Why do people go to church?

Tonight we are going to talk about the question of practice, why do people go to church?

There is huge misconception about church and it stems from the concept of religion. The concept of religion is that we try to cover sin with religion, by doing good things, this is called a “Works based salvation” meaning you please God and He accepts you because of what you do.

What the Jesus teaches actually threatens religion its called GRACE = ill deserved favor from God. That means that Jesus is willing to not give us what we deserve. GOSPEL The reason why GRACE is a threat is to religion is because it is Jesus saying that He does the work, religion is that I do all the work.

Religion builds up pride, GRACE humbles us, Religion says I can do it, GRACE says I can’t do it,

Christianity is considered a religion so why do Christians religiously go to church, or why should they. I am just going to talk going to church on Sunday’s, actually after the new year I am going to spend a few weeks exploring what the Bible says about being a part of a church is all about.

Unfortunately many Christians feel that going to church is not a necessity.
I feel that in order to understand why we go to church, is to look at the ten commandments
1st three commands focus on God and last six commands focus our relationship to others, but command four is what I like to call the hinge commandment. Ex 20:8, Hebrews 10:24-25

Sabbath-1.time to stop and worship and hear from God 2. a time to rest
Interestingly enough people had to be commanded to rest J

Sunday church services have two general functions
1. Worship God… song, prayer, giving, communion, testimony, scripture readings, listening to The Word

2. Refocuses us to relate to others- hear the Word, reminded of the gospel which reminds us of grace and grace is what we need to relate to others, connect with others

Rest, relax and refreshment
1. A day of rest changes our perspective.
***The time of rest helps to reevaluate, how have I been living, who am I trusting, how am I treating the people around me. How does my schedule need to look this week to bring glory to God?
2. A day of rest helps us to find enjoyment in life.

***God created this world for our enjoyment and the only way we can fully enjoy those things is if we are willing to take a break.
So I have two challenges now that you know why we need church, in the new year don’t be a secret service agent, make a commitment to hinging your week on a day of rest, refocus and worship.