The Life Giving Church

“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” (Hebrews 10:24,25).

- DeWayne Hamby

Why are you connected in the church body? Is it because you were raised to consider church attendance and participation important? Did you hear and believe the writings of the Scriptures that admonished us to fellowship together in unity? If so, it’s a good thing to give priority to it. Time after time, we are encouraged to “not forsake the assembling of ourselves together” (Hebrews 10:5), but have you stopped to consider why we are given such instruction?

There are spiritual benefits to community. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). Our interaction with each other helps us all become better people and see life from different vantage points from our own. Church attendance is vital to your spiritual formation and maturity in Christ.

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts” (Colossians 3:16 NIV).

I started attending church regularly when I was 10. The new local pastor visited us while my father was recovering in the hospital and that act of kindness in turn prompted us to dive into the fellowship headfirst. Through the years, I cannot overstate how vital the local church was to my development, helping me to learn spiritual truths but also societal protocols and norms. Just as school provided a framework of knowledge, the church provided a living, breathing community to be nurtured by and belong to.