Answers
Is Church Absolutely Necessary?
By Rebekah Wilson
Staff Writer
CBN.com
– Do I have to go to church if I become a Christian?
The short answer is: No; There is no church roster that your name gets automatically inserted into the moment you choose to follow Christ. However, people that have chosen to follow the example of Jesus do also tend to want to imitate His worship habits.
In true Jewish tradition, Jesus went to the synagogue every Sabbath, and we can read in the Bible that He often held gatherings with many people, where he would quote and discuss God’s words, as written in the Bible.
The early church leaders developed this practice, adapting the Jewish Sabbath meetings into gatherings during which Christians discussed Jesus and His significance in their lives, prayed and read the Bible together, sang songs about God together, and encouraged each other in their faith. This sounds pretty familiar, right? These same reasons are why most Christians today want to participate in a church. To be surrounded with like-minded people who are all pursuing God is actually a big help to one’s faith.
One writer in the Bible states: “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another.” (Hebrews 10:25, NIV)
Churches are also charged with being a practical and spiritual help to the community and to their members. In Bible days, churches took care of local orphans and widows in practical ways. Today, many churches host ministries for battered women and children, the homeless, expectant mothers, and much more. Being involved in a church is a great way to show God’s love in a practical way to many hurting people, both inside and outside of its four walls. This is church at its best, and although some fall short of this ideal, the worldwide church is still God’s way to ensure that his people are both encouraged and mobilized to help others.
Do You Want a Relationship with God?
If you want this kind of relationship with God, pray this prayer right now:
Lord Jesus Christ, I believe that you took the pain of the cross to give me new life. I ask you to come into my life and to give me your peace and joy. I confess that I am a sinner -- that I have gone my own way and have done wrong. Please forgive me for my sins. I receive you now as my Lord and Savior. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit. Help me to follow you and to serve you all my life. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, you are now a child of God. The things of your old life have passed away and He has made all things new.
We want to join you in celebrating your new life. Please send us an e-mail to let us know that you prayed to receive Jesus as your Savior. Or you can call our Prayer Counseling Center at (800) 759-0700. A caring friend is available to talk with you and send you some resources to help you begin your walk with the Lord.
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