SHELBYVILLE, IL. — I'm already a Christian, so why do I need to attend church regularly?
To answer this question, we need to look at the reason that the church was created and what the Bible says about attending church. First is that according to the Bible, church attendance is not a request, but a command. Hebrews 10:25 says that Christians should not neglect meeting together, absences are expected with illness and travel, but it says that Christians should gather on a regular basis.
The Bible says that church is a place for believers to be taught the bible and to grow spiritually (Acts 2:42), a place where believers can love one another, encourage one another, serve one another, spur one another on, instruct one another, honor one another, and be kind and compassionate to one another.
When a person makes a decision to become a child of God through their faith and trust in Christ, that person is a part of the body of Christ, which are all the Christians on earth (1 Cor 12:27). For the body of Christ to function properly, body parts need to be present and working together. A believer cannot reach their full potential with out the assistance and encouragement from other believers.
Christians should attend church because they have a desire to learn what it means to live like Christ and meet regularly with like minded people. Attendance, participation, and fellowship in church should be a part of the believer’s life. Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 for a deeper look at how the church uses its members to spread the Gospel.
Chase Smith is the pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church in Shelbyville. For more information from Chase or the church call 774-3636 or visit www.fellowshipinshelbyville.com.
Send your questions for Ask the Pastor to valorie.eversole@shelbyvilledailyunion.com
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