More than likely, every Sunday you go to the church of your choice. What draws you to the place of worship you attend? Is it a small fellowship where you know almost everyone? Is it the church you were raised to attend? Is it part of a certain denomination you have strong feelings about? Is it the closest church to where you live? Once you know the answer to that question, then it will tell you a lot about your walk with Jesus and your relationship with Him.
Eugene Bertin describes why a lot of people attend church, when he says, “Some people go to church three times in their life—for hatching, matching, and dispatching. And they are sprinkled three times—with water, rice, and dust.” That is humorous but makes the point that for many people going to church is more a matter of being seen by others, than a relationship with Jesus Christ.
A lot can be said by looking closely at the very first church in history. Peter preaches a Spirit-filled message, then immediately following you see the Bible says, “So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:41-42). The first thing to note is the size of the first church—3,000 believers. So be careful when you subtly put down larger churches; they, in fact, are biblical. As a matter of fact, “any” church that makes a priority of the churches essentials is to be heralded. The essentials that every church should focus on week-in-and-week-out are listed in this text—solid biblical teaching of the Bible, fellowship within the church (not necessarily with everyone in the church), taking of the Lord’s Supper, and prayer.
Those essentials to why you should go to church are non-negotiable. There may be other reasons you can think of why you attend church, but it must include at least those four essentials. Ask Jesus to lead you to make sure you attend church for the right reason.
