So, I have heard this question more times than I can count. But to right away answer this question, the answer is, yes. A loud, yes. Not sure why this, among a few other things, is pushed to the side as though its not needed. But where ever this lie came from, I want to explain, Biblically, why Christ does require us to go to church and gather together with other believers.
So first, looking in the book of Hebrews 10:25 – not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. In this passage, we are instructed to get together with the people of God, to encourage one another. Now, that’s just one of the reasons to meet together. In Matthew 18:20 – For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them. Now, in this passage, it gives us another reason why coming together is so important, because when God’s people are together with the same mindset or the same vision, the Holy Spirit can show up. Just like in the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2) All the disciples were on one accord, all together in the same place. Where God poured out his spirit onto His people.
And in Acts 9:31 – “So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.” This verse gives more detail to why we do need to go to church. And that is to get the proper teaching from those who have studied the Bible intensely, so that we can be built up and trained up to go out and make disciples as Jesus tells us in Matthew 28:19-20
We can and should have our own private devotion time with Lord on days other than Sunday. This is how we work out our own salvation on a personal level. But it is not a replacement for gathering together as God tells us to do. We are to fellowship and worship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are a family of believers and you are an active participant in the family. We all count on each other. We are all apart of the body. Fellowship comes from the Greek word ‘koinonia’ which is defined as, “holding something in common”. It describes the unity of the Spirit that comes from Christians’ shared beliefs, convictions and behaviors. So when these shared values are in place, genuine Biblical fellowship occurs. So, how can we share in those beliefs or convictions if we’re not together? We can’t.
As well when we come together and worship, it is a shadow of what is going on eternity, right now. In Psalm 150, there is a connection between praising God in the sanctuary (or where ever saints are gathering) and being praised in the heavens. Our gathering is a foretaste of the eternal gathering (Revelation 5:9-12) So if you can’t gather together on earth, then you might feel out of place if you make it into heaven.
Refusing to meet together for fellowship, worship, encouragement and teaching is one way the Devil tries to keep you from growing and fulfilling your purpose. You have an amazing future with Jesus. He knows your future. He’s been there. He wants you to keep walking forward towards that bright future. But we must be obedient to all the instructions he’s given us all. We won’t be perfect in doing it all right, but we as well can’t sit in contentment in doing the wrong thing on purpose. Let’s be obedient in at least the smallest of tasks. Lets get to church.
For another look at this topic, go to my Sassy Sexy Saved, You Tube channel