Going to church can be one of the most meaningful steps in a Christian’s life. We were created to be in community with one another.
Church is a place where we can…
- grow in our relationship with Jesus
- learn more about who Jesus and God are
- build relationships with other believers and
- discover what it means to be a follower of Jesus
Benefits of Going to Church
Below are some benefits for attending a church. They are not listed in any particular order. Here are some of the things you can gain from attending church on a weekly basis.
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Learning more about God’s Word
Whether it is through the weekly messages the Pastor is teaching or attending Bible study; you can learn more about the Bible and how it applies to our everyday lives.
2 Timothy 3:16 – “All scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.”
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Building Christian fellowship
We can grow in our relationship with God and other Christians by doing life together.
Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encourage one another- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
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Finding a Mentor
What better place to find a mentor and grow in your relationship with Jesus at a deeper level than at church. A mentor is someone who can
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- complete a book or Bible study,
- answer your questions,
- explain Biblical principles and
- show you how they walk out their Christian faith
Some things you learn from a mentor will be caught by watching how they live their lives and not taught through words!
Titus 2:3-5 – “Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior…They are to teach what is good, and so train the younger women…” (ESV)
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Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts
Church can provide an amazing opportunity for you to identify your God-given abilities and use them to serve others. All gifts are needed in the church. You never know where your serving will take you!
For more details on spiritual gifts, please see my recent blog titled “What Are Your Spiritual Gifts?”
1 Peter 4:10a “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.”
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Developing Accountability
When you grow in trust in your relationships, it can help you to be accountable and grow deeper in your relationship with Jesus.
I have been in a small group/Community Group most of my Christian life. It has helped me grow so much knowing others are there for me and my family.
Being a part of a small group, meeting weekly can help you to
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- get to know others on a deeper level and
- allows others to get to know you more
Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
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Praying for One Another
You can pray for others and others can pray for you. This is especially helpful when you are going through a difficult season. We all go through challenging seasons, and it is so helpful when others are there to help pray for your burdens.
Galatians 6:2 – “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
What To Look for in A Bible Believing Church
When looking for a church, there are some key things to look for before making a commitment to attend. Here are some things to consider.
God is
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- Creator of heaven and earth (Genesis 1:1)
- three persons in one: Father, Son & Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19)
- Creator of all things (Revelation 4:11)
Jesus
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- is the Son of God (John 3:16)
- was born the virgin Mary (Isaiah 7:14)
- is fully God and fully man (John 1:14)
- lived a sinless life (2 Corinthians 5:21)
- died on the cross for our sins (Romans 5:8)
- rose on the third day (Luke 24:46)
- will be coming again soon to judge the living and the dead (1 Peter 4:5)
Holy Spirit
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- lives inside of each person who accepts Jesus and their Savior (1 Corinthians 6:19)
- draws the unbeliever closer to God (John 6:44)
- guides the believer (Romans 8:14 & John 16:13)
- helps believers (Romans 8:26)
- glorifies God is all He does (John 16:14)
The Bible is
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- about God revealing Himself to humanity (Romans 1:20)
- written and inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16)
- without error (Psalms 12:6)
- Living and active (Hebrews 4:12)
- our final authority for life (Proverbs 15:4)
Baptism
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- is a public identification with Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4)
- does not provide salvation for a person’s soul (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:9)
- is commanded for all believers (Acts 2:38, Matthew 28:19)
What to Expect When Visiting a Christian Church for the First Time
Many Bible believing churches that I have been to over the years have a similar format, but the flow may vary from time to time. A service typically is as follows:
- Opens with 2-3 worship songs
- Message from Pastor (30-45 minutes)
- Communion (some churches do weekly/others do monthly)
- Closing song
There are some additional things to consider when attending a church for the first time. Such as…
- Were you welcomed when you came in the door?
- Did you meet anyone?
- Did anyone introduce themselves to you?
- Did you have the opportunity to meet the Pastor or staff after service?
If You Are the First-Generation Christian in Your Family
You may not have grown up going to church or you may have gone to church that may have taught some extra things other than the basics of Christianity. Regardless of your church background, attending a Bible believing church as a new believer is essential in your walk with Christ.
Attending a Christ following church on a regular basis will help you grow closer to God & Jesus.
I have found over the decades that the Christians that are growing the most in their relationship with Christ are the ones that attend church and are using their gifts to serve the church.
I know other people may differ with me on this and that’s ok.
As a first-generation Christian who wants to grow in their relationship with Christ; I would encourage you to find a Bible believing church and find an area to serve using the gifts God has given to you.
I have found a peace and joy that I can’t explain because I have been attending a Bible believing church and using my gifts to serve the church. It truly is a gift to be used by God! I want you to experience the same.
All verses are NIV unless otherwise specified.
Helpful Resource
A helpful resource that comes to mind for this blog is a booked called Adorned: Living Out the Beauty of the Gospel Together by Nancy Lee Demoss Wolgemuth.
Years ago, Nancy spoke at the church that I attended and gave lady who attended a free book. I asked a Christian woman at my church who was more mature in her faith than I was to mentor me. We went through the book above called Adorned. It was such a blessing!
Even though I was older than she was, she was so much more mature as Christian than I was. I learned so much from her! We went through a chapter a month together. We both shared what spoke to us in each chapter. That year I learned so much from her!
REFLECTION QUESTIONS FOR YOU:
- Are you attending a Bible believing church weekly?
- Are you using your gifts and talents in the church you attend?
CHALLENGE:
- If you are not attending a Bible believing church, I would encourage you to look up some local churches near you. Go to their website first and check out their Statements of Faith. Make sure the church that you will attend believes the main points listed above.
- If you are attending a church, please go to your churches website and check out their Statements of Faith. Make sure the church that you attend believes in all of the main points listed above.
- I would encourage you to attend church weekly. After you have been attending for a little while, I would also encourage you to ask God to show you how to use your gifts to bless the church.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for providing for me in the many ways that you have already! If I am not attending a church right now, please have the Holy Spirit give me wisdom and discernment to check out the churches near me. Please direct and confirm my steps with where would be best for me to attend and serve using the gifts you have given to me. Thank you for answering my prayers.
I pray all this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Let’s Stay in Touch!
If this blog has helped you in any way or if you have a specific question regarding being a first-generation Christian, please email me at Denise@DeniseLBeyerle.com.
To read other First-Generation Christian blogs, go to www.DeniseLBeyerle.com.
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