Christianity is a faith of relationships. This means that we were created to be with one another. From the beginning of creation when God saw that the first man, Adam, was alone he said, “It is not good that man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18). Then God created a woman, and the two began a family, and that family expanded and eventually became a group of societies.
Church is a group in society that is purposed to teach and encourage believers and allow them to experience their relationship with God corporately. Christians who are not part of a group of believers (church) are not experiencing all that the Christian life has to offer. Every Christian needs encouragement and training. Church is where we go to acquire these important benefits. It is also where we gather to take part in sacraments that are designed to turn our affections toward Jesus in remembrance of all he has done for us.
This study will look at the three basic functions of a body of believers:
• Teaching the Bible
• Worshipping God
• Encouraging one another
These basic functions of a local body of believers help the Christian grow in his or her faith into spiritual maturity. Without church the Christian cannot experience all that God has for him or her.
Let this study encourage you to get involved with other Christians and together, to grow in your faith.
WHAT IS CHURCH?
Read: Acts 2:42,46; Luke 22:14-20; I Cor. 11:23-26; Heb. 10:23-25
Church is where a group of believers in Jesus meet together for Bible teaching.
(Acts 2:42,46)
Since the foundation of Christianity, Christians have met together weekly to learn the principles taught in the Bible. Knowing the Bible is a vital part of the Christian experience. Learning together under the leadership of a pastor increases our knowledge of God.
Have you been reading the Bible on your own? Do you meet regularly with other believers to study the Bible?
Church is where a group of believers in Jesus partake in the sacraments of Jesus—this is part of our worship of God.
(Luke 22:14-20; I Corinthians 11:23-26)
The Christian sacraments include Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Obeying these practices is part of our obedience and worship of Jesus. Because Jesus commanded them, we do them.
Have you been baptized? Do you take part in the Lord’s Supper? Talk with your pastor or lay-leader about taking part in these rites.
Church is where believers in Jesus meet for encouragement in their walk with God.
(Hebrews 10:23-25)
Christianity was never meant to be a faith that people practice alone. Christianity is a relationship with God through Jesus. So too, Christians must be in active relationship with other Christians to encourage one another in following of Jesus.
Do you need encouragement in your faith? You can find that encouragement with a group of other believers! Are you part of a group of believers now?
WHY GO TO CHURCH?
Read: Hebrews 10:24-25; Romans 12; I Corinthians 12:12-14,25-27
The Bible commands us to be part of a local group of believers.
(Hebrews 10:24-25)
In the Old Testament God commanded Israel to gather at certain times for worship in Jerusalem. After many centuries the Jews practiced weekly gatherings in local houses of worship called synagogues. Christians continue this practice by meeting weekly in church gatherings. The Bible commands us to be part of this practice.
How often do you meet with other believers in church? Are you prepared to make a commitment to participate in church?
Christians must be involved in the corporate worship of God.
(Hebrews 10:24-25)
Throughout the history of the Bible God’s people have gathered together for corporate worship. This happens through reading the scripture, singing songs of worship to God, and observing certain rites that remind us of God’s commitment to his people.
Taking part in church is an expression of worship to God. How do you express your worship to Jesus? Is corporate worship missing in your life?
Believers in Jesus are all part of the body of Christ and thus we should function together—this encourages believers.
(Romans 12; I Corinthians 12:12-14,25-27)
We are meant to live and worship together in unity. Read the passages above. You will recognize that all Christians have a role to play in our corporate church life.
Read the passages above. What role motivates you? What role would you be interested in playing with a group of fellow believers? How can you serve the needs of others?
WHAT DO I DO AT CHURCH?
Read: II Timothy 2:15; Psalm 95:6, 100:1-5; Hebrews 3:13, 10:25
We take part in regular Bible study to build up our knowledge of God.
(II Timothy 2:15)
Paul encouraged Timothy to teach the Bible in his church. From this we see that God intends for us to meet together and sit under the teaching of the Bible. The more we learn, the better we come to know God.
How much do you want to know God? How can attending church help you learn more about Jesus?
We spend time corporately worshipping God.
(Psalm 95:6; 100:1-5)
Worship is both a private and a shared experience. It encourages us when we can meet with like-minded people to worship our Savior. Singing songs of praise and reading scriptures that extol the Lord brings God honor. Only he is worthy of such affection and worship.
What kind of commitment are you prepared to make to your local group of believers? Will you join them for regular, weekly worship of Jesus?
We encourage one another in our common faith.
(Hebrews 3:13; 10:25)
Church isn’t just about worshipping God. Church is also about encouraging fellow Christians in their spiritual service. Everyone needs like-minded people to encourage them. You can encourage others in their relationship with Christ—and you can receive the same encouragement from others!
Make a commitment today to take part in regular, weekly church gatherings.