Why go to Church

“For He Himself is our peace, who was made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in His flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which He put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to those who were near. For through Him we have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone. In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit” Ephesians 2:14-22.

There is no shortage of church buildings in and around our country. Finding a church might be easy enough, but deciding which one to join may involve more effort. To find wisdom in this decision, we can look to the Bible for specific instructions.

The original biblical meaning of the word "church": The term “ecclesia” meant a group of people who are called out of the world's system by God's grace for the purpose of assembling to worship and serve Christ. “And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the first born from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy.” Colossians 1:18 explains that believers are the body and Jesus is the head of biblical fellowship. Under His leadership, we can enjoy the unity and purpose that He intended.

God's design for this sacred gathering involves worship, instruction, encouragement, evangelism, and ministry to those in need, both within the fellowship and outside its walls. A healthy, vibrant congregation is possible only when members rely fully on the Holy Spirit's guidance. The work of the church is to be done in His power, in humble, prayerful submission to the Lord. “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” Ephesians 4:2-3.

Consider the following questions to help determine the right church for you: Do they believe God's Word is infallible and inerrant? In other words, there are no errors and there can be no errors. Is the church disciplining her people? Church discipline refers to the authoritative right and duty of church officers, for the edification of the church and the honor of Christ's name, to admonish church members, and to control access to the sacraments, see Matthew 18. Does the fellowship have some kind of missionary or evangelistic program? Joining a congregation is an important decision, as a fellowship of believers is one tool God uses to mature and encourage His children. These three questions can be helpful in discerning God's will. Listen for His Spirit to warn or direct as you prayerfully investigate your options.

See more posts on related topics by clicking on the links below:

http://goodeyeconcepts.blogspot.com/2014/04/a-caring-church.html

http://goodeyeconcepts.blogspot.com/p/nine-fundamental-christian-beliefs.html

http://goodeyeconcepts.blogspot.com/p/we-grow-when-we-worship-god.html

http://goodeyeconcepts.blogspot.com/2011/07/grace-helps-us-to-grow.html

http://goodeyeconcepts.blogspot.com/2011/08/people-help-us-to-grow.html

http://goodeyeconcepts.blogspot.com/2011/09/seeking-his-righteousness-to-grow.html

http://goodeyeconcepts.blogspot.com/2011/09/gods-promises-bring-good-success.html

http://goodeyeconcepts.blogspot.com/2011/09/we-grow-when-we-believe-right-think_4451.html