The Problems With Going To Church.

"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." -  Hebrews 10:24-26

There are two problems - first is going for the wrong reason and second is not going for the wrong reason.  

The first problem.  I have had recent conversations, one on social media and the other in person. They both were alarming to me and reminded me of a spiritual truth.  In the first case, the person was talking to me about their spiritual angst and the feeling that they needed to draw closer to God.  When I asked to tell me about their conversion, when they became a Christian, they shared all of the churches they have attended and the many things they did while they were attending.  Good things.  

The second.  The guy was clearly on the edge of things.  He had been in prison, on drugs, divorced, homeless.  But with all of that, I sensed he had a good heart .. seeking God.  He attended church, but in the course of our conversation it was clear that he knew little about the Faith. He told me that a priest had prayed for him and told him that he “was good to go”.  He did not have to worry about his salvation.  I told him that salvation is personal, between the person and God.  No one can do it for another person.

Perhaps you know people like this.  People with good hearts.  People who do good things or, at least, want to do good things.  When Jesus met Nicodemus that night, Jesus told him ...

“you must be born again”   “Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[b] gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.”  (John 3:3-9)  

Nicodemus didn’t understand.  He thought he was doing all of the right things.  But something was not right.  Just like for the two people that I talked with.  

“Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” - 1 Corinthians 1:22-24

The Jews thought they had it all figured out, but Jesus turned that upside down.  Gentiles - i.e., non-Jews - watch Christians and mimic what they do, but they don’t have the Spirit in them.  They have not been born again.  I know I tried that! They have a form of godliness but lack the spiritual power to understand the Truth and live the life.  They lack the capacity to understand spiritual truth without the Spirit of God sealed in their hearts.  I suspect there are thousands of people like that who attend church every Sunday. Maybe even in leadership roles.  Teaching information but are spiritual blind guides.  Struggling in their battle with sin.  Wondering why life is not different than it is.  

So, what to do when you discern the person you are talking to thinks they are saved by their works and are actually lost and bound for hell.  Point them to Jesus and the truth.  Speak the truth in love.  Even that burly guy that I was talking to yesterday has a fragile heart.  God has given you an opportunity to fulfill your purpose which is to proclaim the Gospel.  Not with a punch in the nose, but with a gentle touch.  Trusting that the Spirit of God is at work in their lives.  You do your part and let God do His.  And remember your part is not the saving, it is the telling and the loving. God does the rest.  For their good and for His glory.  

The second problem. I just read an article about church attendance that might explain why the Church is not having greater effect on the culture. The title of the article ""As few as 5 percent of Americans attend church weekly" The study was pre-COVID. This is an excerpt. 

“what you do is what you believe, no matter what you say.” If just 5 — or 6, or 7 — percent of Americans feel committed enough to darken the doors of their churches for even an hour a week, then we no longer need to worry about becoming a post-religion culture. We’re there. Secularization has won." - Lexington Herald-Leader, Pastor Paul Prather. 

See you at church!

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone