Why Church?
In an individualistic world where everything is questioned, it is natural that people ask the question, Why church?
What does the Bible say about church? -
- The ideal church - Acts 2v42-47
- What does God bring to his church? - Ephesians 4v7-13
- An encouraging community? - Hebrews 10v23-25
- Love in the church? - Ephesians 4v2-6
- The body of Christ - 1 Corinthians 3v16
The Ideal Church
Acts 2v42-47
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What were the various elements to the people's worship?
- What was the people's attitude to others and to God?
Thoughts to consider
How we relate with God and trust him has an impact on our relationships with other people. The focus here is on God and the outworking of the people’s worship is seen in a generosity towards others.
Tragically, this trust was shattered by a couple who tried to play things for selfish interest.
What does God bring to his church?
Ephesians 4v7-13
However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ.. ... Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What range of people does God give as gifts to his church?
- What is Jesus’ aim in introducing such variety of gifts through different people?
Thoughts to consider
In his love, Jesus gives gifts to his people, the Church, often called The body of Christ. He offers gifts through people for building the church toward maturity. Many people are valued, many participate. This list is not complete. There are other gifts mentioned elsewhere - administration, serving, wisdom, ...
An encouraging community?
Hebrews 10:23-25
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- How can we be helped by meeting with other Christians?
- How can meeting with others enable our encouragement to walk with Jesus?
Thoughts to consider
The end result that Jesus aims for is love. Love is developed in relationship, it needs other people to be expressed, to encourage each other, to fail with, to help us up with.
Love in church?
Ephesians 4v2-6
Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What attitudes are highlighted in our being together?
- How is God involved with our being together?
- What is one way in which you could show this kind of love in the coming weeks?
Thoughts to consider
A love that is first of all focused on God will see fellow believers as his children whom he loves. In our love for God, we will bear with the weakness of his children. This kind of love is not naive. Jesus did not entrust himself to those he did not trust, but he was kind to all.
The body of Christ
1 Corinthians 3:16
Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?
Questions for reflection or discussion
- How does the Bible describe a group of Christians meeting together?
- What is the significance of the Spirit dwelling with us as a collective group?
Thoughts to consider
Each one stands before God for his own faith and life. Yet, Jesus values us and dwells among us as a group. Our interactions of love are precious to him.
Overview questions for reflection or discussion
- What value do you see here for coming together and with other Christians?
- How does God value this coming together?
Overview thought to consider
Church is intended to be a safe place where we can grow and build each other up in our relationship with God. It is an environment where Jesus dwells with us.
