Sometime ago, a person contacted me with a few questions. This blogpost covers one of them. He claimed to be a Christian, yet felt no reason to belong to a local church. He basically asked why it was necessary, since he was already saved. I responded as I often do, starting with the words, "There are three reasons...", and the following is a brief summary of those reasons:
1. God tells us to assemble together (Hebrews 10:25). Shouldn't it be enough that He commands us to? Maybe you don't feel like it, or perhaps you don't really like people. Why should any activity be based on how you feel? You should choose whether or not to do something on the basis of what God says, period. "Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way" (Psalm 119:128). God can give you love for others. If He loved you enough to die in your place, shouldn't you be grateful enough to share His love with others (I John 4:11,19)?
2. It was a part of the early church which has set an example for us (Acts 2:42-47). We are also to be a good example to other believers (I Timothy 4:12). How can you effectually pray for the church for instance (Ephesians 6:18), if you don't take the time to fellowship with them so you know their needs? Some of the things that a local body of believers can do for each other, is "...warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men" (I Thessalonians 5:14).
3. We need the fellowship to keep us keen for the Lord (Proverbs 17:27). It is good for us to serve together (Ecclesiastes 2:9-12). God likens us to members of a body. To function properly, we need to be cooperating. A hand or a toe can do little on its own, but a whole body can do great things (Romans 12:12-27). We are also likened to soldiers (II Timothy 2:3). When the army assembles for training, orders, or to go out to war, shouldn't every soldier possible be present?
Now I encourage you to go to a local assembly where the Holy Bible is preached, taught, and verily is the Standard for faith and practice. Read along with the preacher, and make sure "these things are so" (Acts 17:11).
Kevan Myers
Psalm 119:74
There is still time to win a battle before the sun goes down.
