“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” -Hebrews 10:24-25
As Christians, we are to strive to live like Jesus. In part, that means that we’re to love what he loves. Ephesians 5:25 tells us that “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Although the intent of this verse is to encourage husbands to likewise love their wives, it also teaches us the significance of a love for the bride of Christ. In other words, if Christ loves the church then so should we. God has graciously given the church to us for our sanctification and for his glory. That said, regular church attendance needs to be a priority in the life of every Christian. And by “priority” I don’t mean, “I go to church more often than not.” Rather, we should work our schedules around Sunday morning worship so that we seldom miss a service. Furthermore, by “priority” I also don’t mean, “I may not go to my church but I still go to a church.” It’s important that we regularly attend the local church to which we belong.
Here are 10 reasons why this matters:
1. Regular attendance at my local church is taught by Scripture (Hebrews 10:24-25).
2. Regular attendance at my local church is an act of submission to my spiritual leaders and gives them the opportunity to joyfully watch over my soul (Hebrews 13:17).
3. Regular attendance at my local church publicly communicates that I am devoted to the teaching, mission, and ministry of that particular church body (Acts 2:42-47).
4. Regular attendance at my local church helps maintain church unity (Ephesians 4:1-6).
5. Regular attendance at my local church allows me to use my spiritual gifts and be obedient to 1 Corinthians 12:12-31.
6. Regular attendance at my local church gives me the opportunity to live out the “one anothers” of Scripture among my brothers and sisters in my local church body (1 John 4:7-8, Ephesians 4:32, Galatians 5:13, 1 Peter 5:5, Romans 12:4-5, James 5:16, etc.).
7. Irregular attendance at my local church is a poor witness to unbelievers that see the inconsistency of my attendance (John 13:34-35).
8. Irregular attendance at my local church makes it difficult to grow through the preached Word alongside the rest of the congregation (Ephesians 4:11-16).
9. Irregular attendance at my local church can hinder my overall effectiveness as a leader by limiting my opportunities to minister to those in my spiritual care (Hebrews 10:24-25).
10. Irregular attendance at my local church unintentionally gives others the impression that my local church is not a priority for me.
“And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” – Acts 2:46-47
You are loved!
Will
