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“It Doesn’t Matter Where You Go”

Have you ever heard someone say this in regard to an invitation to attend the church of Christ? I have heard it all too many times. It is one of the more popular things to say to get out of accepting the invitation. In essence, it is just an excuse, because it is clear that people do not live this way in their regular every day lives. In fact, we see just the opposite. When is the last time you heard someone say regarding the purchase of a house, “It doesn’t matter where you go, just pick out any old house.” Yeah, right. Fat chance you will EVER hear anyone say that. What about when buying a new vehicle. “It doesn’t matter where you go, just buy a car anywhere from anyone.” I know a couple of salesmen who would debate you on that. And we do this all the time-Pepsi or Coke? Burger King or McDonalds? Hey, how about some of those Firestone tires, after all, “it doesn’t matter where you go!” Let’s also bring back the Pinto, you know, the one with the exploding gas tank, after all, “it doesn’t matter where you go!”

The truth is that people believe that it DOES matter where you go even in the smallest of decisions. We are constantly bombarded with ads trying to convince us to choose one product over another each and every day! What good businessman is there among us who wouldn’t argue for his business? case as ?the place? you should go? I don’t know of a single one. Society’s message is basically this “it DOES matter where you go in things that are meaningless, but it doesn’t matter where you go in things that REALLY matter.” Isn’t that what we are saying?

What is it exactly that people mean when they say this? Are they saying “It doesn’t matter where you go” in regard to heaven or hell? Well of course not. Nobody I know consciously wants to go to hell (I know there are some freaks out there who do, but they are disillusioned about the place). Everybody I know wants to go to heaven. So obviously they can’t mean “It doesn’t matter where you go” in regard to heaven or hell.

Are they saying that “It doesn’t matter where you go” in regard to world religion? I don’t think they are saying this either. For most of those from whom I hear this excuse say that believing in Jesus only is an absolute must. They wouldn’t dream of saying “It doesn’t matter where you go” in regard to choosing Islam, Buddhism, Hindu, or Christianity-to them the choice is clear in this regard. Christ is the only way. He is the only hope for mankind. So obviously they can’t mean “It doesn’t matter where you go” in regard to world religion.

Are they saying that “It doesn’t matter where you go” in regard to attendance at a faithful congregation of the Lord’s people? I don’t think they are saying this at all because most of the people I hear say this are either not going at all or they are going to some denominational church of some sort. I actually happen to agree that “It doesn’t matter where you go” in regard to attendance at a faithful congregation of the Lord’s people as long as you ARE being faithful. There were many local churches in the New Testament as there are today.

The truth is that they are saying one of two different things. First they could be saying, “It doesn’t matter where you go because I don’t go anywhere.” In essence they are really saying, “It doesn’t matter WHETHER you go.” Such is completely false and the scriptures teach otherwise. The Holy Spirit makes it clear that we are NOT to forsake the assembly and that those who sin willfully in this regard no longer have the covering of the blood of Christ! “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins” (Hebrews 10:25, 26). In essence, the person who says, “It doesn’t matter WHETHER you go” is saying that the sacrifice of Jesus doesn’t matter. “It doesn’t matter where you go” in regard to your sacrifice for sins.

Second, they could be saying “It doesn’t matter where you go because I don’t believe that God cares what church you go to.” Again, this is in essence a denial of the sacrifice of Christ. In Acts 20:28 we read that the church of God was purchased with Christ’s own blood! Would one knowingly and willingly take oneself away from the place for which Christ’s blood was shed-the church? Did Jesus say, “Hey Peter, its great that you made that confession about me and all, but it doesn’t really matter where you go.” Such would be ridiculous and laughable. Jesus said, “Upon this rock, I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). Jesus expected Peter to be part of HIS church. How many churches do we read about in the Bible? Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:4 that there was “one body” and in Ephesians 1:22, 23 he says that the body is the church (go ahead, check it out in your own Bible, its there). There is only ONE CHURCH and GOD cares about where you go! What is this church? It is the church that honors the name of Christ and believes and practices what the Bible teaches in regard to the church, the plan of salvation, and worship. The only church that I know of that is doing this is the church of Christ. To those who don’t believe me, then come and investigate whether we are or not. In fact, I challenge you to prove that we are not. If we aren’t, then I will be the first one to change, but if we are, then you have to make a decision. Will you continue to reject the sacrifice of Christ and say, “It doesn’t matter where you go” or will you repent and do the right thing? That is my question for you today. What will your answer be?