Why Church?

Preparing for a hike/marathon

Imagine yourself getting ready to go on an physically exerting hike or do something like running a marathon… What do the moments before look like?

Doing this alone is technically possible but much easier with a group!

What do the moments before look like?

You will most likely:

Invite people to participate with you

Meet up with your group at a specific times to build up one another

Constantly discuss the task at hand

Keep others in the group accountable

What do the moments during look like?

You will most likely:

Run the race together

Encourage each other to avoid temptation

I ran by myself and only completed half

Be reminded of all of the moments leading up to this moment

Be held accountable by the people that you are running with

How does EXCLUSION feel?

Exclusion is an ultimate disconnect… Its like technology without WIFI

Has TONNES of potential

Is less useful BECAUSE IT IS NOT CONNECTED

Scientists have proven that humans are wired to thrive when connected (thats why being “left out” hurts so bad for us)

If you are not a part of a regularly meeting body of believers then you are at high-risk of being disconnected

What does the Bible say about “gathering”

Hebrews 10:24-25

Hebrews 10:24–25 CSB

24 And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, 25 not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.

Neglecting to gather together can lead to the absence of encouragement

When one or more Christians choose to do “their own thing” and refuse to gather and worship, the Body of Christ becomes anemic in the ability to publicly proclaim all the works of Christ on this earth

1 Corinthians 12:12

1 Corinthians 12:12 CSB

12 For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body—so also is Christ.

We, as humans, are designed to glorify christ TOGETHER

All churches WILL have problems (ran by sinners), but there is no better place to do this than a bible-believing church

Benefits of a Church

Run the race of life together

You are connected

Accountability

The Great Commission (making disciples)

Ephesians 4:11–16 CSB

11 And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. 14 Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. 15 But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. 16 From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.

Fulfilling Matthew 28:16-20 is of the upmost importance for us as Christians and gathering as believers in a good church WILL help us!

We worship together by gathering