Are we living in a time and culture that no longer requires church attendance? If we do attend church, does it matter where we go? Is the size of the congregation, or the variety of activities that are offered the most important attributes of where we worship? Or should Biblical teaching be the priority? Should we attend a church that meets our individual needs or do we participate for another purpose? All of these are questions raised about worshipping God and attending church in 2006. In this article we will explore what the Bible says about church worship.

     Is church attendance even necessary for Christians of today? Some would have us believe that it is outdated and has outlived its usefulness in our society. Many people claim that they can adequately worship God at home, at the beach, etc. While it is true that God is always with us and we have access to Him at any time, His word does command us to assemble together as believers. Hebrews 10:23-25 states,

"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised); And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

     According to the Apostle Paul, we Christians have a responsibility to assemble ourselves together as a body of believers. If we are holding fast in our Christian walk, then we will assemble ourselves together as His people. There ought to be a sense of urgency in our desire to worship together as we draw closer to Jesus' return. We do not know the day of His return, but every day brings us closer. Therefore, we should be zealous to meet together in worhip to celebrate the Lord.

     Jesus teaches the benefits of assembling together by stating,

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20)

     We can enjoy blessed moments of fellowship with God in our homes and out in nature, but Jesus teaches that we receive a special blessing--His presence--when we assemble together with other Christians. Throughout the past 2000 years, corporate worship has been the place where God's people have been encouraged, educated and edified. This is the realm where He blesses His pastors and ministers to bind up those that are spiritually wounded. Church worship is where the Lord's people are taught the principles and precepts of the Bible. It is where we build upon the foundations of Jesus Christ and learn to live moral, upright lives in our communities. Public worship is where we provoke one another unto love and good works. We need this spiritual blessing from the Lord, and we especially need the constant encouragement from one another.

     If God requires us to attend church, does it matter where we worship? Shall we seek out a church that can entertain us, or is Biblical teaching more important? If we diligently study the Bible we find that truth is held in the highest regard. In reference to God, Deuteronomy 32:4 states that,

"He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he."

     Our God of truth desires us to worship Him in truth. The Apostle John writes,

"But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24)."

     Truth greatly outweighs all other considerations when choosing where to attend church. Our desire should be to assemble with others in a place where Biblical truths and practices are taught. Not only should the truth be taught, it should also be practiced by those in attendance. The Father seeks those who worship Him in spirit and truth.

     As we explore the necessity and purpose of worship we see that the primary purpose for gathering together as believers is to glorify God. When we assemble together and proclaim the truth of the Bible, God is glorified. The church was founded by Jesus Christ, the son of the Living God (Matthew 16:18). Peter refers to Christians as lively stones that are built up to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God (I Peter 2:5). He states,

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: (v.9)."

     Secondly, worship provides us with the strength to live moral, spirit-filled lives in this world. One day we will be with our Savior Jesus in Heaven, but we need the blessing of His presence and truth while we live our lives in this present world. This occurs when we assemble together in His church. For homesick, sin-weary Christians, the encouragement we receive from gathering together with other believers is like a drink of cool, fresh water on a very hot day. Yes, worship is relevant and necessary in today's culture!

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

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Michael Green, Jr. is pastor of Palm Chapel Primitive Baptist Church (www.palmchapel.org) in Crestview, FL. Palm Chapel meets every Sunday at 10:30am and Wednesday at 6:00pm. Pastor Green can be contacted at (850) 689-3383 or by email at pastor@palmchapel.org. Pastor Green warmly invites you to come and worship at Palm Chapel Primitive Baptist Church

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