church attendance.

For believers, church attendance is not optional.

Hebrews 10: 8 -- Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Scripture commands believers to meet together, worship God, and learn about His Word on a regular basis. There is no alternate interpretation of the text. Church isn't a new idea by any means. In fact, we can see believers meeting together in Nehemiah 8:

Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.

A 6 hour sermon, led by Ezra. Men, women, and children attended (note: it says *those who understand* which leads us to believe that toddlers and infants were not there).

Later, they worshiped God with their faces to the ground and then enjoyed a meal together.

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I can't stand it when people insist that they are Christians, but they never go to church. And the excuses are endless: I can't find a church I like; I just don't learn anything at church; Church is so boring to me; Every time I go to church, they say something to make me mad; I just can't get up in the mornings.. I *NEED* sleep; I have to work on Sundays; My husband won't go with me, so I won't go.

And on and on and on.

Can I just say: GIVE ME A BREAK! Those are pathetic excuses, and they do not stand up to Scripture. When Scripture commands you to meet together (& Acts 2:42), you must obey. I really fail to see the line of thought here: "I believe that Christ is the Son of God. That He lived a sinless life, was nailed to a cross, died, and rose again on the 3rd day. And He is at the right hand of the Father. I believe it! But... I don't want to go to church."

What? First of all, I would step back here and really examine my heart. If I truly didn't care whether or not I ever studied Scripture, met with fellow believers, worshiped Christ, tithed, or ever gave God a speck of my time, where is my heart? I'm unsure if some people truly believe the lie that "I confessed my sins, so that's all I have to do. I won't give God my time, but He better let me into Heaven, because I did my part."

Friends, that's a lie.

God designed the church as a body: Each member belongs to all the others. And each believer is equipped with spiritual gifts: some are teachers, shepherds, leading, mercy, wisdom, discerning of the spirits, etc. And when all the believers come together, God works in the church. He needs each of His children!

You need the church, but the church also needs you. Christ calls the church (called-out ones) His bride. In fact, marriage is a perfect picture of the body & the bride (Christ with his church). God does not take His church lightly, so you definitely should not.

This is seriously heavy on my heart, because Mark and I are a part of an AMAZING church. It's unbelievable and we love every single thing about it. To say we're "in love with the church" is an understatement. And I'm fine with saying that, because JESUS is in love with His church too! I feel like SO so so so so many believers are missing out on the awesomeness that comes with being a member (actively) of a church.


You really need to figure out what you believe. Because, if you are a believer, it is the most important thing. The most important thing. If you cannot find a church you "agree" with, I challenge you to study God's Word and decide what you believe on salvation, baptism, assurance of salvation, sin, etc. And then find a church that preaches the Word of God.

And watch your life change. Because I promise that it will.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. -Jeremiah 29:11

Don't miss out on the opportunities God has to bless your life. Friends, obey God's word and be actively involved in a church. God has so much more in store for you than breakfast in bed and Sunday morning television.




(and this is my 2nd post of the day, btw)