If You Fell Away from Christ’s Church

by Terry Wane Benton

It is easy to get caught up in a cycle of negativity and pull away from a scriptural church of Christ. It is also possible to go back and correct things both with God and His people. Jesus died for His church (Acts 20:28). He asks us to help His church wherever we can. Staying away from a scriptural church is not an option. Paul, by the Spirit, told the Ephesian elders to “shepherd” (take care of) the church of God which He purchased with His own blood”. The members are to “build one another up in the most holy faith” and “speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” and “commune” with each other in the memorial Supper (I Corinthians 10-11). You cannot purposely neglect these responsibilities and remain right with God. Can you hear Him? He is saying, “I know they are not perfect people, and neither are you, but I gave my blood to help save them. The least you can do is help encourage them.”

Many will be held accountable for letting churches die out because they were not willing to give of themselves to the Lord’s work of holding up the cross for one another, much less for the world. Jesus wants you to start over, repent, ask for forgiveness, and get to work, helping a local scriptural church grow both spiritually, with a stronger faith, and in numbers. I remember starting a local church in our home with one other family, and soon we needed a larger meeting facility. God blesses effort. He does not bless non-effort!

If you fell away from Christ’s church, it is time to get back right with God and His people. Time is running out. Don’t live in regret that you helped a church die. Get the life of Jesus back in you and help bring spiritual life back into a dying congregation. That is your mission for the rest of your time here. Don’t delay! Now is the time!