Why do I need a church?

We’ve all asked it before, why do I need a church? Can’t I just go about doing good? I’ve felt more of heaven’s peace in the mountains than inside the walls of a church building.

That last statement may ring true for many people. And going about doing good is a wonderful plan. But the fact remains that God, our Heavenly Father, requires certain things from us. After calling the Apostles in Jerusalem, Jesus gave them this charge, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you . . .” (Matt. 28:19-20).

He gave them authority, and sent them forth to baptize the people. He taught “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” (Mark 16:15)

It is clear that all men must be baptized, and that Jesus called and authorized men to do the baptizing.

So reason #1 for having a church is: Authority to do Saving Ordinances.

Ok, you’re thinking, so I’ll go to church, get baptized, then head to the mountains.

So, here are a few more reasons why you need a church.

The world is ever changing. Technology grows, knowledge is learned, nation’s rise and fall. And ever since the days of Adam, God has used men to guide and lead His people through the evolving currents of society and life. Adam, Noah, Moses, Abraham, Elijah, Isaiah, each was a prophet, called of God. Their job was to reveal God’s word and will to His people–a message particular to their specific time.

The prophet Amos taught, “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7) That is His way, His method for bringing salvation to His people.

When Jesus walked the earth, he called apostles, prophets and other leaders to spread His message and preach the gospel path. Men like Peter, James, John, Paul, Stephen and others. These men where given authority by Jesus over evil spirits, and to baptize and teach His word. Peter, James and John and the others of the original 12 received this authority from Jesus Himself. Later, men were called and ordained by Peter and the apostles.

The question I ask myself is this, if God’s method has always been to use prophets to speak in His name, and even after Christ died, men were called to preach and to baptize in His Name, why would we expect God to be silent today? The world has changed more in the last 150 years than all the years preceding it, so wouldn’t we need God’s guildance even more than in years past?

The answer is a resounding YES! God loves us just as much as those in ancient days. In this world of cellphones, Facebook, physical ease and spiritual trial, He knows how to help us, to guide us, to teach us the way to navigate our lives so that we can have joy amidst the sorrows, and in the end, eternal life with Him and our family.

So, the #2 reason why you need a church, is to hear God’s word for you through His Holy, Modern Day Prophets

If you’d like to learn about the first prophet in this era, CLICK HERE

If you’d like to learn about the current prophet, and read his words, CLICK HERE

The 3rd reason I’ll give, and there are surely more, is the fellowship and strength that comes from gathering with like-minded people who are all striving to obey God’s will.