The Church Failed Me (Part 2)

In Part 1, you learned that the church failed me as it has many others. You read some characteristics of healthy and unhealthy churches, but the story doesn't end there. God tells us that Christians must never forsake meeting together, no matter what. We can't use unhealthy churches as the excuse to stay in bed on Sundays. Because Christ never fails us, we should obey His word: We should go to church.

Even though the church hurts and abandons people at times, we must not forget why we go to church. We go to church to worship with other believers, hear the Word preached, fellowship with other Christians, receive and give encouragement to make it through this difficult life, and obey God. We do not go to please people, join a club, socialize with friends, gain business contacts, gossip about fellow church members, destroy other Christians, or gain a selfish advantage over anyone.

Consider these verses:
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. 
From Hebrews 10, ESV

Also, read Acts. Consider how the first church emphasized interaction among believers and how they found strength in numbers. In addition, remember the numerous verses throughout the Bible referring to believers singing and worshiping together. These prove that although the Christian walk is personal, it is not mean to be lived alone. It definitely is not something you do solely behind closed doors. In fact, other Christians should be able to identify you easily, and non-Christians should be able to see plainly that you aren't like them. One way to stand out in this world is to be faithful to God's church. I am not referring to buildings but other believers--THE CHURCH IS PEOPLE.

No matter how church failed you, won't you go to worship with fellow Christians this Sunday for the right reasons? If you show up with godly intentions, you won't regret it.