To Be Thoroughly Equipped

Introduction: Top 10 Reasons to Attend Church

10. It’s a way to get a healthy glow without wearing makeup.

9. Elvis started out in a church choir…so can you!

8. Goodness and mercy will follow you all the rest of your life—which are better than the IRS or FBI.

7. With April 15 coming, remember, man does not live by Turbotax alone.

6. The Biblical admonition to “greet one another with a holy kiss” boosts your social life.

5. You can walk down an aisle and approach an altar without having to gain a mother-in-law.

4. Hard times? Tired? Kids getting on your nerves? Free coffee and child care at church!

3. The sound of money dropping is the offering, not your stocks.

2. Robes, candles, music…and it’s less expensive than a spa.

1. In this economy, it might be good to be hooked up with Someone who can turn water into wine!

Here is a list of really strange reasons people have given for not attending church from Thom Rainer

1. “We were out of peanut butter.”

2. “I was too drunk, so I went soul winning with my dog, Rambo.”

3. “Both of my girlfriends attend church there.”

4. “The worship leader pulls up his pants too often. It’s distracting.”

5. “My kids take naps during that time.”

6. “Gas prices are too high.”

7. “The pastor is too attractive. When I see him preaching, I have impure thoughts, and I am distracted.”

8. “My wife cooked bacon for breakfast, and our entire family smelled like bacon.”

9. “The pastor stays in the Bible too much.”

10. “I couldn’t get the lid off the peanut butter.”

11. “We got burned out at church and have been taking a break the past seven years.”

12. “The church is too close to drive, and too far to walk.”

13. “I always get hemorrhoids on Sundays.”

14. “Someone called me ‘brother” instead of using my name.”

15. “I was constipated.”

Today we continue on in our series “Why Church?” by looking at another answer, to be thoroughly equipped.

Pray

Read: 2 Timothy 3:16-17

I believe that the Word of God when it is applied to our lives, equips us for everything. There is tremendous power in this book. The words of this book are special. More than any other written word in all of history, the Bible possesses remarkable power. When God’s people make it a priority to meet together ans study the Bible there is a strength that is unmatched. I want to look at two truths that happen when the church is one. Let’s look at how God equips us. When we meet together to study the Word...

The Word Comes Alive

The Word of God is literally living and active, Hebrews 4:12 says,

Hebrews 4:12 ESV

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

How is it living? Because the Savior lives! God is alive and so are His words. These words have the power to bring change to the hearts of the hearers and readers.

Many years ago in a Moscow theater, acting idol Alexander Rostovzev was converted while playing the role of Jesus in a sacrilegious play entitled Christ in a Tuxedo. He was supposed to read read two verses from the Sermon on the Mount, remove his gown, and cry out, “Give me my tuxedo and top hat!” But as he read the words, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those that mourn, for they shall be comforted,” he began to tremble. Instead of following the script, he kept reading from Matthew 5, ignoring the coughs, calls, and foot-stamping of his fellow actors. Finally, recalling a verse, Luke 23:42, he had learned in his childhood in a Russian Orthodox church, he cried, “Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom!” Before the curtain could be lowered, Alexander had trusted Jesus Christ as his Savior.

The Word comes alive through your personal study and corporate worship. Like minded believers spur one another on. Questions can be answered through another person. When the Word of God is preached it takes on life. People often leave feeling convicted or challenged. They often are reminded of God’s promises and leave encouraged.

The Word Encourages Change

It was Isaac Newton that said, “Everything continues in a state of rest unless it is compelled to change by forces impressed upon them.” - Isaac Newton

The Word teaches. It helps us to see truth. It answers questions we may have. It rebukes. It shows us what is acceptable and right in our lives and reminds us of our calling. It corrects. This is truth for our daily living. The Word helps remind us of what is the truth from God and what is of the world. It trains us up in righteousness. The Word gives us practical ways to live a holy life. It shows us what God desires in us and gives us a plan to achieve it.

Romans 10:17 says,

Romans 10:17 ESV

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

When the Word of God is preached it brings about a desire within us to be better, to serve more, to love often. It deepens our faith in God and His promises. It has the power to save! This is how we become equipped. We come to church, get involved in Sunday school, Bible studies, and small groups, because it equips us to be who God has created us to be!

Conclusion: So, why church? To be thoroughly equipped. You can grow on your own. You can do your own personal studies in the world, and I encourage you to, but; there is something about when we gather together with one heart and mind that is simply beautiful. We encourage one another and we grow together. This world is in desperate need of people who are equipped for every good work. People who are radically changed by the Word of God. People who live out daily what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ! I challenge you today to make church a priority so that you may be thoroughly equipped in this life. Allow God to transform you through HIs word. Allow His living word to encourage change in your life. May you leave here today challenged to truly be who God has called you to be!

Pray