Acts 2:42-47 – 42 They spent their time in learning from the apostles, taking part in the fellowship, and sharing in the fellowship meals and the prayers. 43 Many miracles and wonders were being done through the apostles, and everyone was filled with awe. 44 All the believers continued together in close fellowship and shared their belongings with one another. 45 They would sell their property and possessions, and distribute the money among all, according to what each one needed. 46 Day after day they met as a group in the Temple, and they had their meals together in their homes, eating with glad and humble hearts, 47 praising God, and enjoying the good will of all the people. And every day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved. (Good News Translation)

Ephesians 1:22 – And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, . . . (New King James Version)

Ephesians 2:20-21 – 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, . . . (New King James Version)

Reasons Why Going to Church Is a Big Deal

✓ We come together to exalt God in _________________

Genesis 1:1 – In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (New Living Translation)

Revelation 4:11 – You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased. (New Living Translation)

Revelation 5:9 – And they sang a new song with these words: “You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. (New Living Translation)

✓ We come together to ____________________________ our families, friends, and neighbors through the proclamation of the Word

Hebrews 11:35-38 – 35 . . . There were those who, under torture, refused to give in and go free, preferring something better: resurrection. 36 Others braved abuse and whips, and, yes, chains and dungeons. 37 We have stories of those who were stoned, sawed in two, murdered in cold blood; stories of vagrants wandering the earth in animal skins, homeless, friendless, powerless – 38 the world didn’t deserve them! – making their way as best they could on the cruel edges of the world. (The Message)

Research shows:

11% of the unchurched are highly receptive to the gospel; and,
27% of the unchurched are receptive to the gospel and church; that means,
38% of the unchurched population are open or very open to the gospel
82% of the unchurched population would go to church if they were invited to church by someone they know and they could walk into church together

John 4:34-35 – 34 Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God who sent me, and from finishing his work. 35 Do you think the work of harvesting will not begin until the summer ends four months from now? Look around you! Vast fields of human souls are ripening all around us, and are ready now for [harvesting].” (The Living Bible)

Romans 10:13-14, 17 – 13 . . . the Scripture says, “Anyone who calls on the Lord will be saved.” 14 But before people can ask the Lord for help, they must believe in him; and before they can believe in him, they must hear about him; and for them to hear about the Lord, someone must tell them; . . . 17 So faith comes from hearing the Good News, and people hear the Good News when someone tells them about Christ. (New Century Version)