. Paul writes in Hebrews 10:25, “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.” That brings us to the first reason I attend worship services.
#1. We are commanded to assemble. Paul tells us not to forsake the assembling.
#2. We have the example of the First Century Christians.
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2:
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. 2 On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.
He writes in 1 Corinthians 11:20-22, “Therefore when you meet together,7 it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper, 21 for in your eating each one takes his own supper first; and one is hungry and another is drunk.” It was clearly the practice of the early Christians to assemble on the first day of the week. When Paul and his company stopped at Troas, Luke tells us, “On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight.” (Acts 20). The phrase, “to break bread,” is a phrase which stands for the Lord’s Supper (communion). And that brings us to the next reason I attend worship services.
#3. I have regular opportunities to partake of the Lord’s Supper and give a part of that which the Lord has prospered me back to Him.
We have noticed what Paul writes in 1Corinthinas 6:1-2 and Acts 20:7. Remember that Paul wrote that the collection is “for the saints.” When we contribute a portion of our income, some of it is used for benevolent purposes- to help those who are in need. How much are we to give? Christians are not told to tithe. Rather we are told, “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7). It was the practice to assemble on the first day of the week, each week, to give and to partake of the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Acts 20:7). When I attend worship services, I have opportunity to partake of the Lord’s Supper, which serves as a memorial to the death of our Lord on the cross for our sins, and show forth the Lord’s death until He comes. The bread represents the body of Christ given for our sins, and the fruit of the vine (juice) represents His blood which was shed for the remission of our sins (Matt. 26:26-29; 1 Cor. 11:20-27). The giving and partaking of the Lord’s Supper are parts of our worship to God.
#4. I have the opportunity to worship God and teach and admonish my fellow Christians through singing.
Paul writes in Ephesians 5:19-20, “ speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;” He writes in Colossians 3:16-17, “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” There is nothing more beautiful than human voices lifted in acapella music to God! This is another part of our worship to God.
#5. I have the opportunity to hear the word of God preached.
We have seen the example of the Saints at Troas hearing a portion of God’s word proclaimed to them by the Apostle Paul (Acts 20:7). Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:2, “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” Paul instructs Timothy to preach the word that he had heard from Paul to others, who would, in turn, preach it to others. That is why the brethren in Jerusalem assembled on a daily basis to hear “the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:41-43, 46-47). I love God’s word, and I love to hear it preached and taught.
#6. To have an opportunity to be with God’s people, my brothers and sisters in Christ.
Paul writes, “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom [a]every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.” (Eph. 3:14-15). The church is the “household of God” (Eph. 2:19; Galatians 6:10). Jesus Christ is the head of the family (Eph. 5:23). I don’t want to miss any opportunity to be with my family!
#7. God and His Son are there! (Matt. 18:20; John 1:1-3, 11).
Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” The church is a special place where we meet with our people, the saved in the blood of Christ (Acts 2:47).
Conclusion
Why do I attend worship services? #1. We are commanded to assemble. Paul tells us not to forsake the assembling. I attend worship services because:
#2. We have the example of the First Century Christians.
#3. I have regular opportunities to partake of the Lord’s Supper and give a part of that which the Lord has prospered me back to Him.
#4. I have the opportunity to worship God and teach and admonish my fellow Christians through singing.
#5. I have the opportunity to hear the word of God preached.
#6. I have an opportunity to be with God’s people, my brothers and sisters in Christ.
#7. God and His Son are there! (Matt. 18:20; John 1:1-3).