True Lies

When I was full-time preaching and even now as a chaplain, I have often had individuals say to me, "I don't really need a church."  They usually follow up with something like, "I can worship anywhere."

My reaction to that sentiment can be summed up in the title of the 1994 Arnold Swarchzenegger movie "True Lies."  It is true that we don't need church to worship as we can worship anytime and anywhere, but it is a lie that church is simply a place to worship.

In fact, church is not a place at all, it is people who "come together as a church" (1 Cor 11:18).  And, when the church comes together, the primary purpose is not to allow its members to worship, which they can do anywhere, it is "to encourage one another" (Heb 10:25), which can only be accomplished when they assemble.

Additionally, the apostle Paul tells us that the Holy Spirit assigns us as various parts of the body (church) of Christ and each has a function that is carried out collectively (cf. 1 Cor 12:1ff.).  Could you imagine your feet not going to a salon when your head attends for a styling.  How about your feet going in for a pedicure but leaving your head at home?  And what if your hands didn't come to open the door or your eyes to find the salon?

The whole body functions together, regardless of which part is receiving the attention that particular day.  And some days it is for a full-body massage and spa, but often it is one part or another.  In any case, the whole body attends together, each member in support of the others.  Jus' Say'n.