Why Go To Church?

So if a person is a Christian, loves God, loves Jesus, and is a good person, why go to church?  Maybe it just isn't necessary at all.  Maybe a person can find a relationship with the Lord by himself; or maybe in nature; or maybe by just taking a walk with his dog on Sunday morning.  Maybe there are too many hypocrites in church.  Or maybe there are too many questionable practices or attitudes there.  So why?

The best reason is that Jesus instituted the church.  He didn't start it in His lifetime....but He made preparation.  We see in Matthew 16 where He said, "...I will build My church.."  From this statement it is clear that the church was coming and that it would be His church.  This shows that it was important to Him.

Then we see the words of Paul in Ephesians 5 where he says, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it...."  We see the passion that Jesus had for His church, so much so that He gave His life for it.
  
And finally there is Hebrews 10:24, "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 the more as you see the Day approaching."

There are many other passages that talk about the church, both in an overall sense and in a local group sense.  But the point is clear that we benefit from the association with other Christians;  but more than that, the Lord expects it of us.  If we are able to get there and be a part, we should.

Thanks for reading and have a great week!