People wonder why Christians go to church. When I talk about Church I’m not talking about a building per se. The church is the body of Christ. I am talking about those who take time to worship God and meet together with other Believers of like faith. I am not talking just about religion, even though going to church is often considered a religious activity. Religion is defined as a system of beliefs, practices, morals and worldviews relating humanity to God or the supernatural. Religion involves rituals, texts, sacred places and community. When we talk about religion in general, it is not just confined to Christians or the Christian church. It encompasses people of the world and a variety of religions and religious beliefs. There is much confusion when it comes to religion. Most see it as a bad thing. Even in the Gospels, Jesus confronts religion and religious people of His day. In fact, much of His teaching revolves around religious people.

Concerning the Jewish leaders of His day, Jesus said,

…. “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: 3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. 4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.” (Matthew 23:2-4 KJV)

It’s no wonder that people do not want anything to do with religion. Rules and regulations are assigned by leaders and members in the church who have no intention of obeying the rules themselves.

The truth is that we are made in the image of God. We are created to have a relationship and fellowship with God.

Christians should have a pure and true religion. James who was a pastor, said it this way:

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. (James 1:27)

Many Christians do not like the word “religion.” It often carries a negative meaning. Anyone on the outside looking in would consider Christians to be religious if they attend church and pray over a meal. Attending church and praying is not wrong. It is right and good for Christians to go to church and pray! Some Christians do not attend church at all thinking that not going to church is not being religious.

Attending church is a religious activity but it is more than just religion. Religion is an all-inclusive word that encompasses many different practices and beliefs. True Christianity is set apart from all other religions of the world because it is not just about religion or spiritual activity. It is about having a living, vital relationship with Jesus Christ. A Christian’s religious activity is motivated by love. Love for God and love for people. Religion becomes corrupt and evil when love is removed. God is love. We have been changed from the inside out by His love.

Jesus met Paul on the road to Damascus and it changed him. He said in his second letter to the church at Corinth:

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Paul encountered Jesus Christ and became a born again, child of God. Previously, Paul was only involved in the religion of his ancestry. Paul now had a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ and began to pursue God and love Him with all his heart, soul, mind and strength. Jesus himself said this:

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

This is why I go to church. True Followers of Christ attend church because we love God and it pleases God that we assemble together to worship, to learn, to fellowship with other believers. Many are indifferent about attending church. A genuine disciple of Jesus Christ is not satisfied with casual religion. In fact, many who call themselves Christian do not obey the commandments of Christ. They are no different than the Pharisees and Sadducees of Jesus’ day. They say and do not. Christian, I exhort you, do not be religious without corresponding actions. Be a doer of the Word of God and not hearer only.

See you in church.

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Gary Bailey began preaching in 1977. For nearly 50 years, Rev. Bailey has actively traveled and preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the United States and many other countries. Since 2020, Brother Bailey and his wife Gwen have been pastors at Light Ministries Church in Lewistown. Their emphasis is worship, the preaching of the Word of God, prayer and spiritual gifts, family and fellowship. You are welcome to visit in person at 181 Caldwell Hill Rd., Lewistown, Sundays at 10 a.m. Visit Facebook at Light Ministries Church for livestream service.