This entry comes from Lionel Woods and is a doozy! I like a lot of what Lionel says and even when I disagree with him he boldy but not arrogantly stands right up and challenges you to show him where he is wrong. In this case, Lionel asks a vital question and one that is just assumed in much of the church: What is the purpose of going to church?
I really liked Lionel's list of reason you should not "go to church" because it sounds so culturally jarring but is absolutely Biblical.
You shouldn’t go to church to hear good sermons, listen to good singing or network. If you are going to church for any of those reasons you should stop going today. You shouldn’t go to church because the youth ministry is good, the couples ministry is fun, the church has nice programs or because the “pastor” is popular (Potter’s House, John Piper….). If you are going for those reasons, save your money and reduce your carbon footprint. You shouldn’t go to church because that is the church your family has gone to or goes to, you shouldn’t go because they have a nice building and most of all you shouldn’t go because you think it is the right thing to do. Even more importantly and what may get me in a little trouble is that if you are going to church to WORSHIP God then you also going for the wrong reason (look it up if you don’t believe me). If you are going for any of the reasons above stop and spend quality time with your friends and family, it will serve you and others better. Also please note that if someone tells you, to come to church because Jesus needs you there they are gravely mistaken and you should let them know this isn’t true.
The church gathers together for edification, to be equipped to do the work of ministry not to "worship" or be ministered to and certainly not to listen to sermon. The church should be about the going, not about the gathering.
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