March 2, 2018
Here's a valid and apparently current discussion among many professing Christians today.
"Does a person have to go to church to be a Christian or can they just practice their faith at home?"
For a pastor that's an easy question to answer but the answers I might give need proper foundation if they are to be accepted.
First, a person is a Christian because of a personal faith and relationship with the author of salvation, Jesus the Christ.
With that understood a person can and should be a Christian in any and every setting.
If, for instance, a person's health keeps them confined to their home, they certainly are Christians inasmuch as they maintain a John 10 & 15 relationship with their Redeemer, and I believe a special dispensation of grace is in play in that situation.
But, if a person stays out of fellowship with a living functioning body of believers because they are disappointed with 'people' then I would suggest that they were going to church for the wrong reasons and that was what led to their disillusionment and disappointment. We don't attend church to watch people.
We go to church to acknowledge the 'worth-ship' of God.
When we choose to withdraw from fellowship we are essentially giving in to a pride that says, 'My understanding is superior, my relationship is unique and special apart from all others, I don't need anyone else.'
All such musings are false and the motivations flawed.
There are no 'perfect' churches because, as has been well stated, 'churches are filled with imperfect people.'
Christ is our perfection. And, as long as our focus is on Him and we are sincerely striving to follow Him, we don't have time to worry about the imperfections of others. And when those imperfections cannot be overlooked but are blaring and obvious we should be following the example of Christ in mercy and forgiveness. The same mercy and forgiveness we have received, and continue to receive from our King.
Jesus went to church. (read your Bible)
Jesus founded the idea of church as a body 'functioning together' for God's glory and proclaiming the gospel to a lost world. (I challenge you to look up the usage of the word 'together' and it's application in the New testament).
One very popular excuse is the experience of 'being hurt'.
People are imperfect, sometimes unfeeling and cruel, Pastors and their families are very familiar with this experience.
But, that is not a reason to excuse yourself from the fellowship of believers striving, like you, to please the Lord and live out the biblical imperative.
You have one Master before whom you stand or fall so keep your focus and participate in this great army called 'the church'.
You are needed!
You are the only one who can fill your place in the Body of Christ as a "living stone' making up a habitation of God by the Spirit" 1Peter 2:5-10; Ephesians 2:22; 4
Your church needs you, your pastor needs you, and you need them. 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Colossians 2:2; Philippians 1:27
If you honestly cannot find a church that preaches the gospel then consider prayerfully starting a church in your home but if you are led to do so make sure you find a way to keep yourself accountable.
Most of the early churches were home churches.
Take your place in the battle!
I love you