THE REASON FOR GOING TO CHURCH

Philippians 1:7-8 says, "So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus." When Paul was writing the Book of Philippians, he was under house arrest in Rome. He was chained to a guard, but allowed to receive visitors and have limited opportunities to preach and teach the Word of God. The church in Philippi continued to send support for his physical needs while he was in house arrest. Paul was expressing his love to the church in Philippi because of how they supported Him. The relationship between Paul and the church in Philippi showed the relationship that we are supposed to have in the local churches that we go to. The heart of the church should be its people, not the building. It must be a welcoming haven of love and support, where everyone feels valued and inspired to connect and grow together. Paul experienced the love of the Philippian believers while in house arrest because they were united in Christ Jesus and to each other.

Our local churches should be a place where everyone supports and loves one another. The church should not function as a social club, where people go to church to be entertained or be with friends. It should be a place of worshipping God and listening to God's message for the purpose of growing in their relationship with God and with each other. The Philippian believers grew in their walk with the Lord and supported Paul because they put God in the center of their church activities. We need to have the same attitude when we go to church every Sunday. Our primary goal in going to church is to grow in our relationship with God and with others. We need to be intentional in worshipping God and encouraging one another in church services. Let us not go to church for any other reason than being drawn closer to God and to others. 

The purpose of the church is to worship God with other believers so that we can encourage one another to continue to walk with the Lord and grow in our relationship with our God. Church is not a social club or a place of gossip, but it is a place of worshipping God and loving each other. 

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) What should be my attitude when I go to church? What is my purpose in going to church? Am I growing spiritually and building relationships with others in the church I attend on Sundays?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for teaching and reminding me today of the purpose of going to church. Please forgive me if I have forgotten the reason I go to church. I go to church to worship you and hear from your message so that I can continue to grow in my spiritual walk with you, and to love and encourage others. Please prepare my heart for this coming Sunday's service. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.