Evening Prayer 1-23-11

Reading:
Romans 11:25-12:13

Today during our Adult Bible Study we had a lengthy discussion regarding "Must someone go to Church."  We discussed this for awhile dealing with the issue that we are "saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ" so we can not make it work that is necessary for salvation.  However, the Scriptures are also quite clear that we are not forsake the gathering together as some have done. (Hebrews 10:25)  So why should we go to Church?

In today's lesson to the Roman's St. Paul is teaching us that we are one body with many members. (Romans 12:4)  The reason that we come to Church is that God has called us to be a part of His Body the Church.  Each of us has been a given a gift that is meant to edify the body.  When we don't go to Church, the body does not function at its fullest potential.  Does this mean that all have the same gift?  No, but each gift is just as important as the next.  This is what St. Paul is teaching when he lists the gifts that can be given, some teach, some exhort, some give money, some lead, some do acts of mercy.  So you see it does not matter what your gift, it is needed in the Body of Christ.

Some may say, "Let me stay away from the Church, because I can't give as much time, or I don't have money to give".  St. Paul says these may not be your gifts, so why are you worrying about it.  God has produced a gift in you that is needed in the Church.  Each member is called to use the gift that God has given them to help edify the Church here on earth.  St. Paul when he taught the Corinthian Church in his first letter is saying that if you compare this to your body, if we were all eyes or all ears, look at what we would miss out on.  (1 Corinthians 12)  The body could not function well if all we had were feet and no hands.  So it is with the Church.  If we all preached, who would be of service to others.  If we all gave only money, who would teach and do works of mercy.  Maybe prayer and fasting is your gift and you constantly lift up the Church and her members in prayer.  Each gift is needed and God provides exactly what is needed in each congregation so that they can reach out to others with mercy and bring the Good News to those that need it.

So why go to Church?  Because you are a needed.  It does not mean that you earn  brownie points before God, because your salvation is a gift from God.  But your being in the Church allows her to function with all of its members and not limp along in bringing the Good News to the people.