Church….. Why bother?

10 Reasons why CHURCHED people find it hard to stay regular with Church attendance… 1. Greater Affluence 2. Higher focus on kids activities 3. Travel 4. Blended families 5. Online options 6. Cultural disappearance of guilt 7. Self directed spirituality 8. Failure to see a direct benefit 9. Valuing attendance over engagement 10. Cultural shift

Church is the place you encounter God… He promised.  When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Matthew 16:13-18 NIV Jesus: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matt 18:20 RSV Church is the place you encounter God… He promised.

#2 …THIS Church is your FAMILY Jesus: “…Who are my mother and brothers?” He asked. Then He looked at those seated in a circle around Him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers!” Mark 3:33-34 NIV Paul: “…The family of God is the Church of the living God. It is the pillar and foundation of truth.” 1 Timothy 3:15 NIRV #2 …THIS Church is your FAMILY It’s a place you BELONG, not a place you attend. Rick Warren: “Christianity is a BELONG system, not a belief system.”

Paul: We were “born again”. The Spirit gave us new life. Titus 3:5 Peter: “…you were born from a seed that cannot die.” 1 Peter 1:23 Paul: “..so he decided long ago to adopt us. He adopted us as His children with all the rights children have. He did it because of what Jesus Christ has done.It pleased God to do it.” Ephesians 1:5 “…the Holy Spirit you received made you Gods adopted child. By the Spirits power we call God Abba. Abba means Father.” Romans 8:15 3: The inheritance we receive from God can only fully be experienced in this Church family.

1. Church is a place you encounter God.. and are used by God 2. Church is a family… a place to belong 3. There are benefits in belonging. Church is a place to give and receive these benefits More loving, gracious, patient… “Christlike” 4: You become a better person when you are engaged in Church. …..there are some things that can only be learned in a family! 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.”