1.What does the church represent to Jesus Christ?	The church was established by Jesus Christ as a spiritual home for believers.  The reason why the church is so important is because Christ gave His life for it (Eph. 5:25).  In Acts 20:28, it says that He purchased it with His blood on the cross. That is the value God places on the church, but what does it represent and mean to us as believers?  In order to best answer that question, it is helpful to know the different expressions Jesus used for the church. The Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:12-13) A Fellowship (Acts 2:42) A Flock (John 10:27) An Assembly (Heb. 10:25) The Family of God
2.  Why should I attend church?	Your primary reason for attending church is simply because it is commanded by God (Heb. 10:25).  If our heart is submitted to God, that's all the reason we need. The meaning of the different expressions for the church tell us why it is so important to faithfully assemble. A Body cannot function without its members working together. A Flock must stay together so that they can receive guidance, protection, and nourishment from their shepherd. A Fellowship has no value unless its constituents are connected together for a purpose. An Assembly is ineffective unless people assemble. A Family is only as strong as the love and loyalty they express to one another. A secondary reason for church attendance is because your commitment to this practice can lead you to spiritual growth in Christ.  Furthermore, the omission of it will lead to spiritual chaos. God knows who we are and what we need to survive spiritually.  He knows we need accountability with other believers to strengthen our faith.
3.  What are the purposes of the church?	Acts 2:42-47 gives us some of the purposes of the church.  They are as follows: A.  BIBLE TEACHING: "And they continued steadfast in the apostles __________..." (v.42) The teaching of God's Word was of major importance in the church.  (Be sure to find a Sunday school class that you can attend.)  The Bible is always the main textbook used in the church.  Everything you learn from God's Word will help you mature in Christ.  The church was referred to in 1 Timothy 3:15 as "the pillar and ground of __________." B.  FELLOWSHIP: "...and fellowship..." (v.42) A Christian needs fellowship with other believers.  God did not make us independent, nor dependent, but INTERDEPENDENT. This fellowship is found in a Bible-believing church that provides preaching, teaching, and prayer. Meeting together will also give you a sense of belonging. C.  COMMUNION: "...and in the breaking of __________..." (v.42) The two ordinances of the church are baptism and the Lord's Supper.  According to 1 Corinthians 11:2, it is said that we are to "...__________ the ordinances, as I delivered them unto you." The Lord's supper is a form of worshipping God as we remember Christ's death on the cross. It is spiritually refreshing to experience this communion. D.  PRAYER: "...and prayer." (v.42) Jesus said, "My house shall be called a House of Prayer." (Matt. 21:13)  It is in the prayer meetings of the church where you learn how to pray and experience God. E.  WORSHIP: "__________ God, and having favor with all the people..." (v.47a) Worship may be foreign to you now, but worship is the main activity of Heaven (Rev. 4:10-11).  God desires the praises of His people. F.  GIVING: "And they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had __________." (v.45) The early church was made up of giving people.  They gave because they loved the Lord. According to 1 Corinthians 16:2, the church assembled on Sundays to bring their tithes and offerings to God. The love of Christ is what bonded the church together. G.  EVANGELISM: "And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." (v.47b) Unbelievers were being converted daily because the church was witnessing and sharing their faith with others.
4.  What are the blessings of church attendance?	Friend, you cannot mature in the Christian life without attending church.  In a great way, your spiritual growth rises and falls upon it. Make up your mind right now to be faithful to the local church.  It is there where you will receive the discipleship, encouragement, and support from its leaders and other believers. Learn to give God your whole Sunday.  After all, it IS the "Lord's Day." God will always bless you if you put Him first.  The best way to start the week is to give God the first day of that week. Every service is planned especially for you. When you belong to a church that is functioning as Jesus intended (with purpose, passion, and power), there is absolutely nothing more exciting in life.  No wonder the psalmist said in Psalm 122:1, "I was glad when they said unto me, 'Let us go into the house of the Lord.'"