With all the things that we have to accomplish in seven days of the week, it may sometimes feel tempting to skip church service and just listen to a podcast. However, Jesus built the foundation of church community and wants us to spend time in church community not just because it's a command but also because it brings us so much benefit.
It may sometimes feel like it's more of a burden to set aside time every week to attend services, but every believer needs to be a part of a church community in order to grow in their walk with God and walk with fellow believers. No man is an island. We were all designed for relationships.
John 20:19 says, "Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, 'Peace be with you.'"
When we gather on a weekly basis as a local congregation, Jesus comes down through the Holy Spirit to speak peace to us all.
Here are three things that happen to you as you attend church on a weekly basis.
Anchored faith
Everyday, we get bombarded by things that can stress us out, bother us and create turmoil within us. We need to feel recharged and anchored and church community does that for us. When we surround ourselves with people of like faith, we can be built up in our own faith as well.
Hebrews 10:25 says, "...not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Stronger community
In a world that believes in disposable and contractual relationships, God calls the local church to be a place where life-long and unconditional relationships are built. Some of my best and longtime friends are found in church. My family is surrounded by people and families we can trust in church community. Proverbs 17:17 tells us, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
Clearer purpose
God has given each of His followers gifts and skills that can be used to benefit the whole. 1 Corinthians 13:6-7 says, "and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."
When we are added to the local church and become part of services, we can become part of the whole church and all that that means, instead of just being "attendees." The way we do this is using our gifts to serve and help others.
