Well I can't blame them. For one, the popular opinion is...of course, popular, hehe. And this lone writer can't do anything to instigate instantaneous change.
And looking back now, this is probably why I had initially avoided belonging to a church, especially a megachurch where there are too many people coming in and going out. For a critical thinker like me, the concept of trying to fit in is rather shallow and sad. I had thought that the church is probably where all the lonely souls go. I had long dismissed churches as a mere promoter of such worldly belonging. I don't ever want to be associated with some holy lonely hearts club with one basic identity (and yes, churches do have typical identities which outsiders know of).
Above all, I did not want my Christian identity to be tainted and dismissed as another passing fad. I did not want my faith to be neatly boxed in a category, much like the way that most offices would commonly organize manual time cards according to department. And belonging to a church did that, more often than not.
Hmmm... Maybe from here you'd think that I have met a lot of not-so-good Christians in my life. Truthfully, I have to say that I am blessed that most of my encounters with Christ followers are favorable, if not superb. Yet the fact remains that I have a lot of doubts about the need to belong to a church.
Why do I need to belong to a church? I have survived for a while without it. Also, Scripture has it that salvation is relationship-based: that is, if I accept the Lord Jesus by faith, then I am saved and free. Christian faith is founded on the credo that Jesus is the Way to eternal life. Nowhere does the Bible offer church membership in the equation as a prerequisite to enter heaven.
Why do I need to belong to a church? I have survived for a while without it. Also, Scripture has it that salvation is relationship-based: that is, if I accept the Lord Jesus by faith, then I am saved and free. Christian faith is founded on the credo that Jesus is the Way to eternal life. Nowhere does the Bible offer church membership in the equation as a prerequisite to enter heaven.
So again! Why do I need to belong to a church?
Here are my current thoughts:
1. Coming together promotes Godly encounter.
I believe what one wise pastor had recently suggested to me. Grouping is a logical and natural human tendency. In the primitive times, homo sapiens gradually organized themselves to form the early civilization. Out of that instinctive assembly came forth technological advancement and revolutionary discoveries which eventually shaped man's life as it is. From this I can see how the meeting of minds, the joining of individuals to form communities, brought about progress.
This basic concept worked with the early Christians as they saw it fit to come together in the spirit of Christ-centered fellowship. "They devoted themselves...to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer." (Acts 2:42) The same concept forms socio-civic clubs, peer groups, and family units. The latter, as well as this connecting concept, is undoubtedly sanctified by the Creator Himself.
Thinking back on my lone ranger days, I realize that some of the most memorable encounters I've had are my profound engagements with Christians. There is a mysterious joy formed in being with fellows who share the same passion and goal of promoting the love of Jesus to everyone.
This basic concept worked with the early Christians as they saw it fit to come together in the spirit of Christ-centered fellowship. "They devoted themselves...to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer." (Acts 2:42) The same concept forms socio-civic clubs, peer groups, and family units. The latter, as well as this connecting concept, is undoubtedly sanctified by the Creator Himself.
Thinking back on my lone ranger days, I realize that some of the most memorable encounters I've had are my profound engagements with Christians. There is a mysterious joy formed in being with fellows who share the same passion and goal of promoting the love of Jesus to everyone.
2. Immersion draws us closer to perfection.
My second assumption is derived from the first. Going to church forms healthy relationships with people of the same faith. It also allows one to identify with their brothers and sisters in Jesus and learn how to be more Christlike from them. It is a very powerful wellspring of blessings in material and immaterial forms. Might as well tap it like free water than wander with a parched mouth in a dry desert.
My recent visits to a Christian church in Caloocan have somewhat proven this point. For some reason, I felt all warm and fuzzy within after several close encounters with the regular churchgoers. (And this is coming from an intellectual nut like me!) The sincere greetings, firm handshakes, and fluffy bear hugs, had my mind going in defense mode, while my heart freely soared! At first I must admit that I was rather iffy with the kindness of those people, but their consistently happy and accepting nature made me look back more than once...and rethink my take on church involvement.
Truly, being around such wonderful people made me challenge my personal limitations. After knowing them, I could not wait to have God make me like one of them. I knew I needed the growth spurt! So I joined them.^^
Truly, being around such wonderful people made me challenge my personal limitations. After knowing them, I could not wait to have God make me like one of them. I knew I needed the growth spurt! So I joined them.^^
3. As we gather, we find answers.
And the bomb of a reason came after I had listened to the church's discussion of "Let Us," which highlights the value of being really involved in the work of God through the church. I believe that God somehow "accidentally" scheduled this series in the church for people like me. After this, church involvement actually made more sense to me.
It is true that the lone lamb usually gets carried off by lions. (I need the connection and encouragement.)
It is true that turning away from one another encourages defeat. (No wonder my joyful episodes are short-lived!)
Through listening to the series of teachings in church services, I was able to find a wealth of information about my current dealings with God. Such knowledge can only come through Spirit-led revelation. No amount of googling can unearth this kind of wisdom. It is distinctly given to God's ordained ministers, who are then tasked to teach these things to community members like me.
And I must say that I have gained a lot of food for thought after regularly attending the Sunday services. I was also strengthened to become connected and involved with the Christians around me. Much later, I gained more wisdom and encouragement by sharing my thoughts in smaller groups.
So after a long time of brooding, I snapped out of it. I think I stopped stressing myself out with finding more reasons when God gently tapped me and said, "Why don't you stay simply because you're enjoying it with Me?"
And now I have let go of my discomfort. I have thrown it away to allow Him to reveal to me the wonder of being with Him through Christian fellowship. Although I have yet to fully understand this church thing, I trust God in this matter now. Lord, show me your wonderful plans!
Thank God for the gift of a church! What a difference this church involvement has made! Thank you Lord! I've never been so, so happy in my life! No man is an island, indeed!
It is true that the lone lamb usually gets carried off by lions. (I need the connection and encouragement.)
It is true that turning away from one another encourages defeat. (No wonder my joyful episodes are short-lived!)
Through listening to the series of teachings in church services, I was able to find a wealth of information about my current dealings with God. Such knowledge can only come through Spirit-led revelation. No amount of googling can unearth this kind of wisdom. It is distinctly given to God's ordained ministers, who are then tasked to teach these things to community members like me.
And I must say that I have gained a lot of food for thought after regularly attending the Sunday services. I was also strengthened to become connected and involved with the Christians around me. Much later, I gained more wisdom and encouragement by sharing my thoughts in smaller groups.
So after a long time of brooding, I snapped out of it. I think I stopped stressing myself out with finding more reasons when God gently tapped me and said, "Why don't you stay simply because you're enjoying it with Me?"
And now I have let go of my discomfort. I have thrown it away to allow Him to reveal to me the wonder of being with Him through Christian fellowship. Although I have yet to fully understand this church thing, I trust God in this matter now. Lord, show me your wonderful plans!
Thank God for the gift of a church! What a difference this church involvement has made! Thank you Lord! I've never been so, so happy in my life! No man is an island, indeed!