Reasons some people attend church

Take a moment and ponder the phrase “attend church.” First you must know what a church is, and then you will know if it is something you attend or something that you are.

When people ask, “what church do you attend,” they are usually asking what denomination you are affiliated with. If they ask where your church is located, they are usually asking where the church meets, or where the building is.

When we read the Bible, the church is the people, not the denomination, and the place is usually at or in somewhere. For example: The church at Corinth, or the church at Ephesus, or the church in or at Rome.

We can conclude that the church is the body of baptized, born again believers. It is not a denomination or a place, and therefore it is not something you can attend. It is what you are. If it is something that you are, then it is not just something you do only one day out of the week. You are a baptized, born again believer every day of the week. You are the church every day of the week!

So, let us go on to reason why some people attend church. Many who attend church usually do not know that a church is something that they are. Therefore there are various reasons why some people “attend.”

First of all, there are people who are truly seeking the truth. They are searching for true meaning in life. They want to know who God is, and what the plan of salvation is, and what it means to walk the Christian life. They are looking to be fed. They come from all walks of life. Some do not know what sin is and need to be taught from the pulpit. Some know what sin is and know that they are living deep in it and need a good message from the pulpit to bring them to full conviction and repentance, so they can learn about what Jesus Christ has done for them, so they receive the gift of salvation.

The sad message to the seeking is that you have come to a sleeping church. The church has played the harlot and has sold out to the government and its agencies for monetary gain. Those seeking truth often do not realize that they are entering into a corporate entity and not a church at all. You will hear about Jesus and about loving your neighbor and about tithing (of course). But message delivered, many times remain at the milk stage, and never progress to the meat of the issues: Sin in our homes, churches, and in society. *A 501(c)(3) corporate non-profit state controlled “church” cannot speak against sin from the pulpit if it is against government public policy to do so. You will walk away empty and confused.

As we have discussed, many churches today are 501(c)(3) non-profit corporations, which is a state established and controlled entity and not a church. And for those who are new to this fact, please know that there in no law that commands churches to register as a non-profit charitable organization. Of course if there was a law in civil government that establishes a state church, we know that is clearly against God and against the first amendment to our Constitution, and we are commanded to disobey that law. We are to obey man’s laws as long as it does not go against God’s laws. Many strong Christians around the world are doing just that, no matter what the cost. “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said we ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:5

*How do you know if you are a state controlled church? Ask the “trustees” if your gift or offering is tax deductible. If it is, then you are part of a corporation, and not a free church.

Many people love to meet others and participate in all the fun activities the organization has to offer. They feel they are really serving the Lord because all these activities, after all, are done in the name of Jesus, and maybe others will see how fun it is to be a Christian and want to join your church. The church to them is a social club. There are those who feel they are really Christians because they faithfully attend church every week. They are, after all, "god fearing church-going people." They feel they deserve heaven because they are doing something good by attending church. There are also those who attend church to gain public recognition. Also, there are those who grew up in the church and it is expected of them to attend and be active in the church. There are some who really sincerely want to serve God and will give much time and money to the church because they feel that is the way they should serve God.

Whatever your reason for attending church, be true to yourselves and God. Know what you are doing and why. Are you attending a church, or are you the church? Are you part of a church body or part of a corporation? If the organization you are a part of is a corporation and not part of the church body because the head of that organization is the government and not Jesus Christ, then be honest with yourselves.

If you claim to be a Christian Church, then your statement of faith and practice is contained in the Holy Bible, and not in the IRS codes or government public policy! See what the Bible says about serving two masters. Read the Bible, the Holy Scriptures prayerfully, and the answer will be clear if you are seeking the truth. Since the Bible says that “No man can serve two masters…” -Matt.6: 24, Then “…choose you this day whom ye shall serve…” -Joshua 24:15 Will you serve riches, self-pride, recognition, or approval? (approval by friends, relatives, the public, the government, the IRS.) Or, will you serve God and be free to serve Him in truth, righteousness, justice, and liberty! “And the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” –II Corinth. 3:17

Remember that there has been a battle for the Lord’s church for as long as there has been a church. People were martyred in the past and are still martyred today because they acknowledge/d Jesus Christ as the Head of the church and not the state. They got out of the state controlled churches and formed their own local churches and refused licensing or other forms of state control. They did this and continued to do this no matter what the cost. What happened to America, the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave? Many people came to America to escape the state churches and find religious freedom. The early founders wrote the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States because they knew the problem with state control and tyranny. They wanted to protect the peoples right to worship God in freedom without state control. Why, after so many people fought and died for this Godly heritage, that so many have sold this inheritance for some puny government "benefit?" Wake up sleeping church!

Then, on the other hand, if you enjoy your social club there at your church corporation, and you don’t want the truth, this message will probably ruffle your feathers, and no doubt this will offend some. You may list in your mind several reasons why you should continue as you are doing and as you have always done.

Jesus Christ as a man on earth offended many people. He offended the most educated and well-trained religious leaders of his time. They claimed that they did many good things and Jesus said he never knew them. They put Him to death because they hated the truth.

Wake up sleeping church.
The kingdom of heaven is at hand!

Yes, there is the faithful remaining. Do you remember the rock that crushes the image and turns into a huge mountain that covers the earth? Read Daniel and Revelations: Jesus Christ and His church are victorious! Decide whom you shall serve. Will you be defeated or will you be victorious?

 

No King but King Jesus