"where in the bible does it say to go to church?"
Here's your answer;
* Deut 31:12-13 Assemble the people, men, women, and little ones, that they may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God
* Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging
one another.
For a full answer, read also the following reasons below.
-James
Because God (and His Word) command it
"Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law: And that their children, which have not known any thing, may hear, and learn to fear the LORD your God" (Deut. 31:12-13).
Though our text is found in the Old Testament and was directed specifically at the nation of Israel, I believe that the principles found in this passage may be applied to God's elect today. Our God is a gracious and loving Father who knows what is best for His children in every age. God commanded the children of Israel to gather the people together to hear the Word of the Lord and be instructed by it so that they might fear and serve the Lord acceptably, and live a life of consecrated obedience. When He issued this command it was intended to be a help and a blessing to His people, not an unnecessary burden to be borne.
"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."Hebrews 10:25
Faithful, consistent church attendance is required of God's people because God has commanded it. None of God's commands are to be taken lightly or to be considered as optional. God is our Master, our Owner, our Ruler, and as such we ought to respectfully obey His commandments. Ecclesiastes 12:13 declares: "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." I fear that many professing Christians obey and respect men more than they do the commands of God. How long would you last on your job if you came to work only when it was convenient or when you felt like it? You go to work faithfully because it is your responsibility to do so, not because you feel like going. In like manner you should go to church not because you feel like it, but because God has commanded it and you are responsible to obey Him!
Obedience to God's commands is a proof that you have truly been saved. I John 2:3-5 states: "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whosoever keepeth my word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him."
TO ENGAGE IN PUBLIC WORSHIP
One of the choicest and grandest privileges of the Christian life is to publicly assemble with the saints in the Lord's church for the purpose of worship. What joy and gladness should flood our hearts each time we anticipate going to God's house to worship Him! The Psalmist declared: "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD" (Psa. 122:1). How refreshing it is to be able to cease from the rat race of the daily grind to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness in the presence of His saints. After dealing with the world all week, public worship serves to revive our spirits and encourage our hearts.
When we engage in public worship we are manifesting to other believers as well as the lost world at large that our Lord is worthy of our highest praise and dedication.
TO FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST
During the earthly life of Jesus Christ, He faithfully attended the synagogue, which was the place of public worship for the Jews. They would gather to read the law, and have one of the teachers expound the truths of the Old Testament. Luke 4:16 states: "And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, AS HIS CUSTOM WAS, HE WENT INTO THE SYNAGOGUE ON THE SABBATH DAY, and stood up for to read." If it was customary for our Lord to be found engaging in public worship on the Sabbath day, then it ought to be customary for the elect to be found in church on the Lord's day. If we claim affinity with the Lord Jesus Christ we ought to take heed to the admonition of I Peter 2:21 which states: "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow in his steps." I John 2:6 declares: "He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." If the great Head and Lawgiver of the church faithfully assembled to engage in public worship, as His professed followers should we not heartily strive to follow His example?
TO HEAR GOD'S WORD PREACHED
The Holy Spirit has been pleased to appoint pastors to oversee and feed the churches of the Lord Jesus Christ. Every time the church meets for worship the pastor has the solemn responsibility of nourishing the saints of God with a substantial diet of the Word of God. God-called pastors go to great lengths to prepare messages from God's Word to edify the Lord's people. Much time is spent in earnest study, prayer, and meditation in the preparation of sermons.
Out of respect for God's Holy Word and His ministers, church members ought to anticipate with joy and faithfully attend each service of the church so that they may hear the wondrous truths of the Bible expounded. If every church member fed their bodies like they feed their souls I am afraid many would starve to death! The attitude of every church member ought to be like those in Acts 10:33 which states: "...Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God."
Not only is Christian growth a result of hearing the Word, your faith will also be nourished and strengthened through hearing God's Word. Romans 10:17 states: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." The best place for any person, whether lost or saved, is to be consistently in attendance upon the preaching of God's Word.
FOR PERSONAL EDIFICATION AND INSTRUCTION
The public worship of God in His house, and all that it entails is aimed at building up and maturing God's people. As we lift up our hearts in united prayer and supplication we ought to anticipate God's blessing upon our congregations. As we fellowship with other believers around the things of God our souls should be encouraged to continue to fight the good fight of faith. Oh that God would give us the same desire as the Psalmist who wrote: "One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple."
The church is called "the pillar and ground of the truth" (I Tim. 3:15) because it supports and upholds the faith once delivered to the saints.It is the Divinely appointed place of instruction and edification for the saints of God. The church is like God's school where scholars come to learn their lessons which equip them for service. God's people are instructed and challenged from the Word of God through the preaching of the Word. A person who attends church haphazardly and irregularly cannot expect to grow up to be a mature Christian. The reason why many Christians are immature and easily deceived by error and false doctrine is because they don't attend church like they ought too. Ephesians 4:11-14 declares: "And he gave some apostles: and some, prophets; and some, evangelists, and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive."
AS AN EXAMPLE TO OTHERS
Each time that we prepare our hearts for public worship and faithfully attend the house of the Lord we are providing a proper example to our children, other believers, and the lost world at large. Each time we engage in public worship we are declaring to everyone our allegiance and loyalty to the cause of Christ. Every time we willfully neglect the house of the Lord our actions show that we have little respect for God and His ways. I agree with Milburn Cockrell who wrote: "The indifference of church members to the institution that stands for Christ is the greatest hindrance to the progress of Christ's work. A person has no more interest in the souls of men and Jesus Christ than he has for Christ's church."
What kind of example are we setting for our lost relatives and neighbors when we fail to go to church consistently? Even lost people scoff at a man's religion that doesn't have enough power to take him to church! What kind of example are we setting for our children when ball games, boating, fishing, and other pleasures take a precedence over the Lord's church? These are questions individuals ought to seriously consider the next time they contemplate willfully missing church.
Our failure to attend church regularly will have a corrupting influence on others as II Chronicles 27:2 implies: "And he (Jotham, v. 1) did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah did: HOWBEIT HE ENTERED NOT INTO THE TEMPLE OF THE LORD. AND THE PEOPLE DID YET CORRUPTLY." Jotham's failure to publicly worship the Lord had a damning effect upon Ahaz his son of whom it is written: "For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim. Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel." May God help us to remember that little eyes are watching the examples that we set for others!
TO FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRIST
Jesus Christ is the Head and Lawgiver of His churches, and as such He is in attendance every time the church assembles. He walks in the midst of His churches. He has deposited His glory in His church according to Ephesians 3:21 which states: "Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus through all ages, world without end. Amen." If Christ's glory and presence is found in His churches then should we not make every effort to be faithful to assemble in His name and enjoy His blessed fellowship? Matthew 18:20 declares: "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Christ has promised to meet with His people when they assemble in His name and we should count that a most glorious privilege. I wonder what our dear Saviour thinks when people stay home to watch television rather than come to worship and fellowship with Him in His church?
People will go to great lengths to converse with and be in the presence of a famous person. Jesus Christ is the most important person in all the universe. He is spiritually present in all of His churches when they meet together for public worship. We ought to never willfully allow one opportunity of fellowship with Him pass by through neglecting God's house. Oh that God will change our attitudes so that we could say with the Psalmist: "LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth" (Psa. 26:8).
6:39 PM
this was awesome it could not have been worded any better it was so powerful and uplifting thank you very much.ewjenkins top
10:02 PM
The bible never actually refers to a specific building. All these passages say is for people to gather together and worship. The word church if you return to the source is referring to a group of 2 or more people not a building with a cross on to and 'certified' preacher, which you have to pay a certain homage to every year. top
3:48 PM
None of those things ever mentioned the word 'church'. The people who speak in those churches are doing exactly what the bible forbids speaking in vain. I don't honestly believe most people know anything about the bible truthfully when they go to church. Churches choose select morals. And if they were smart they'd realise symbols i.e crosses are also forbidden...dumbasses top
1:27 AM
Thank you very much for this post, it is a lot of information, Alos my personal opinion is that SYNAGOGUE is the building where a Jewish assembly or congregation meets for religious observance and instruction. Apparently this is the kind of church you find now where Gods people get together in praise & worship learning the word of the Lord and still the Lords word says "God's promise of enjoying his rest still stands. So be careful that none of you fails to receive it" (Hebrews 4:1)"So there is still a Sabbath rest for God's people"(Hebrews 4:9)I hope & pray that people of less faith will be guided by the Holy spirit to discover the Lords Mysteries. top
6:12 AM
Wow! You speak just like an atheist as if God does not exist. The Bible state clearly people are to gather and speak the word. The minister is just the most knowledgeable speaker. You should go to church so can learn these things as who ever is teaching you about God and the church are obviously wrong."Dumbass"
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6:14 AM
Wow! You speak just like an atheist as if God does not exist. The Bible state clearly people are to gather and speak the word. The minister is just the most knowledgeable speaker. You should go to church so can learn these things as who ever is teaching you about God and the church are obviously wrong."Dumbass"
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10:21 AM
My problem is finding a church that does not rip certain pages out of the Bible. If it does not fit their agenda deny it "Oh that was for a different time". So many liberal churches think most of the Bible is a joke. Why waste your time in such a church? top
9:52 AM
it does not say go to church. and god did not command it either. it is not in the Ten Commandments nor does it say YOU HAVE TO ATTENED CHURCH TO GO TO HEAVEN.
The closest thing even related to it be where two or three are gathered there I am in the misted. and that can be at work home the mall what ever. we fear god but we love him? god is a just god not an evil god. and if you think we should fear anything it should be people trying to force upon church that's why about 60 present of the people that ATTENED are fake and criminals. most churches are all about the money go to any church they take up offering and teach that you have to pay 10 percent and they don't even pay taxes. because its non profit. what a joke. top
2:45 PM
Complete and Utter BS top
7:19 AM
I don't go to church... I don't do so to "forsake the gathering". I love being around believers and discussing the Bible (most times). I don't go because of how and when it's typically done... I have found, in my research/studies, that "going to church on Sunday" was a result of the command of Constantine, that all religions should worship on the "venerable day of the sun". It doesn't take much more than a wiki search to see that... and I see no Biblical commandment to gather and worship on Sundays, so it's obvious, to me, that the truth is in what I found. It is one way, of many, that the "Christian faith" (more accurately the Roman Catholic Church) has indoctrinated many practices that were originally part of pagan sun-god worship, and that I reject. Others include Christmas, Easter, Lent, and Valentines day... I refuse to do anything for HIM that I find was indoctrinated into the "Christian faith" from pagan/idoltrous worship... and thus remove it from my life. I believe this is what HE wants us to do, the same as HE always has... to not learn idoltrous ways and do them in HIS name (Deuteronomy 12:29-31).
I have yet to find a good community of like-minded believers to commune with, but my eyes are open for it... I do not hate anyone who goes to Sunday church, but I can not, in good conscience, follow that example. I will not go "church hunting" or to try to "find a church". I am just trying to grow in my relationship with HIM, and trust that HE will guide me to where I need to go.
I am not trying to tell anyone else what to do, but just saying what I decided and why... but I will say that I do believe it is wrong to blindly follow in that, not keeping ones eyes open to where it came from... to go to "Sunday church" may be more harmful than good, because if they can't acknowledge/recognize the idoltrous/pagan origins in their "day of worship", what other things might they be ignorantly teaching about HIM, that may be leading us down the wrong path? top
8:12 AM
Need One More Reason to Go to Church?
Jesus went to church as a regular practice. Luke 4:16 says, "He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue (the building where a Jewish assembly or congregation meets for religious observance and instruction. Apparently this is the kind of church you find now where Gods people get together), as was his custom." (NIV) It was his custom—his regular practice—to go to church. The Message Bible puts it like this, "As he always did on the Sabbath, he went to the meeting place." If Jesus made it a priority to meet together with other believers, shouldn't we, as his followers, do so also?
Resolution
So, if you are disillusioned with church, perhaps the problem is not "church in general," but rather the type of churches you have experienced thus far. Have you done an exhaustive search to find a good church? Perhaps you have never attended a healthy, balanced Christian church? They really do exist. I would encourage you not to give up, but continue to search for a Christ-centered, biblically-balanced church. But as you search, remember also, churches are imperfect. They are full of flawed people. However, we can't let other people's mistakes keep us from a genuine relationship with God and all of the blessings he has planned for us as we relate within his body. top
12:25 PM
My husband and I had the same problem.. We prayed and prayed for a Church. It was a very funny way how GOD lead us to ours.. Long story short. A doc friend of ours attended this Church. My hubby does PC work. The Church was opening a school. The school/Church needed a pc repair man. Thats how.. Our oldest 2 children started attending school there, my husband became the pc guy and I was the web designer for the website. We felt like family as soon as we walked in. He preached straight from the Bible. Some Churches DO NOT have Bibles in the Church ANYWHERE.. The Preachers preach what they want you to hear. top
12:28 PM
and another thing, is how can true CHRISTians call themselves CHRISTians while they are out cheating, stealing, bar hopping, Ect.. Thats why US real CHRISTians have a hard time winning souls. Here in the West, it is very hard. Alot of ppl are afraid to go because they will get judged. Who are we to judge? top
5:33 PM
I like all the above its true we should be in the house of the lord on Sundays after dealing with this crazy world and the trouble we face) that's when we need to be worshippers and attend daily Sunday service and that's the time we can release or prayers and praises ...see God blessed the seventh day and made it holy...so its something about that day....that's a day to shout your troubles over top
4:46 PM
But church specifically is not specified. Other places to revere the lord are synagogues, temples and mosques. These places are as legit. top
10:42 AM
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9:02 AM
My family and I start going to a church that we really liked. The preacher was a straight man. He also had understandable sermons but we stop going because some of the people start making us feel like they wanted everything to be perfect. My husband worked in the sound department for the church and there was also another man that worked with him who was always telling him he was doing something wrong and would say it very mean. My husband said he couldn't even listen to the sermon because he would be so upset with the man. I tried to get into the children's ministries. I gave them my name and number so many times,they even did a background check on me but every Sunday the lady that is over it would get in front of the church asking for volunteers. I sit there saying to myself I have signed up so many times why am I being overlooked. It was something missing there to my opinion. What should we do? top
9:22 AM
My take on this is simple.God did instruct us on how to lay out a"Temple". We can call it by whatever name suits us.How can anyone say that God instructed us on how to lay it out without expecting us to attend.
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7:37 AM
Obviously the Bible says assembling for God is a great thing , as Jesus clearly did in the Bible. Though probably other situations could be as beneficial , as he says when a few are gathered in his name. Such is probably the only definition of a church. Just as his idea of heaven is "within "amongst". top
7:39 AM
Obviously the Bible says assembling for God is a great thing , as Jesus clearly did in the Bible. Though probably other situations could be as beneficial , as he says when a few are gathered in his name. Such is probably the only definition of a church. Just as his idea of heaven is "within "amongst". top
12:55 PM
Using profanity to support God is so not right ! top
8:58 AM
Going to church once a week or twice a week is not biblical and it was never a command in the old testament and the new testament. Assembling together does not imply going to church on Sunday. And using the command to rest on the Sabbath has nothing to do with going to church. The meaning of the word church today is completely different from the meaning in the Bible. Most people think a church is a building with a sign/cross, places to sit down, a stage, a band/choir and a preacher speaking to the crowd. But that is not what church is! If Paul or Peter walked in to any of our churches we have in the United States today, they would not think that they just walked into a church.
Jesus gave us a command, to make disciples. He never commanded us to go to church every Sunday. If you truly want to be part of God's body (the church) then you must first become a disciple (follower of Jesus) and then make other disciples for Jesus. This can be done in home groups, daily, weekly etc. We can share our lives and Jesus with others through meetings in our homes, in public, breaking bread together and helping each other. This is the picture I see when I read the book of Acts, when the first church was started. top
3:48 AM
Erik Radomskiy, sadly most people don't turn to the Scriptures for answers!!! Instead of turning to the Word, which is the answer, they turn to other people. We have became so lazy today until it just makes me cringe when I hear people say "my pastor says" instead of saying scripture says. We make not be back in a literal dark age but I believe we are in a spiritual dark age because very few want to open up the Scriptures and study. top
8:54 AM
Stand alone Christians need other believers to share the love of God with.
There are many churches that preach the word. I fully believe I will be
part of Heaven, Not because I attend a certain church, because I love God and
feel the need of fellow members to let out and share now and then my love of
What Jesus has done for me and all the rest of humanity. top
6:33 AM
It took me years to be led to the church I attend. I prayed and I waited. GOD AND HIS timing are perfect. It was my heart he was waiting on. Remember that he sees your heart so you can't lie to him. I understand you both cussing to get your points across. It seems one is still searching while the second was hurt and defending GOD. Remember CHRIST in the market turning over tables. You would not go to auto mechanic school to be a watchmaker why would you go anywhere else to learn about God. As people grow in Christ and learn the Bible God will show the heart that church is a requirement it is Wrote. Remember in Proverbs the entire book is about wisdom and it says the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. Lisa good for you in speaking up and holding your brother accountable . Harold good for you for being bold. Dark Angel I can only hope and pray that you find a good Bible-based church and give it a shot with an open heart so you can see and hear what God is trying to tell you. In my own testimony if it wasn't for church I would never known of Jesus Christ or met him began to believe in him and be saved by him. Remember Romans 3:23
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, THANK YOU FOR THIS ARTICLE. top
6:45 AM
The word church means to be set apart. The entire Bible is a commandment New Testament and Old Testament. You might want to consider church as where all your other disciples meet to hold each other accountable to lift each other up as the Bible says to affirm one another. I have been faithfully going to church now for probably 7years. There has been many people there that needed my love and my wisdom that Christ has given me. And oh boy the love and wisdom that they had to give me. Christ did not set around a campfire and cook s'mores him and his disciples are the first church. They got together so they can learn more of the law from the teacher Jesus Christ remember when they couldn't cast out the demons and Jesus said you ur of little faith that was church they all gathered to strengthen each other in their weaknesses. And of course church is whereever you are sharing the Lord with anybody on the street. If you don't feel your pastor is anointed by God then chances are you are at the wrong church simply get down on your knees and ask God. He answers knee mail. Hope this message finds you well my brother top
1:16 PM
To fryndragon and anyone else who believes that the New Testament does not impose the responsibility to assemble with believers in worship, there is the command in Hebrews 10:24,25 to "not forsake the assembling of ourselves together." That carries the force of a command to be obeyed. Not only that, but the Bible teaches by way of example as well as explicit command, and the example of the early church assembling on every FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK sets an authoritative precedent for followers of Christ to do the same. In Acts 20:7 we are told that "ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK(Sunday) the disciples came together to break bread." Literally the phrase "break bread" in the koine Greek says "to break THE bread." That was NOT a common meal; it was the Lord's Supper. In other words, the disciples assembled for worship on Sunday with apostolic approval, for "Paul preached to them...until midnight."
Again, in 1 Corinthians 16:2 we have the explicit command, "UPON THE FIRST DAY OF THE (the Greek literally says, "THE FIRST DAY OF EVERY!) WEEK to "lay by him in store as God has prospered him"(KJV). In other words, Paul commands that the collection be taken up every FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK. In what setting was this to be done? Paul's answer is in 1 Corinthians 11:20: "When you come together in one place..." Therefore, believers in Corinth were commanded to take up a collection in their regular assemblies on THE FIRST DAY OF EVERY WEEK (Sunday) when they come together to observe the Lord's Supper (1 Cor.11:20). The Lord placed His communion feast in the assembly of the saints. Those who forsake the assemblies also neglect the opportunity to commune with the Lord in remembrance of His death, burial, and resurrection. Not only that, but the absentee also fails to "prove the sincerity of his love" (2 Cor.8:8) by financially supporting the work of Christ's church.
Therefore, fryndragon is dead wrong in using the old Sabbatarian argument that Constantine originated Sunday worship. IT'S IN THE BIBLE! Believers were already doing it 300 years BEFORE Constantine came along! And it is taught by way of example and explicit command! So, if you respect God's Word, you'll be in God's house! If your faith won't get you to worship, it can't get you to heaven! If you do not go like you ought, you cannot grow like you should.
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2:56 PM
It seems that Shane has an acute case of "sour grapes," as he complains about 60% of people in church being "fakes" and "criminals." That's interesting! Wonder how he arrived at that statistical judgment? Did he survey all these church people? Did they all confess their "fakeness" and "criminality" to Shane? Or did someone else disclose that to him? Maybe he has some intuitive supernatural insight into the thoughts, motives, vices of all these "fake" and "criminal" people he has analytically scrutinized. We will never know, for he hasn't told us, has he?
But somehow, some way, Shane would have us believe that 6 out of every 10 church people are "fake" and "criminal." Not 5, not 7, but 6 out of every 10! Because Shane has done his homework! And who are we to question his math?
It's obvious that Shane has pre-judged people without truly knowing their true character, "for who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person" (1 Corinthians 2:11). He has fallen into the trap of what God calls judging. And the Lord has some advice for Shane and other of like mind: "Judge not that you be not judged, for in the same way you judge, you will be judged"(Matthew 7:1,2).
Shane claims "god does not say go to church." But is he correct? Read Hebrews 10:24,25 where God says in His Word "do not forsake the assembling of ourselves together as is the custom of some..." and you decide if that is not God's way of saying keep assembling with God's people. So who will you believe, Shane or God?
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8:30 PM
I find it very interesting that people who don't believe in God or what the bible says respond to questions like these. Why do you care what the bible says or not if it is not relevant to your life? top
4:31 AM
"Oh how good it is when the family of God grows together is spirit, faith, and unity!" I am currently talking to a dear friend about the importance of church, and I have found this article to be very helpful. She is convinced that there is no Biblical precedence for church, and that the Bible study she attends on Thursday is her church. I have gone to the Bible study, and I enjoy it deeply. But to anyone who knows what it is to corporately praise, corporately pray, and corporately hear the Word spoken, it is known that a small group studying the Word is beneficial, but not completely fulfilling to the believer's walk in Christ. I'm excited to share these points with her, and I pray that God will change her heart towards His Church. :) top
10:39 AM
I find more and more the church host some of the most un-Chistian people. Whisper the word of God on you ear, take your money, and stab you in the back. In the book of Matthew, it is written, you need not an alter or a church to have the word of God written on your heart. It is sad to say but I know a couple of mon-believers who act more to Jesus work than some at our church. top
6:14 PM
Hebrews 10:25 don't command a single person to assembly with man-made denomination confusion. God has not call his assembly into man-made religious confusion, but he has call us out of it to be his special assembly to show light and unity to a dying world. Soul Saving Assembly. Would you sit and dine with kings and queens if you had knowledge that the foods and drinks were contaminated? No. God gave us his holy Bible so that each of us can study, search scriptures and dig for the truth as hidden treasures. God don't want his special assembly contaminated with adulterated milk. Religious leaders teach poorly by adding adulterated milk that can't cut to the hearts and minds,but keep many ignorant and in sin bondage. Man-made denominations are divided in Doctrines. Is Christ Divided? No.They preach another Christ. The Jesus Christ of the holy Bible heal you of sin and don't keep you wondering in confusion and darkness. To know Christ is to obey Christ that is our godly life be mark with the good fruits of the spirit. Every true believer has been tempted of fornication, adultery, lying, stealing and so on, but true believers must not voluntary continue in it's degrade sin, because we are a special assembly. Jesus told the Samaritan women all about her life that she had been married five times and the man she was living with was not her husband. Jesus Christ did not accept her place and form of worship. If our hearts are not right he will not accept our place and form of worship either . top
3:17 PM
Only the religious could possibly quote a verse saying to "fear god", and then immediately state that this SAME god is "loving and gracious".
One can only hope that one day, a virus will appear that targets only believers, and rid the world of you so the rest if us can get on with the needs of living THIS life and getting off this planet before it's destruction. However, if there are ANY "believers" left at all, then better the human race is extinguished that the possibility of the faithful being unleashed and infecting the rest of the universe.
You are all a bunch of sick deluded sub-human monsters.
Just sayin'
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6:22 PM
God is with each and everyone of us.i don't believe what I read or hear for the most part I believe what I feel or think. Which is my relationship with god, Jesus. And any building or person who argues with that truth shouldn't be teaching about god top
2:31 PM
Actually Hebrews 10:24-25 isn't speaking of a normal "church service." It's speaking in a more general fashion of believers fellowshipping in homes, having meals, really anyplace. In fact, many Greek scholars are now saying that that passage doesn't address attending anywhere. The Greek words for "forsaking the assembly," are used in one other passage that refers to the Lord's return. It's actually, "not forsaking our gathering together," in reference to Jesus' coming. So we should always have in the front of our thinking that the Lord could return at any moment. And we should stir each other to good works as we anticipate His arrival.
Today, we have Religious Christian institutions that each call themselves the "church." However, they are not. They are manmade religious institutions just as the Salvation Army would be one. They have salaried employees, and in most cases, a board of directors, etc. However, there is only one church. In large cities (in ancient times), there were various house fellowships composing one church with a plurality of elders over each city. Now the church is fragmented. You have some members of the body that attend one religious institution and some, another one down the street. They each call themselves the church but they are not. However, some members of the body have decided to fellowship there for a season.
Each of these religious institutions is usually governed by one man or council who have made their minds up on what one can believe, and they will not accept any dissenting viewpoint, even if biblically sound. I am a retired senior pastor and have seen the light so to speak. I see all the errors I was involved in.
Should we fellowship? Absolutely! However, fellowship is weak when you go hear a Christian concert and hear a lecture for 45 minutes. That is not fellowship. We are in the audience with some more involved than others. When Paul preached until midnight in Acts 20, the Greek word for preaching meant, "teaching with dialogue." In other words it was teaching, questions, answers, back and forth communication. It wasn't someone preaching at you.
There is no command to attend a "church meeting." There is no command to "tithe" in the New Testament. But this doesn't mean that we don't give with a "cheerful heart," and fellowship with brothers and sisters throughout the week. There is not even a command to tithe once a week. 1 Cor. 16 certainly gives an example of one church saving every first day of the week for a general offering when Paul would arrive to pick it up, but the church didn't give weekly. They did have special offerings for widows, orphans, the needy in the church, traveling apostles and traveling missionaries. In fact, Paul made it clear that he hated taking any financial support because he felt it cheapened the Gospel message and his witness (Oh, I wish we had more men with that heart and spirit in the church today). There is no New Testament example of local salaried ministers. In fact, rabbis weren't not even on a payroll until about the fifth century. Most of them did secular work and served as a Rabbi (volunteering if you will).
The above article takes the traditional line of thinking regarding "church attendance," with numerous often quoted passages that relate, at best, indirectly. It is so refreshing to break away from manmade traditions and worship God freely, unhindered by human opinions and bias. To fellowship with each other throughout the week...become family...give financially and physically to the poor and needy in the church, as well as traveling missionaries until they get established in a community. People are hungry for a fresh wind of the Spirit in their walk with the Lord.
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2:59 PM
Like to address Ecclesiasticus first comment. He gets one scripture wrong after another. This is not unusual when you've been brainwashed to interrupt passages a certain way, so I just wanted to address each one. He first uses Hebrews 10:24-25. If that does speak of attendance, it's not alluding to a Sunday Service. Notice what the text says, "not forsake the assembling of ourselves together.." This could even be referring to the habit of the church in Acts 2, to "meet from house to house, breaking bread." However, this isn't a passage on "church attendance" at all, In the Greek it reads, "Not forsaking our gathering together." It's the same Greek word used in 2 These. 2:1 "...concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him..." These are the only two passages that Greek word for "gathering," is used and in both cases it refers to the return of the Lord. So we should not forsake the mention, discussion and encouragement of the Lord's soon return.
He mentions Acts 20. Probably the reason Paul waited till the "first day of the week," was because he was sailing out the next day. Of course they could have shared in the Lord's Supper that day. He also brings up 1 Cor 16. 1-2. What he fails to see is that this isn't a passage on "church attendance," but rather "laying aside on the first day of the week," some funds It's about saving not attending. And this is for a special offering that Paul will collect. The beginning of the week would be a natural time to assess one's financial assess for the week.
He also uses 1 Cor 11:20. He makes a couple of statements that are not even in that passage. First, that they met every first day of the week and second, they took the Lord's Supper on Sundays. That text say nothing of the sort. He forgets the words, "As oft as you come together..." 2 Cor. 8:8 he misapplies by again trying to prove something that isn't there. He's again on the theme of giving to the church every Sunday. However, the context doesn't say that. Paul is bragging about other believers who are helping poor Christians (vs.4), which he calls a spontaneous offering. This wasn't week in and week out.
So every single passage he uses in his first comment is misdirected and out of context, but this is what happens when one interprets Scripture with a certain human tradition. One fails to consider the context. top
9:22 PM
Don that's completely wrong. top
8:28 AM
Christian has and never will mean one without sin. Humans are sinful creatures which is no secret as it is seen clearly throughout biblical history and in our everyday lives. Christians acknowledge this fact and acknowledge the need of the savior Jesus Christ and know what a great gift has been given through Christ regarding our sins. Non Christian people sin no more or no less in general the only sepetation is the missing above acknowledgment. You contradict yourself by saying "true Christian" as if that means without sin as you list the sins committed by the other non "true Christians" but end with " who are we to judge". top
8:31 AM
Or.......your home or anywhere else two or more are gathered in his name no? top
8:36 AM
It just boils down to worship wherever or however you feel the most closeness with the Lord. If you feel more closeness in a large congregation of folks then that is the way for you and if it is in a tree with a view then more power to you. There is some good in fellowship but why can't fellowship be a part of everythinh we do outside of a physical building labeled church? .....It can simply put. top
1:41 PM
I agree with you! For some people, gathering together on a beach or in the woods or by a river gives a sense of God's true wonder and communing with others and with nature is much more gratifying.
Also whenever I am with my friends in a casual setting we are more often than not led by God into a spiritual conversation and inevitably we learn from each other often times we relearn something we've forgotten. top
1:53 PM
Absolutely! top
2:13 PM
Whose to say their religion is the best or right or correct religion? No one!
All modern day religions - churches were started by someone who said they were given a prophecy from God to start a church!
The Bible tells us about false prophets and I believe organized religion and attending a church, temple or what ever you may call it were created by false prophets to separate us, even causing us to "war" against each other based on false beliefs!
Religion divides, Spirituality unites! top
7:04 AM
When did you find out about the errors you were involved inad once you gounf out did you address ay of your errors to your congregation? top