What Attracts You to Church

The Evangelical Herald -- Bible Study No. 99-01

What Attracts You To Church?

Focus: We must build the Body of Christ by identifying Biblical reasons for belonging to the church and avoiding erroneous ideas.

I. Disciples respond to Christ's Call (Matt 4:18-22)

A. Not because of world system's reasons

1. Riches/Power

2. Influential Family

3. Appearance/Personality

II. Today's popular reasons to associate with church

A. Charismatic Personalities

B. Physical Buildings

C. Church relates to social lifestyles

D. Itching Ears Satisfied (2Tim 4:3)

III. Seeking Jesus

A. Mankind in a state of death (Rom 6:23)

B. Hunger for Rest (Matt 11:29), Peace (Rom 5:1), Truth (Jhn 14:6), & Life (Jhn 14:6)

IV. Many never seek

A. Pride -- associated with weak -- selfish ego (1Jhn 2:16)

B. Immature -- do not want to face hard questions (1Cor 13:11)

C. False Hopes -- man's philosophies -- religious errors (2Tim 4:4)

V. The Wise will Seek

A. While Able (Jhn 7:34)

B. He will be Found (Matt 7:7)

C. Satisfies every real need (Eph 1:23)

VI. The Church's Drawing Power

A. Pillar & Ground of Truth (1Tim 3:15)

B. Fellowship & Nourishment of the Body (1Jhn 1:3,7)

C. Worship and Prayer (Acts 1:14)

D. Serving Body (Eph 4:11-13)

E. Refuge in Sinful World (Heb 6:18)

Conclusion: A believer belongs to the Body of Christ and as such desires to be involved in the Biblical reasons for the church's existence.