For many people, going to church is associated with a ritual tradition that does not bring any practical benefit to a person. Others believe that the very fact of their coming to church is a fulfillment of service to God.
What is “church”?
For most people, the term “church” refers to a stately religious building where a priest conducts worship. Meanwhile, the expression “church” in the Bible comes from the Greek word ἐκκλησία (“ecclesia”), meaning “gathering,” a place of gathering of people. Therefore, a more accurate meaning of this expression is associated not so much with the premises, but with the general meeting of fellow believers who came to conduct Christian worship. So, in the Bible there is also the concept of "house church", which means a meeting of Christians in a private home, and not at all in any religious building (Epistle to Philemon, 2). Christians of the apostolic age did not have pompous rituals; their ministry proceeded in a simple and understandable manner.
In the understanding of many believers, one must come to church to listen to the singing of the choir, to be present at a ceremony performed by a priest, as well as to light candles and pray. In their view, in the church it is necessary to perform some ritual actions that could cause approval from above. However, the Holy Scriptures give a completely different indication on this score. First, the Bible explains: "God, who created the world and everything in it, He, being the Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made with hands and does not require the ministry of human hands, as if in need of something" (Acts Apostles 17:24, 25).
Learn and support
Of course, the disciples of Christ in their joint meetings were to emphasize their gratitude to God, using praise and prayer songs for this. However, the main emphasis on the worship of the early Christians was on the study of the Bible and acquaintance with the principles laid down in it. In meeting together, Christians should learn to build their lives according to biblical requirements. “Be ready to listen,” says Scripture (Ecclesiastes 4:17).
Another reason for compulsory church attendance is explained by the Bible as follows: “Let us be attentive to each other, encouraging to love and good deeds. Let us not leave our meetings, as is the custom of some; but let us admonish one another”(Hebrews 10:24, 25). From these words it follows that the church should not be a meeting place for people who are alien to each other, but a meeting of Christ's disciples showing mutual care and attention. One should go to church for this reason too - striving to support one another with words of faith and deeds of love.
The Lord encourages people who consider themselves Christians to attend church regularly. But this should be done not for the sake of performing incomprehensible rituals, but for teaching oneself the principles of God's Word contained in the Bible. These principles should be manifested in a person's personal life. In addition, attending church implies a desire to bring goodness and love to all those who come there seeking comfort and support. Such motives should prevail for every person going to church.
