Sunday funday¿?

  I want to start of this post with a huge "congratulations" to my home church, The Gathering LA, for celebrating two years this past Sunday. So CONGRATULATIONS. This church is amazing. All different types of people gather every week for all one thing: to be fed. Yes they did "pancakes and handshakes" and had tacos but they aren't coming for that type of feeding. Although I'm sure some would argue differently.

(Pastor Alberto Bello preaching at the night gathering on 1-10-16)

    But let's talk about church. I feel that, we as Christians, have gotten to a point where we have decided church isn't necessary. Maybe it's the idea that going to church doesn't make you a Christian so NOT going doesn't make you not a Christian. Or maybe you work, want to sleep in, or the church has hurt you in some way, or some other reason. Here's the deal. Church is very important to our walks as Christians. Get rid of the excuses. They aren't allowed.

   You work? Genesis 2:3 states, "Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done." So, biblically you need a day of rest from work. God's resting day was declared holy. Why not use your day of rest to worship and soak up God? Take a day off. Don't let work be an excuse anymore. Don't put your job over Him (who do you thin got you that job anyways?)

   We need to be constantly fed. Think of it this way: a new baby is fed until they are full and have a happy tummy so they can grow. You tell little kids to eat their vegetables so they can grow up big and strong. We should be feeding our spirits with worship, prayer, and the word so we can... g r o w... as Christians.

  You say "I read my bible every night, I have 12 devotionals, and all of the Jesus Culture albums on repeat everyday. Why would I still need church? I'm feeding myself." Let me throw a few verses at you.

               Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I with them." 

               Colossians 3:16 "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts."

               Romans 10:17 "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ."

               Ephesians 4:11-12 "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up."

               2 Timothy 4:2 "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction."

   Let's sum this up. We need to gather with fellow Christians in His name so we can be taught with the wisdom of Christ in each message so that our faith my grow, all while the body of Christ is being built up by the teachers and pastors that were sent to hold us accountable by correction, encouragement, and patience. Make sense?

   For those who have been hurt by the church, I am so sorry for whatever has happened. Please know that one church does not speak for the rest. There are numbers of churches everywhere. Find a church that takes you with loving and open arms. Get connected with others that are apart of the body of Christ. Don't force yourself into an uncomfortable environment. Find a church that speaks truth. Be taught. Be fed. Go to church. 

    (Those in the LA area I recommend The Gathering LA. We meet Sunday's at 11 am located at 1725 Ivar Ave. Hollywood, CA 90028. I'm not biased but I kind of am but I'm not. Just go. Try it out. It's fab)