Melody
Well-Known Member
Many Christians believe we are required to attend church and use the following verse as proof that this is biblically sound:
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
However, Hebrews 3:13 shows that we are to "exhort" our fellow believers DAILY. How can we do that if we assemble once a week? Perhaps Hebrews 10:25 has more to do with surrounding ourselves with fellow believers so that we can help and encourage each other in our spiritual growth. Consider....how do we "exhort" one another when we go to church and listen to a sermon from someone standing on a platform?
While I would not argue that christian fellowship is necessary, I do not believe it was meant to be in brick and mortar buildings with hundreds or thousands of members who have little chance to have more than a passing acquaintance, if that, with their fellow members. First, God has no need of a "building".
However, the Most High does not live in houses made by men. As the prophet says:
Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord. Or where will my resting place be?
Has not my hand made all these things?
Acts 7:48-50
Second, we won't get special blessings or grace just because we have the largest church membership around. I sometimes feel that these huge churches feel that they are somehow higher in God's esteem because "look at all the people He's bringing to our church." And yet.....
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Matthew 18:20
Finally, did you know that the Greek word for preaching is dialegomai which means "dialogue". Do we have a dialogue in church? No...the pastor gets up and gives a monologue with no chance for the congregation to discuss what is being said. For good reason, chaos would ensue should hundreds or thousands of attendees try to hold a conversation. Conversations are best held with a handful of people.
If you get something out of church worship, then by all means you should attend....but that's a far cry from telling someone they are not obeying scripture when they choose not to worship one day a week in a building that happens to bear the name of a religious denomination or saint.
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
However, Hebrews 3:13 shows that we are to "exhort" our fellow believers DAILY. How can we do that if we assemble once a week? Perhaps Hebrews 10:25 has more to do with surrounding ourselves with fellow believers so that we can help and encourage each other in our spiritual growth. Consider....how do we "exhort" one another when we go to church and listen to a sermon from someone standing on a platform?
While I would not argue that christian fellowship is necessary, I do not believe it was meant to be in brick and mortar buildings with hundreds or thousands of members who have little chance to have more than a passing acquaintance, if that, with their fellow members. First, God has no need of a "building".
However, the Most High does not live in houses made by men. As the prophet says:
Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord. Or where will my resting place be?
Has not my hand made all these things?
Acts 7:48-50
Second, we won't get special blessings or grace just because we have the largest church membership around. I sometimes feel that these huge churches feel that they are somehow higher in God's esteem because "look at all the people He's bringing to our church." And yet.....
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Matthew 18:20
Finally, did you know that the Greek word for preaching is dialegomai which means "dialogue". Do we have a dialogue in church? No...the pastor gets up and gives a monologue with no chance for the congregation to discuss what is being said. For good reason, chaos would ensue should hundreds or thousands of attendees try to hold a conversation. Conversations are best held with a handful of people.
If you get something out of church worship, then by all means you should attend....but that's a far cry from telling someone they are not obeying scripture when they choose not to worship one day a week in a building that happens to bear the name of a religious denomination or saint.
