Some Church Services Do More Harm Than Good

Let me open this blog post by saying that I truly love church services. There's no question that Christians must keep meeting together. The continual gathering of the saints is, in fact, a strong biblical command. "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing..." (Hebrews 10:25a)

Yet, with all that said, there is a particular issue that really needs to be addressed. The weekly meetings of some congregations undermine the grace of God.

Let me be clear, it's not the meetings - but wrong attitudes under-girding them that's causing trouble.

In time, careless believers find themselves entangled in quarreling and selfish ambition. Soon bitter attitudes and pride worm their way into once tranquil halls of worship.

Those who once came for deliverance now only find only darkness in the room.

The Apostle Paul dealt with a similar thing in the church in Corinth. Addressing this, he noted, "In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good" (1 Corinthians 11:17).

I think that we should always try to find good things to say about people and churches. Yet sometimes what's taking place in our gatherings is so hollow and uninspiring that it deserves no praise. Yes, sometimes our meetings do more harm than good. 

How are you going to make sure that grace continues to be manifest in your church? This is an important question that needs to be considered.