First – it is an OBEDIENCE issue. The Word of God tells us, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another and so much more as you see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25 NKJV). OBEDIENCE to the Lord brings unity. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). Someday we will have to give an account to the Lord on our obedience issue.

Second – it is a FELLOWSHIP issue. Someone has said, “No man is an island.” We need one another. The church provides partnership, participation, and the common sharing of the presence and life of Christ. Lasting friendships are formed. Worshipping and serving together makes one healthier and happier. (I John 1:3, 7; Acts 2:41, 42)

Third – it is an AUTHORITY issue. When we submit to the authority of God’s Word, true discipleship occurs. When we submit to those in God given authority there is peace, spiritual protection, and provision. (I Thessalonians 5:12-13; Hebrews 13:7, 17)

Fourth – it is an IDENTITY issue. It was in Antioch that believers in Christ were first called Christians or “little Christ’s”. (Acts 11:26) These believers so identified with Christ and exemplified the love of Christ that the world took note of them. (Galatians 2:20) Christ gave himself up for the church by dying on a cruel cross. (Ephesians 5:25-26) So why be ashamed to identify with His body the church?

Fifth – it is a LOYALTY issue. (Ephesians 2:19-22) All believers are “fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” Sadly, in many circles, family loyalty has fallen by the wayside. But in the household of God there is loyalty. In the church there is to be no rivalry, “no respecter of persons”, resentment or rage. “We are members of one another” (Ephesians 4:25-32). Loyalty is expressed by “Being kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

Sixth – it is a MINISTRY issue. God has given ministry gifts to the church. (Ephesians 4:11-13) When we attend church on a regular, consistent basis we grow through those given to the church. It is through the church that you discover, develop, and serve in the area God has gifted you in. (Romans 12; I Corinthians 12 and 14) Your purpose, passion, and destiny is fulfilled through the church.

Seventh – it is a WITNESS issue. Jesus gave the church a great commission to go into all the world and proclaim the good news. (Matthew 28:18-20) You become a witness of Christ through His church. (Acts 1:8; I Peter 2:9-10) What kind of witness is your life?

My grandma Sanders raised chickens. A few chickens became wild and did not come home to roost. They made their nests anywhere and everywhere. I guess they would be called today – range free chickens. Those chickens were not beneficial to the family and tended to have very short lives. But the chickens who flocked together and came back to the chicken house to eat and roost were productive, protected, and healthy. If chickens can roost together, surely believers can gather together in the name of their Lord.

I hope these 7 reasons why you need the church will give you a greater appreciation and love for Christ’s church. Take your issues to Jesus. You can be a part of His church by “being born again” (John 3:3). “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).