I wonder sometimes, how much we think about our purpose in the church that we are part of in our community. My perspective has changed over the years. As I grow older, I have seen a lot happen that brings me to the conclusions that I now have. Do you attend church for what you personally get out of it, or do you go to pour into lives? This is the recipe for success in a church!
An Incorrect View Of A Church- Does This Church Make ME Happy?
I often read and respond to questions and comments regarding attending church and engaging in a church. There are so many people who have an incorrect view of why the church(Global and Local) exists. There are far too many people who go to church for what they receive from attending or being part of a church. As soon as that church no longer makes them happy, they leave and find somewhere else to go or they stop going altogether. There is NO such thing as a perfect church so you will continue looking and be frustrated from one church to the next.
Am I “Fed” What I Want At My Church?
Sometimes those who have been believers for a long time expect to be fed a certain “spiritual diet”. It seems that big spiritual words that few understand are better along with some Greek and Hebrew! I went to two Christian colleges and learned a lot. However, I don’t believe that I have to be constantly fed more and more head knowledge. In fact, being at my current church, I am learning to live more like Christ day to day and apply more of His Word, than I ever did while I heard deep theology.
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”
1 Corinthians 13:1-2
Many of us have been believers for several years and want to eat this “spiritual diet.” Paul writes about eating meat, versus the milk of the Word, but do we have to get fed this “meat” at our own local church? As I was studying this topic, I came across the verses also about “Am I of Paul, or Apollos or Peter?”in I Corinthians. This passage reminds me that I don’t have to get my spiritual teaching only by my Pastor at my own church. I also need to study the Word on my own!
So many resources are available now, such as Christian radio, Podcasts, Books, Seminars and the Internet. We can get fed this “spiritual meat”, very easily. Scripture tells us also to encourage each other at church too. Do we look for what we can get only at church or do we try to give to newer believers, seekers or anyone who wants to learn, while at our local church?
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
Hebrews 3:13
Another Great Verse On Discipleship
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20
So Pour Into Lives- This Recipe Will Bring The Most Success
Do we “Pour” into others lives? How about investing in a new believer or one who needs to understand the Word of God better? Jesus had 12 disciples that He chose to invest in. Do we have someone or a few people that we can invest in?
Very good. We can not blame the Church for not feeding us when the Word in this country is so plentiful. We must be thankful for many are persecuted for reading their Bibles and professing their faith in other countries. We must not take our freedom for granted.
You’re right! There is plenty of resources available!
very nice
I love it!!! Excellent post. Great truths here:) I want to put a heart, but I cannot find the button on this computer? 🙁
Blessing’s sister!
So many encouraging words! I’m grateful for my many followers who are truly a blessing and help by encouraging! Thank you!!!
I attend church for two reasons: 1. Sometimes Father has shown me things in my life or Bible study that can benefit other believers and they need to hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
2. Sometimes Father can’t get through to me because of my hardheadedness or lack of attention, and He has shown others things in their lives or Bible study and I need to hear what the Spirit is saying to THIS piece of the Church! 😉
😁