[337 words]
Too many folks look upon church attendance as being secondary to anything else on their schedule. They are not opposed to religion. They may even look upon it as a vital part of life. But they have no conscience against neglecting it. Perhaps the attitude is: “I’ll go to church if nothing comes up, or if I am not too tired.” But to stay away because we have so many other engagements or because we have so little strength left is like staying away from the dinner table because we are to weak from hunger to go to the table.
The Bible tells us that this was not uncommon in the first century. The writer of Hebrews notes “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some” (Heb. 10:25).
What then does the church have to offer that a person cannot get anywhere else? One man said, “I do not go to church anymore because I can get what the church has to offer in better from elsewhere.”
When the church gets into the business of offering the world what the world already has, it is in the wrong business, and is not the church of the New Testament.
The mission of God’s church is to save souls. God’s power for saving souls is in the gospel of Christ. It is the mission of the church to preach the gospel.
The church offers a family atmosphere to believers not found elsewhere. The early church was said to be “together and had all things common.” (Acts 2:42).
Each member of the church is important. The church offers assistance to the believer in need (1 John 3:17).
The church is where the saved are (Acts 2:47). Their names are enrolled in heaven (Heb. 12:23). Where else can men have fellowship, communion with God and associations that they have in the church? In what other institution can we find the same assurance? Where else is offered the hope of everlasting life?
Bill Brandstatter
Marion church of Christ
Marion, IL