A Bible Study
Whenever we move, there are three things on our immediate agenda. Find a house. Find a grocery store. Find a church.
As the kids have gotten older finding a church has been more difficult. Most churches have something for the kids.. but a good youth group is hard to find.. a good college group even harder.
I’ve been getting complaints from certain young people that I am too intense about church and have been asked, “Why go to church anyway?” My usual answer is that we need to encourage others and be encouraged.
They know the answer.. but they keep asking. Why do kids do that??
I decided that I would do some research and write a Bible study on it. (Should have made them do that.)
One of the most relevant answers I found was this comparison: Why go to church when you can worship God and read your Bible at home? Why go to a concert, when you can buy the CD’s or download the music on itunes? There is a BIG difference!
Some biblical reasons??
We are to learn of Jesus. Matthew 11:29
He told His parents that it was His duty to be in His Father’s house. Luke 2:49
He taught there regularly. Luke 21:37-38
It was his custom to go. Luke 4:14-16
My original answer: We Need Each Other
Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
To be a part of what Jesus is building. Matthew 16:15-19
Jesus’ prayer is that we would be one. John 17: 20-23
It’s not good for us to be alone. Genesis 2:18
God puts the lonely in families. Psalm 68:6
Psalm 133:1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!
Jesus loves the church as a bride and gave Himself for her. Ephesians 5:25-33
We are part of the body of Christ. Each part needs the other parts. I Corinthians 12:12-27
If someone refuses to listen to the church, we are to treat them as a pagan.
If two agree, we will receive what we ask for.
If two or three come together in His name, He is there with us. Matthew 18:17-20
To be strengthened in faith and numbers. Acts 16:5
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
To admonish one another in all wisdom. Colossians 3:16
Can we have fellowship with each other, obey our leaders, love one another, and all the other one another commands if we aren’t actively involved in a local body? Hebrews 13:17
Food
To receive spiritual food. John 21:15-17
To hear the word of God to grow in faith.
Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
Matthew 4: Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'”
Beware of LIONS and WOLVES! Oh, My!
We need overseers, shepherds, to serve as humble examples for us. The devil prowls like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Which sheep do the lions eat? The weak ones who are off by themselves. 1 Peter 5:1-11
Wolves will not spare us. We need protection from the distortion of the truth. Acts 20:28-30
Jesus rejoices when he comes home with a lost sheep. Luke 15:4-7
1 Peter 2:25 For you were going astray like sheep but now you have turned back to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
There will be terrible times in the last days.. have nothing to do with the people who love pleasure more than God.. all Scripture is God-breathed and useful … trained and equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:1-17
Many will turn away from the faith and betray and hate each other… Matthew 24:4-14
Church finding/attending tips:
Remember there are no perfect people, therefore there can not be any perfect churches.
Pray and ask God to show you what church to go to.
Look for a church that teaches from the Bible.
Look for a church that sees God as loving .. not as revengeful. Romans 8:1-4
Look for a church that teaches that faith in Jesus.. not works.. is the only way to heaven. Ephesians 2:1-10
Stick with that church until God tells you to go somewhere else.
If someone there hurts your feelings, pray for them and forgive them.
If you don’t like the music or something else about the church, pray for your fellow believers and listen to the music you like at home.
Remember church is a growing experience.
If God gives you an idea to improve the church, ask God how you can put it into action, then ask your pastor if you can try it out.
Don’t wait for other people to take the first step. Be friendly.
Get involved. Don’t be a bench warmer.
Loved by Jesus.. imperfections and all,
Jenny
I went to church today. Your sister, who went with me, said it was the longest church service she had ever been in. 2 hours,20 minutes. (not that I was counting)
I thought I was a failure as a parent because I couldn't make my 1 to 6 year olds sit still through church until I realized that the parents I was comparing myself to church services were only one hour long while ours were three.