Daily Devotional for Sunday September 9, 2001

Going to Church

(Hebrews 10:25)

During the upcoming Christmas season, which is only a few months away, it is one of the two times a year that almost everyone who even professes a belief in God makes it to church. The other is, of course, Easter Sunday. I thought that would give me an opportunity today to address something that I deal with each day in prayer requests I receive here at Liveprayer.Com. That is how important it is to go to church. Not just on the special holiday's, but to be part of a local fellowship of believers. Let me make this point perfectly clear up front. Going to church and belonging to a local body of believers IS NOT AN OPTION! Read today's scripture verse from Hebrews. This is God telling you NOT to stop meeting together. Even in the early church this had become a problem. Never forget my friend, the church is NOT a man-made idea, it is a God-made idea. This was another way God provided for His children to remain strong, and live productive victorious lives. Trust me, over my years in ministry I have heard every rationale for not going to church and the only one that is valid is when you are physically unable. Sleeping in does not count as being physically unable by the way. Not going to church is living in rebellion to God's will for your life.

The reason God has made this part of our life with Him is because to stay on track, there are many basic things we MUST do. We MUST pray and read the Bible every day. We must be part of a local fellowship, because it is in that fellowship we are spiritually fed and nurtured. It is in that fellowship we make friends with other believers. It is in that fellowship that we usually find ways to serve the Lord. It is in that fellowship that we grow spiritually. Before you say it, let me. There is, never has been, and never will be a perfect church, simply because it is made up of imperfect people, from the pastor on down. That is a fact.

For those of you looking for a church home, the best advice I can give you is pray, find a place where the Word of God is preached in an uncompromising way, find a place that is not operating in contradiction to the Word of God (example: A church that promotes an unscriptural lifestyle such as homosexuality, or a church that does not accept the basic tenants of faith such as the virgin birth, who Jesus is, the work on the cross. You will have to pray about doctrinal issues that are in contention and let the Holy Spirit guide you. But having done an in-depth study on the denominational differences, there are really no major tenants in dispute among the major Christian churches). And find a place where you feel you can grow spiritually, as well as serve the Lord. I have found after preaching in over 500 churches of every denomination, that the key is the shepherd, the pastor. I have so much respect for those God has called as pastors. I honestly prayed that God would never call me to pastor. It is one of the most difficult jobs in the Kingdom. However, it is important to find a true shepherd as in John chapter 10.

I am praying today that today you will come under great conviction about becoming part of a local fellowship if you are not already. It is important to your life and relationship with God. You will never grow spiritually mature without this being part of your life. It is impossible. It is also a reason many are struggling in their life. You are out there alone and make an easy target for the enemy. There is safety in numbers. As I normally do, I am going to let you pray about this. One thing I realized early in my ministry. I cannot force someone to do something. God didn't make us that way. He gave us the free will to make our own decisions. My job is to tell you what the Word says, what God wants from your life, and how you can become all that He has raised you up to be. Like in everything, there are basics. Without doing the basics, it just doesn't work. Going to church and being part of a local fellowship is one of the basics and critical to your spiritual health. I am praying in earnest that this message is finding fertile ground in the hearts that need to hear these words today. Make it a part of your life, not just on Christmas and Easter, but part of each week.

I love you, am praying for you, and trusting God that those who are not a part of a local church, will make that commitment. Make it a number one priority in your life. Remember, this is not an option, but something God requires. Be richly blessed today.