Day Eleven: What is The Purpose of Corporate Worship?
Hebrews 10:25,
And let us not give up meeting together. Some are in the habit of doing this. Instead, let us encourage one another with words of hope. Let us do this even more as you see Christ’s return approaching.
A growing trend I am starting to see that concerns me is that of God’s people deciding that corporate worship is not important or necessary. I think scripture is clear on the issue and hopefully I can do justice in supporting its importance.
First, Christ died for the church and wants us to protect it. Acts 20:28,
“be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”
If it wasn’t important, why would Luke tell us to look after it and stress the cost Christ paid to build his church?
Second, the church is crucial to our spiritual growth. Brothers and sisters encouraging, admonishing, and holding each other accountable is critical to our spiritual maturity and sanctification. This is not something we can get from a radio program, video or even family church. Hebrews 10:24-25 makes it very clear we are not to forsake meeting together as some are in the habit of doing… . He points out that this is not a habit to consider but that it’s also for our mutual benefit, our growth, our unity.
Last ever think about the benefits of the church? The number of disaster relief church organizations, community relief church organizations, and I can’t tell you the number of people who come to the church for guidance and counsel because they know where we’re located. Home churches are just not visible to those looking. The body should exist as an example of God’s truth. (Matthew 5:11-12)
Do you know that in Nigeria thousands of Christians are dying because of their faith? They meet in churches that are targeted and laid to waste, yet they continue to meet as a church. Please note, I am not discussing small groups here. Just church. Satan wants us to isolate but God wants us to demonstrate. We (the church) are the light of the world. A city on a hill. (Matthew 5:13-16)
Reading: Hebrews 10:19-25; Matthew 16:13-20; Acts 20:25-31
Song: Elevation Worship – Build Your Church or Cochren & Co. – Church (Take Me Back)