Why You Belong In Church


God is building a home. He's using us all - irrespective of how we got here -
in what He is building.
Ephesians 2:20

Paul writes: 'God is building a home. He's using us all - irrespective of how we got here - in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he's using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day - a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home' (Ephesians 2:19-22 TM).

There are times when we need to be alone with God in prayer. But there are other times when we can only experience the fullness of His presence as we come together with His people. The church is like a corporate headquarters. When people who are individually indwelt by the Spirit meet there for worship, praise, instructions, encouragement and service, God's Spirit shows up in a powerful way and we grow as we experience His presence and hear His Word.

The world and circumstances may beat us up all week and make us feel like losers, but when we gather with other members of Christ's body we are reminded that we are on the winning side. It's hard to celebrate all by yourself. When you have something worth celebrating you call people together so you can share the joy. Jesus Christ is so excited about His victory at the cross that He calls us together each week to celebrate what He achieved for us and celebration, like spiritual growth, is a group project

Copied from UCB Word for Today. Free issues are available here for the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Comments

dot said…
I over slept so I won't make Sunday School but I wiil go to the 11am service and then back this evening. Thanks Mike!!
I don't think the importance of community can ever be diminished. Praise and worship in the midst of God's people is what one needs to be encouraged, uplifted and emboldened. It gives us the courage to go into the world as witnesses of the Word. Besides, when you aren't there you ARE missed. Thanks Mike!!! Cathy
Andrea said…
I know a lot of people say they can worship God at home as much as they can in a church but I go back to the Bible where it says to assemble ourselves. We need Christian fellowship. I enjoy going to church.

Enjoyed your post as always.

God bless.
Gudl said…
Yes, we need our Christian Family.
I love worshiping with my Christian Fellowship. Actually, we 'rock'.
(literally!)
:-)
Linda said…
I love going to church - the more the better - It is amazing to me how God puts so many people together and when we gather we all really feel like family.
Thanks for your words - they are always inspiring.
Susan said…
Great photo and so true. I truly enjoy coming here, Mike. It is always refreshing!!!!
Susan
Sharon said…
So true. Christ died for the church...the least we can do is show up :)
Lissa said…
True words. The photo reminds me of the praise song, "Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down, here I am to say that you're my God."
zakscloset said…
such a lovely story mike! i don't know anything about religion to be honest, but i've been learning so much about christianity from your blog. it's so nice and soothing!
Wanda said…
I had a little girl ask me if I wasn't the Preachers wife, would I still go to church.

Yes, I told her because it's my Father's House, not the preachers.

Yes meeting with God's people for worship and teaching. A must!!!
Kim S in SC said…
brick by brick! Wonderful encouragement to not "give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing" Hebrews 10
Angie said…
Amen! So true!
Anonymous said…
True. I enjoy reading it. Nice photo.

Alexander
Alex's World! - http://www.kakinan.com/alex
Anonymous said…
Enjoyed the track Draw me close to you.

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