Get involved in church

The Bible says, “The Spirit will lead you to a church body where He can minister through you to each person in that body (1 Corinthians 12:18). A book I am reading says, “God does not add you to a church body so you can be an observer. The Spirit has an assignment for you within the body, and He will equip you by His presence for this work.” (Experiencing God Day by Day)

I know some people who would never think of going to church. I was part of that group before I became a Christian. Oh, sure. I would usually go two times a year: Easter and Christmas. But only because my parents made me. I did not want to go, but as I got older, I realized that I had a need for church.

In my life, there was a “God-sized” hole located about where my heart was. I tried to satisfy it with “things.” New cars, bigger houses, nice trips, dining out and having a good time…usually on the weekends. But one day, a friend of mine asked me to go to church with him and his wife. I accepted his offer and went.

The pastor preached a message like I had never heard before. He told me and the congregation that day that we needed to be “born again.” I had no idea what that meant, but for the next two weeks, I thought a lot about it.

I talked to him during the week, and he explained to me that even though I went to church as a kid, had three years of Catechism, was a confirmed member of the church, and was baptized, I was not going to Heaven.

He showed me in the Bible scripture to back up what he said, and the very next Sunday morning, I was born again during the morning service at his church.

Today, as a pastor, I see many people who do not go to church. Like me, they might go on Easter and Christmas, but for the rest of the year, they have no interest in church. My Bible says that Jesus “loved the church and gave Himself for it” and that “one day He is coming back for the church.” So if Jesus loved the church enough to die for it, shouldn’t I love it enough to live for it?

Not during times when I need something: like groceries, or a bill paid, or $20 for gas. Some people think the church is a bank — they can go there when they need some money. But the Bible says we are to attend the local church and support it with our tithes and offerings. Why? So the gospel can be shared throughout the community and throughout the world. Are you doing your part?

I encourage you to find a good Bible-believing and Bible-preaching church and start to support it this week. You’ll be glad you did.

Remember, God loves you just like you are, but He loves you too much to leave you like that.

Pastor Thad Gifford is lead pastor of the Crossroads Community Church of Madison County, 62 E. Second St., London. He can be reached at (740) 852-7800, e-mail him at sermon8er@aol.com or at their website www.3c-church.org.