Why Did You Come To Church Today

This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor. 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: They all 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!"

c. Because this is a comfort

Finally, notice that our text declares that we are to "...exhort one another and so much more as we see the day approaching..." The word "exhort" means to encourage one another. How does this happen and what does it have to do with why I should come to church. Simply put, we need each other!

PITCHERS NEED THEIR TEAM

Behold, a team went forth to play a game of baseball.

Just as the umpire was saying, "Batter up," the catcher for the home team arrived and took his place behind the plate. The center fielder didn't show up at all but sent his regrets. The third baseman likewise failed to come to the game, having been up late the night before. The shortstop was present, but left his glove at home. Two of the substitute fielders were away on a weekend trip but said they were there in spirit.

The pitcher went to the mound and looked around for his teammates. But his heart was heavy, for their positions were empty. The game was announced, the visitors were in the stands, and there was nothing to do but pitch the ball and hope for the best. But in addition to pitching, he had to cover first and third base, as well as short and center field.

When the absent players heard that their team had lost, they were very upset. They held a meeting and decided to get a new pitcher.

Like a baseball team, the church can't survive without everyone pulling their weight. The pitcher---the pastor---is important, but unless everyone else shows up and fields their position or gets a hit, the game will be lost.

(From a sermon by Johnny Creasong, "The Gambler" 1/28/2009)

Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

The truth of the matter is there are a number of "right reasons" to come to church today. We need each other for a sense of community (41) and that is right, we need each other for communion (42) and that is right, we need fellowship among believers because it is essential to growth and that is right, we need other for cooperation (44-45), we can do far more together than we can apart, and that is right, we need each other for continuance (46), it's hard to quit with someone there with you, and that is right, we need to worship corporately (46b), and that is right, and we need to work together to communicate the Gospel to the whole world beginning right here in our Jerusalem, and that is right! (47)