Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. -Hebrews 10:23-25
As a youth, theological humbug so clouded my mind that it was difficult to love the God found in my denomination in this deadly folksy, down-home preaching. Each sermon terrified me with the same dreaded dogma, portraying Christian life as walking a tightrope. The slightest misstep to the right or the left would plunge me into eternal hellfire. Legalism was the main course, burying the doctrine of grace under thick, Jelly-like layers of erroneous teaching.
God drew me to other denominations to clear my mind of these distorted images of him. I began to understand God and the Bible more accurately. I found a Gospel of grace and mercy, not one filled with homespun wisdom or shackled by legalism and self-righteousness.
The doctrine of God’s grace changes and energizes us. It provides a solid foundation for cultivating joy, hope, and positive behavior habits. The apostle Paul refers to this as a transformation of the mind (Romans 12:2). With this revolution in our thinking, we begin to see God with new eyes of faith, quickly recognizing his goodness and trustworthiness.
Now, I’m going to recommend something unpopular and guilt-producing. Believers must attend church regularly—there is no way around that truth. The Bible commands us to do so, and it is vital for your and your family’s health. Worshipping our Creator together powerfully moves our hearts heavenward. It dispels the attraction to the values and worldviews of believers and skeptics. Worship of the true God gives us the strength to withstand culturally seductive spirits.
We mature spiritually as we attend church regularly, converse with other believers, worship and glorify God, and hear Scripture explained faithfully. Genuine faith declares the ultimate lordship and saving power of Jesus Christ.
When the Holy Spirit dwells within us, he teaches us to worship, praise, and pray as we ought. Through his help, we become spiritually astute and learn to discern right from wrong and what is true from false.
And God seems to love to answer our prayers in church. Have you had a doubt or question, and then, during the worship service, God assures you or gives you the answer you need? The Psalmist struggles with the question of why evil prospers and then writes:
But when I thought how to understand this,
it seemed to me a wearisome task,
until I went into the sanctuary of God;
then I discerned their end.
Truly you set them in slippery places;
you make them fall to ruin (Psalm 73:16-18).
Did you know that worship doesn’t end when we walk out of church on Sundays? We do it every minute of every day, Monday through Saturday. Worship happens when we relax with our family, rescue a stranded driver, save a trapped animal, go out and enjoy God’s beautiful creation, or spend more time with a patient instead of rushing her out the door. Every God-honoring action is an outward expression of our close relationship with our Father.
These values are learned when we spend time with other believers. A Christ-centered church is a training ground for our spiritual growth. In the company of other believers, we heal, grow strong, and move forward. The true family of faith counters the contempt and cynicism hindering us from trusting God. It leads us out of darkness and into life-giving light.
Finally, do you know what studies have found? “Weekly religious service attendance is associated with ‘lower mortality risk, lower depression, less suicide, better cardiovascular disease survival, better health behaviors, and greater marital stability, happiness, and purpose in life.’” Even on a secular level, if you could take advantage of these benefits, why wouldn’t you?
- Together, We’re Strong: Believers Must Attend Church Regularly - June 9, 2025
- Looking for a Purpose-Filled Life? John R. Miles Discusses How to Ignite Your Most Intentional Life - May 15, 2025
- God Knows Better? - May 15, 2025
