"When you were born, your mother brought you to church...When you were married, your wife brought you to church...When you die, your friends will bring you to church...why not try coming to church on your own sometime?"

This quote is humorous because it hits upon a familiar tone within our hearts. Last week I asked the question; "What are you putting into your heart?" This week the question is; "Why do you go to church?"

I presume that the majority of those that will read this attend a church on a regular basis. So, it's a fair question then. Be honest, and be willing to admit whether your reasons are truly worthwhile or not.

Try answering these questions; "Why do you go to school?" "Why do you live where you live, or work where you work?"

Your answer could vary from the expected, "Because I have to" to the deeper, "Because I see the benefits". Lets say I was President of a multi-billion dollar company and pulled you aside to talk. I went on about how I believed in you, thought you had potential, and would like you to be the Vice-President of the entire company. That's a pretty big deal, huh? Would you be honored? Would you want to show up to work? Would you be humbled? Would you think that you had better learn fast if your going to have that much responsibility?

When Christ seeks us out and asks if we are willing to join him in the redemption of mankind and to help establish the greatest kingdom this world will ever know, wouldn't you be honored? Wouldn't you want to follow him? Wouldn't you be humbled? Wouldn'y you think that you had better learn fast if your going to have that much responsibility?

Perspective is everything. If you view church as a task, than when the job is done you'll go back to what you want to do. If you go out of obligation, you'll have no joy. If you go for selfish reasons you'll never invest. If you think church is about tradition, you'll be content to endure it when you have to. Friend, church is meant to be much more!

Simon Peter, James, and John hadn't caught any fish all night. They had let down there nets over and over and received nothing. That afternoon as Jesus went out with them on their boat he told them to let their nets down again. At this point they barely knew Jesus, who he was, and what he was capable of. Hesitantly and with obvious doubt they let down the nets once again. This time the catch was so big that the nets were overflowing! Astounded they marveled at the mystery of Jesus. They thought they knew all about fishing and their purpose in life until Jesus showed up.

"Then jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him." (Luke 5:10b-11) Notice that there was no hesitation in their decision. They wanted to be wherever Jesus was. They weren't being foolish, they knew that nothing from then on in their life could compare to the power and potential of a relationship with Jesus. These men wanted to soak up everything about him and everything he had to say. They jumped at the chance to spend time with him.

These men made up the first group of Christ-followers and later the church. Acts 2:42 says that the early church devoted themselves to gathering for the purpose of worship, reading God's word, and commemorating what Christ had done. They carried on as though Christ was still in their midst, because they believed he was.

Church isn't meant to be about giving one day to God and getting the other 6 for ourselves. It shouldn't be about keeping up appearances, or going through the motions. It should be about a hunger for God and a desire to be in His presence with others who are like-minded. God should be the central person you come to meet, listen too, and worship each week.

So, why will you go to church next time?

- Josh