Local churches can strengthen your faith
Acts 2:46,47 “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”
In the above verses, we see several good reasons why Christians should go to church. The passage speaks of Pentecost and what happened on that day and then what they did afterward. There are four things that stick out in these verses:
- The new believers never asked: “Should I go to church?”
- They went to church often – every day.
- They had genuine and lasting joy because they met together so often.
- They quickly became strong Christians.
A very important factor about them becoming strong Christians so quickly was the things that they learned from going to church so often. Verse 42 of this same chapter gives us a strong clue as to what made them strong: “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” This verse indicates that they were taught the Bible carefully and learned not only what to believe but why they should believe it. They were not occasional attendees at the local assembly – no, they steadfastly went.
Going to a Biblical church (many are not) regularly enables believers to grow, to learn, and it helps them to become strong – so that they can serve God as He desires. Many believers do not serve God in a Biblical way.
Sometimes I hear people say that they can worship God anywhere. True; but if you are someone that says that, I have to wonder how much time you actually spent worshipping God the last time you were in nature or on the lake? Was it at least 10 minutes? Who did you encourage to grow in the Lord while you were there? And who did you tithe to?
If you were honest, you would probably have to admit that your heart just is not into worshipping God in the way that God wants. He desires that you worship Him not in nature only – but with other believers – for mutual benefit. That is New Testament Christianity.
God loves you, friend, but He wants His people to worship Him in spirit – and “in truth.” The words “in truth” mean according to His Word and will. Remember that God said, in Hebrews 10:25: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
If you are not currently attending church somewhere, why not go online and find a good Bible-preaching and teaching Baptist church near you today? Then, when the doors are open next for worship services, why not drop in for a visit and get refreshed spiritually?