“And I tell you that you are Peter,[a] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[b] will not overcome it.” (Matt 16:18 NIV)
Introduction
There are quite a number of churches being established rapidly not only in TCI but throughout the world. As a result of this growth, some critics are complaining about the number of churches. Some say these churches are for business purposes only. However, what is interesting is there are so many bars popping up, so many gangs popping up and brothel houses popping up and no one is complaining about them.
What is a Church?
As explained in a previous article, a church is an assembly of believers. In fact according to Hebrews 10:25, God wants us to assemble together so that we can encourage one another. He does not want us to give up meeting together. I know there is quite a number of denominations and critics sometimes use this denomination factor as a means to provide doubts about the purpose of the churches. However, I believe as long as the church is based on the sound doctrine of the word of God, then denominations should not matter. However, if denominations are formed and their teachings are contrary to the Bible, then there is a major problem. Ensure you know the read the Bible for yourself so that you can determine if the church you choose to attend aligns with the word of God.
Benefits of a Church
The church plays a very important in our community. In fact when things in a community get out of hand, the first reaction from most people is to call on the pastors and the churches.
The church provides hope to individuals who are hopeless. The church can provide encouragement to those who feel discouraged. The church through the word of God can show you how it is possible to be healed. The church can and will teach you the truth.
Once you know the truth, the truth will set you free. You will learn to have faith and stop being afraid. You will learn to love one another and stop this hatred, fighting, jealousy and unforgiveness we have towards one another.
If you do not go to church and stay home or do something else, you will lose out on the many teachings from the word of God and perhaps end up believing the things of this world.
Conclusion
I do not think we have too many churches. The population in TCI is increasing and we need to have churches to accommodate the rising population. Yes some of the churches are empty but if everyone were to go to church, there will be insufficient space to accommodate them.
God wants us to spread the gospel and if we spread the gospel and people accept the word, they will need a place to worship together and hence more churches are needed.
I know that if more of us assemble together and do the right thing according to the word of God, the world will be a better place.
We have too many crimes, we have too many bars, we have too many brothels, we have too many gangs and we have too much division among us. We need more churches so these issues can be fixed.