Why Church?

A friend of mine posted a question on his blog asking "Why do you go to church?" This is a great question. I would love to hear your thoughts on this too. Here is my response:

I go to church for several reasons. First, Christ died for the church. Paul writes, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:25-27 ESV).

If the main point of Christ’s death was to redeem the church and set her apart for himself, I want to be a part of the church, devoting myself to Christ by devoting myself to His body and His bride.

Second, the church is the primary means through which God is accomplishing His divine mission in the world. Luke writes, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8 ESV). I want to participate in that mission.

Third, through the church God supports and chastens the believer to become more like Christ. I want to be like Christ; so I seek to actively give and willingly receive admonition and encouragement. Paul writes, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2 ESV). And in Hebrews we read, “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end” (Hebrews 3:12-14 ESV).

Fourth, I go to church because I am imperfect--a work in progress. I imperfectly remember and strive after God in all arenas of life. Indeed we are all still imperfect and in need of God’s continued sanctification in our lives. I go to church, not because I’m perfect, but because I’m not. I need God’s grace and help. Thankfully he offers this help to us in the hands and feet of His body and bride, the church.

Finally, God is glorious and holy. He is the rightful end of all things and worthy of all praise. “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen” (Romans 11:36 ESV). God is deserving of worship for no other reason than His character alone. However, He has graciously accomplished salvation through His Son and by His Spirit in the lives of everyone who places their faith and trust in Christ. I choose to go to church, because it is a congregation that has been called and is devoted to the praise, honor, and glory of God through worship. In the congregation of the church I am able to fulfill my calling to worship my Creator and Redeemer alongside others who share the same calling.

Recognizing Christ’s great love for His bride, God’s purpose and mission for the church, my own need of encouragement to be and become who He has called me to be, as well as the calling of every believer to lovingly encourage others toward the same goal and worship our God, I choose to participate in the Christian church.

Am I Promoting Idolatry?

I found a link to a great post on another blog via a blog (if that makes sense) about the temptation to create your own disciples rather than pointing people to Christ. If you are a pastor, teacher, or church leader of any kind I highly recommend reading it.

The Day They Tried to Recruit Me

Here is an excerpt:

The cult of professor worship is perhaps the most dangerous and reprehensible cult in the theological world. It is no respecter of theological position, afflicting the left just as much as the right. It is no respecter of intellectual ability, as the psychology of leader-follower is predicated more on personality and relational qualities than brainpower. And it is no respecter of souls: nothing so destroys a Christian leader, or his followers, than the mutual flattery involved in the uncritical adulation of a fan-base for a professorial rock star (and I use that term advisedly). Hence, while every instinct in me told me that the offer was a great opportunity to start up Team Trueman on campus, I chose to go against my fallen desires and immediately declined the offer.

The First Entry of My Journal

While I attending college I was inspired to start a journal after reading In the Shadow of the Almighty a book about Jim Elliot (a missionary to South America) that contains many entries from his personal journal. Unfortunately I lost that first journal in Hurricane Katrina. However, I do still have my second journal. Ironically, it's first entry is dated 9:31am, September 11, 2001. I always find it interesting to rewind and re-read old entries and thought I'd share this one with you:

The second tower of the world trade center has just fallen! Both towers were struck by 2 separate commercial planes. About 50,000 people work at the World Trade Center.We just learned that another hijacked plane is en route to Washington as I write! All commercial flights as well as private have been grounded.

[Time?]Another plane crashed into the Pentagon which is now on fire and part of it has collapsed.

[Time?]Another plane has crashed over W. Pennsylvania. Right now my body is numb. My mind keeps wondering if this is not the judgment of God on our country. The affects of this attack will be far reaching. Twenty minutes ago it was reported that money was flowing into the Euro and the Pound.

I'm [now] sitting in chapel. Psalm 46 is of great comfort right now as was the hymn "Crown Him With Many Crowns."

As I wrote these words I thought that tens of thousands of people had just lost their lives. I am so thankful that God in His mercy spared us from the worst. Nonetheless, I am reminded of the loss we did sustain and pray God's peace for the thousands of friends and families that are no doubt remembering and re-living the emotions of that day even as I write.

Tonight I am encouraged by the Scripture and hymn that God used to minister to me that day seven years ago:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” (Psalms 46:1-3 ESV)

God is our refuge. What peace there is in knowing Him. Christ our King is seated on His throne and is worthy of all the praise we can give Him regardless of life's circumstances. He has promised to be with us always (Mt 28:20) and given us His Spirit to comfort and to guide (e.g., John 14:16, 26).

Father, thank you for Your providential care for us. Jesus, may we honor you as King in every circumstance and stage of our lives. Spirit, may we seek your guidance as strongly in the good times life as in the bad. O God, have Your way in us today.