-OBJECTION: I believe in Jesus but don’t go to church because I don’t have to in order to know God, and it’s filled with hypocrites anyway.
-RESPONSE: It’s good that you believe in Jesus, but do you believe in the Jesus revealed in the sacred Script? If so, He, through the author of Hebrews, made it clear that regular fellowship with the church is needed until He returns (Heb. 10:25). Many who address the hypocrisy of the church are usually expressing their limited, negative experiences with a leader or a few church members. They use the “few” to represent the whole. Could it be that your claims against the church are an excuse to avoid personal accountability to the local church?
Additionally, this same Jesus used a parable regarding wheat and tares (false wheat or weeds) to express the truth that believers and pretenders (hypocrites) will continue to exist and intermingle (Mt. 13:24-30). Those seeking a perfect church set an unrealistic expectation; for a perfect church will cease to exist the moment those same people decide to attend (smile). Instead of demanding fellowship that suits your personal expectations, seek one that’s biblical and wholly committed to the truth of Scripture. This means their theology, or teaching about God, accords with orthodox Christianity, even if they don’t play the music you like or have a coffee shop within it.
Finally, although you can know God outside of the physical church building, those who love God will love the brothers (i.e. other Christians; 1 Jn 3:11-14) and seek to fellowship with them. Remember, God uses the local church to refine and make His servants more like Christ (Eph. 4:10-11).
(SIDE NOTE: Watching church digitally from your home, while perhaps helpful to you personally, doesn’t allow you to interact with and lovingly serve others. That’s the downfall of “church on TV.” So, unless you’re absolutely incapable of attending, it’s best to be present to worship and fellowship with the saints.)
#MMApologist #FaithInChristAlone #SoliDeoGloria #Salute