The following
“Question” was asked of John MacArthur Jr., the pastor of Grace Community
Church, Sun Valley, California.
Question
WHY SHOULD I
ATTEND CHURCH?
Answer
The New Testament
repeatedly emphasizes the importance of local assemblies. In fact, it was the
pattern of Paul’s ministry to establish local congregations in the cities where
he preached the gospel. Hebrews
10:24-25 commands
every believer to be a part of such a local body and reveals why this is
necessary.
“And let us
consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our
own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another;
and all the more, as you see the day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
It is only in the
local body to which one is committed that there can be the level of intimacy
that is required for carefully stimulating fellow-believers “to love and good
deeds.” And it is only in this setting that we can encourage one another.
The New Testament
also teaches that every believer is to be under the protection and nurture of
the leadership of the local church. These godly men and women can shepherd the
believer by encouraging, admonishing, and teaching. Hebrews 13:7 and 17 help us
to understand that God has graciously granted accountability to us through
godly leadership.
Furthermore, when
Paul gave Timothy special instructions about the public meetings, he said
“Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to
exhortation and teaching” (1 Timothy 4:13).
Part of the
emphasis in public worship includes these three things:
hearing the Word,
being called to obedience and action through exhortation, and teaching. It is
only in the context of the local assembly that these things can most
effectively take place.
Acts 2:42 shows us
what the early church did when they met together:
“They were
continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to
the breaking of bread and to prayer.” They learned God’s Word and the
implications of it in their lives; they joined to carry out acts of love and
service to one another; they commemorated the Lord’s death and resurrection
through the breaking of bread; and they prayed. Of course, we can do these
things individually, but God has called us into His body-the church is the
local representation of that worldwide-body-and we should gladly minister and
be ministered to among God’s people.
Active local
church membership is imperative to living a life without compromise. It is only
through the ministry of the local church that a believer can receive the kind
of teaching, accountability, and encouragement that is necessary for him to
stand firm in his convictions. God has ordained that the church provide the
kind of environment where an uncompromising life can thrive.