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By Jason Williams

In a world with Internet access – YouTube, Google, podcasts and so many different other ways to be connected to a sermon or Bible study, why is it important to attend a local church service?

To answer that question, I want to look at what the purposes are for these things. 

First, we conduct Bible study and Bible lessons so that we can comprehend and understand the word of God. The Bible is God’s living Word to his creation, and, because it’s living, it has a different message to each of us. Because it is living, the same passage can have a different meaning for us at different times in our life. The more we study His word, the closer we get to God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 

Why do we preach a sermon to encourage fellow believers, and to share the gospel with those that haven’t accepted Christ as their savior? We are called to evangelize the lost but as believers we fight a spiritual war every minute of every day. 

The enemy finds small ways to penetrate our walls. Our worship in Bible study fortifies these walls. Communal worship in a local church is a believer’s way of refreshing his mind and spirit so that he can turn back the advances of Satan‘s army. Romans 12:2 tells us not to conform to the world, but to be transformed by the renewal of our mind. Because we are transformed, we are different people. Our minds are clear, our hearts are pure, and our spirit is renewed. 

Church attendance also shows a priority to God, that we put Him first. It sets an example that shows others, including our children, that we place a priority on our relationship with God through His son Jesus Christ. 

As a pastor, I encourage believers to attend worship, not just on Sunday morning, but a good Bible study whenever it’s offered. If you’re not a believer I encourage you to find a church that shares the gospel of Jesus Christ, hear God‘s word, and hopefully you will feel His calling to become the new you. We invite anyone and everyone to join us at Eastside Baptist Church in Georgiana, Alabama, and if not with us then at a good church near you. God bless question comments to

Eastside Baptist church@ gmail.com