The pop quiz response about learning nothing
David, a roaming greeter at a welcoming church, recently asked a pop quiz about the message to a group of young people after the service. However, before any of them could respond, an older man loudly interjected, grumbling, “Nothing! I learned nothing because I have heard that same message before,” and adding with an invective, “Several times!”
Determined not to let the conversation end on a negative note, David tried to redirect the man’s attention, saying, “You have missed the whole point of church. If you are that mature in your faith, and have that much Bible understanding, then you need to be giving back, and you need to be discipling others.” Yet the older man remained too caught up in his grievances to be reasoned with. He turned around and stormed off toward the parking lot. David imagines he can still hear the man grumbling, nothing, nothing, nothing, off into the distance.
Reflecting on the man’s complaint, David wished to clarify what the church is not. The church is not a venue for mere entertainment or a place to passively consume religious performances. Nor is it a center where personal preferences and comforts are paramount. As the Apostle Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 14:26, “Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.” This passage underscores that the goal of gatherings is not self-centeredness but the edification of all.
Things to do instead of learning nothing
David also emphasized that the church is meant to be a gathering of believers, united in Christ, who support and encourage one another. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts the faithful, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together…but encouraging one another.” In other words, church is about mutual edification rather than solitary spiritual consumption.
Moreover, David reminded us that the church is where believers actively engage with God’s Word. James 1:22 advises, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Church gatherings should therefore cultivate robust learning and practical application, ensuring that teaching leads to genuine spiritual transformation and that sermons inspire service to others.
Finally, David pointed out that the church is called to minister to one another’s needs. Galatians 6:2 teaches, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” This highlights the church in action—sharing joys, sorrows, and responsibilities while walking together in faith.
In the spirit of fostering true community, David urges all believers to remember that church is not about passive consumption but active participation. It is a place for building one another up in the faith, learning and applying God’s Word, and serving each other in love. Such a vision aligns with the early church model described in Acts 2:42-47 and Acts 4:32-35, where believers continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, sharing possessions and meeting each other’s needs. This is the church as Christ intended—an assembly grounded in hope, united by love, and growing together as a family of faith.
They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer.
Fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together, and had all things in common. They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need. Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. The Lord added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47 WEB)
The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul. Not one of them claimed that anything of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. With great power, the apostles gave their testimony of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Great grace was on them all. For neither was there among them any who lacked, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and distribution was made to each, according as anyone had need. (Acts 4:32-35 WEB)
David reminds us that we should always be being discipled or discipling others. So, don’t fall into the same trap as this angry man. If you feel like you aren’t learning anything from church, then find a way to serve and give back. Jesus promised in Matthew 5:6 that a hungry heart, will never learn nothing.
Digging deeper:
- How did the early church meet together? – If we lived 2,000 years ago, what would a church service look like? How did it work? Where did they meet? Could we do that?
- How to find a good local church? – Practical suggestions and Biblical foundations to help you find a good local church.
- 8 Important Things for Christians to Embrace – Christians need to embrace these things to love one another in a way that is pleasing to the Lord Jesus Christ.
- 8 Dangerous Things for Christians to Avoid – Christians need to avoid these things to love one another in a way that is pleasing to the Lord Jesus Christ.
- 8 Gifts of Service for Your Church – You may have thought God could only use superstars. But, God is very clear that these 8 gifts have been given to you for service in your church.
- Biblical Christianity vs Religion of Humanism – Biblical Christianity and Religion of Humanism have incompatible world views on God, human nature, morality, and human reasoning.