Introduction
A Churchgoer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. He wrote, “I’ve gone to church for 30 years now, and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can’t remember a single one of them. I think I’m wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons."
This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column.
It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:
“I’ve been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this: Those meals nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!"
A famous Scripture verse about church attendance is found in Hebrews 10:25
“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
A. DON’T GIVE UP ON CHURCH
1. The writer is giving a word of encouragement, saying “don’t give up, don’t abandon or desert the church community”. He goes on to say, “As some are in the habit of doing”. Christians today need be reminded of their importance to the church. You’re attendance & involvement in the church is vital for your spiritual nourishment.
National Survey-top 2 reasons why people stop coming to church:
1. They feel that they are “too busy with life” (family and home)
2. Church is boring (There is no excitement at church)
I realize that Sunday mornings are hard for some people to get to church. Maybe a late Saturday night, an 11 o’clock Bronco game, golfing, yard work or you got called into work. If you allow it, there is always going to be a reason not to attend.
ILLUSTRATION
Give Me Three Good Reasons
One sunny Sunday morning, Henry Jones awoke to find his wife standing over him, shaking him by the shoulder. "You have to get up," she urged. "We have to get ready for church.” "I don’t want to go to church," he replied. "I want to stay in bed.” Crossing her arms over her chest, his wife demanded, "Give me three good reasons why you should stay in bed and not go to church." "OK," he answered. "First, I don’t get anything out of the service. Second, I don’t like the people there. And third, no one there likes me.
Now can you give me three good reasons why I should go to church?" His wife responded, "First, it will do you some good. Second, there are people who really do like you. And third, you have to go, you’re the pastor! Get up and get dressed."
Gareth Reese, a college professors used to say to his students in class, “People are only two weeks from being out of the Church”.
Three weeks ago I missed church because of sickness. It felt awkward being at home on a Sunday. Again, I missed this past Sunday while away on my 15 year wedding anniversary. I really missed being in church together with all of you.
King David in Psalm 122:1 said, “I rejoiced when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord’.” Church is a Big Deal!
I did a little survey on Facebook and asked why people liked going to church. Here is one response.
“I like going to church because I love fellowshipping with all of God's people. I get a lot (spiritually) out of praise and worship and the sermons. I like to be challenged in my walk with the Lord. On a side note...The thing I found to be most frustrating was if the parishioners were not friendly. I dislike going to church if the congregation doesn't make me feel readily accepted.”
What does “going to church” provide for people?
First: Church Helps You Focus on God
1. Sometimes in life, especially in our trials, we focus so intently on our situation that we forget to focus on God and His goodness. Matthew 14:30 – Peter walking on water and focused on the waves
Clemson vs. Boston College…11 seconds to go in the ball game, Will Harper fires the ball to his favorite receiver, an outstretched Aaron Kelly…sailing across the goal line for the go-ahead touchdown….the only problem….he lost his focus at the last second and the ball ricocheted off his hands to the ground…Clemson lost the game. When you lose focus, you lose games.
2. Being in church, hearing God’s word and singing songs gives you a renewed perspective about the situation. Some have said that the song or the message really encouraged them and gave them confidence.
3. Having a weekly “Church Attendance Rhythm” is important. Even God took a rest after working six days. Think about it: boxers need rest between rounds & race car drivers need to refuel after so many laps. Church helps you refuel and get focused for the week.
This rhythm is essential. The Church Worship Songs helps you remember the goodness of God. Today’s 1st Song: “Counting on God”
Second: Church Helps You Find Encouragement in Life
1. The church is not a building; it is made up of people, Believers. God’s people give support and encouragement during life’s problems. We receive strength from each other.
Mark 2:1-5 – 4 men bringing their paralyzed friend to Jesus. They tore a hole in the roof for their friend…Radical!
2. Hebrews 10:25 - “… but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
A couple of years a lady came to church and she was broken. She gave her life to Christ that morning. After church she didn’t want to leave. She said it felt so peaceful and safe. What this lady felt was the encouragement of God’s presence through His people.
2 Lessons of Encouragement from geese
Have you ever seen geese flying south in V formation?
Science has discovered about why they fly that way. It has been learned that as each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in a V formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. (Christians who share in a church community can get where they are going quicker and easier, because they are traveling on the power of one another.)
1) The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. (Christian friendships are designed to honk words of encouragement to those who are flying with them)
2) When a goose gets sick, or is wounded by a shot and falls out, two geese fall out of formation and follow him down to help and protect him. They stay with him until he is either able to fly, or until he is dead, and then they launch out on their own or with another formation to catch up with their original group. (If people know we would stand by them like that in church, they would push down these walls to get in.)
We need each other! A football player needs a team; a soldier needs a platoon; a sheep needs a flock. But the most understandable and biblical picture is that of a child needing a family. That family is the church. A Christian without a church family is an orphan.
Third: Church Helps You Fulfill God’s Mission
1. Jesus works through His church to reach our family and friends. Church is your “missionary school” where you are trained to go out on the mission field and share your faith in Christ.
2. Why is sharing our faith so important? Because billions of people's eternal destiny's are on the balance. If the church does not proclaim the gospel, countless of souls will die and perish in a burning hell for eternity.
3. Hebrews 10:25 - “… but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” The Day is the coming of Jesus Christ for his church!
ILLUSTRATION
There is a place in Australia that’s become the favorite spot for people to commit suicide. It is a rocky cliff called The Gap. For nearly 50 years, a man named Don Ritchie has lived across the street from The Gap. Don sees it as his responsibility to try to keep people from jumping. It is estimated that he has saved over 160 lives. On one occasion, a person almost dragged Don over the cliff. When asked by a reporter why he does this he replied, “You can’t just sit there and watch them kill themselves. You gotta try and save them. It’s pretty simple.”
