To attend or not to attend? That's the question.

"Why should I attend church?"

"Can't I still be a Christian and not attend church?"

At first glance, I might say it's a personal decision but upon further understanding God's word and what He wants for all of us as believers, I now have a different belief.

I've heard it said that going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than walking into a barbershop makes you a barber. Attending church does not save us, nor does anything else we do. BUT it can build our faith and make us stronger in our beliefs.

Ephesians 2:8 tells us, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God."

We are saved by grace, through faith, on account of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ alone. In other words, we are forgiven of all sin and declared righteous in the sight of our holy and merciful Creator. It follows then that a genuine believer will not lose his or her salvation by failing to go to church.

However, the scriptures teach that the Christian life should be lived within the context of the family of God, in community with other believers and not in isolation.

I cannot conceive of a true Christian not wanting to gather together regularly with fellow believers to worship the Lord through the sacraments and receive His Word through preaching. Right?

We NEED others to walk with us, watch over us, weep for us and to witness to us. THIS is living in community with others. Our spiritual journey is a walk and God does not wish for us to walk alone.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us that "A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back to back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken."

A healthy, well-balanced church equips and encourages people to go out and impact the world for Christ. So, if you're not 'plugged in' I want to encourage you today to find a church and join in. And if you have access to small groups - even better! Small groups are a fantastic way to deepen friendships in a more intimate setting as your walk with God grows.

And for another uplifting story, click here!

HT Jesus.org

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