Why do we come to church?

[hmbld]

Worship, fellowship, learning, motivation, encouragement, equipping the saints, it is a positive example to our families or friends, Luke 4:16 tells us Jesus did, "as was His custom", etc etc.  There are many reasons given.

 

I even found someone made a list of 99 reasons to attend church.  

 

 

 

There is an one answer given by someone I know, that I would like to hear your thoughts on, and it is this:

 

 

"We come to church because we believe God wants to change something in our hearts."

[wingnut-]

I go to church to worship Him, that is my only reason.

[hmbld]

I go to church to worship Him, that is my only reason.

 

Ok, I will admit here that in the past I have been judgmental, in that it bothered me if I noticed people were not paying attention, or seemed only interested in socializing, etc.  Being God is a God of relationships, it seems to me that in order to focus on God, we must at the same time care about what God cares about, which is other people.  Which has lead me to contemplate the answer:

 

"We come to church because we believe God wants to change something in our hearts."

 

 

I may have misunderstood your intent in your answer, as I recognized that in the past I would have had the same answer you gave.  Interested in any comments about the reason given stating God wants to change something in our hearts?

[wingnut-]

 

I may have misunderstood your intent in your answer, as I recognized that in the past I would have had the same answer you gave.  Interested in any comments about the reason given stating God wants to change something in our hearts?

 

 

I am sure for many that is a valid reason, but to me personally if God wishes to change my heart regarding a matter, He does so through His Word or when I am praying.  Both of those things I generally do alone, even the sermons from church I reflect on afterward.  I learned many years ago that no matter who is giving me their understanding of scripture as to how they see it, doesn't make them right.  I rely on the Lord for my understanding in that regard.

 

I have a heart for others, so I just want to make that clear.  However, my heart is for those who are unbelievers moreso than those within the church itself, they seem to be the ones most in need of help.  That isn't to say I don't care about my brothers and sisters as well, because I do very much.  I guess my fellowship is done in smaller groups more easily than I feel comfortable with doing in a church as large as the one I attend.

[Littlelambseativy]

I go to church to worship God and to fellowship with other believers. 

[ayin jade]

 

 

There is an one answer given by someone I know, that I would like to hear your thoughts on, and it is this:

 

 

"We come to church because we believe God wants to change something in our hearts."

 

 

God changes our hearts all the time, outside the church. We do not need to have church to accomplish those changes. 

 

There are many other reasons to attend church. That is not a reason for me.

[The_Patriot21]

they have good coffee. . .

[hmbld]

 

 

 

There is an one answer given by someone I know, that I would like to hear your thoughts on, and it is this:

 

 

"We come to church because we believe God wants to change something in our hearts."

 

 

God changes our hearts all the time, outside the church. We do not need to have church to accomplish those changes. 

 

There are many other reasons to attend church. That is not a reason for me.

 

 

Agreed.  I think i am trying to decide if this statement in general covers most of the arguments people have to attend church.  Kind of a blanket statement.  

[Guest LadyC]

they have good coffee. . .

and donuts.

[hmbld]

 

they have good coffee. . .

and donuts.

 

 

Both of which are examples of things a church group does to try to entice people into their doors.  Along with trying to find feel good music, shorter preaching time, etc. And yes, I do know your adding humor here.