IS IT OBLIGATORY FOR CHRISTIANS TO BE GOING TO CHURCH?

I'm just wondering if you think that it is obligatory for Christians to be going to a church, and if so, why? I'm not currently attending a church.

Howdy old man born again and welcome to the forum.

You may get a lot of derisive answers from both sides of this question. Please understand that over the years this particular topic has been bruited about many, many times. Lots of people have done got really entrenched in what they believe, both pro and anti church.

In one way that is a catch 22 … can we go to the church… if we are the church.

But ....I know what you mean…and no it’s not. … although it’s highly recommended to fellowship with like minded believers.

In the book of Acts fellowships were in the homes as opposed to the temple. That is the format I have followed since I got in the Word.

The main reason I'm not part of a "church" is because I believe denominations are very unscriptural. Jesus prayed in John 17 that we believers would be one. Not as in ecumenical, but in Christ and in truth. And then there's what's called "non-denominational" (but are they? hmmm...) but are they in the truth?

It is a hard place to be in though because we are not to forsake assembling ourselves, but gather "so much the more" as we "see the day approaching". (Heb. 10) And fellowship with other believers encourages us in our walk with the Lord. I think the lack of Biblical churches has much to do with living in the last days.

Matthew 16
15“But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

18...and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
20Then He admonished the disciples not to tell anyone that He was the Christ.

@Lynx Thank you so much for your reply, Sir.

A big THANK YOU to everyone, my brothers and sisters, for your replies here. Yes, my wife (Jeanette) and I have belonged to church groups in the past, but the main problem we encountered was the high level of "politics" involved in these churches (Anglican, Uniting Church, and Baptist), which tended to turn quite a few people away, including us! If you know what I mean! So i thought that was very sad.

Yes, I believe the Bible basically requires believers to go to "church" which is essentially gathering with a group of believers on a regular basis. Once a week may be too little, as we need to be "involved" in church life with other believers. The Bible provides guidance on who qualifies to be overseers, deacons, or otherwise church leaders. The presumption here is that believers are gathering on a regular basis and being involved.

It is beneficial to go to a church, if possible. Currently, I attend 2 live online services ,one in Chicago and one 5 minutes away from me. I feel the difference of not having that in person fellowship as well as worship time with fellow believers and I will be going back when this morning chill is over. I, personally, feel more purposeful when I make it a point to get up and go to church.
However, I know some can't get to a church or have other reasons so no condemnation here to anyone🙏😍

If you can find one where people are walking in the truth that's better than not attending at all. However, I tend to agree with others who feel that virtually all assemblies today are factions and aren't walking in the truth.

Instead of looking for a group that already exists, you might try the organic church model; this is way more in line with New Testament teaching and practice. You can look it up on Google. A lot of organic church groups aren't ideal either; but it has a lot more potential than any of the rigid factions do. It frees you up to focus on what's important, not politics or "what brand of big screen should we get for out shiny new building."

Yes we are in the end times, the church where I live is empty, no one in my entourage believes in the lord and they have lost faith. I am isolated and alone in the daytime except at night in my prayers to our Holy father and his beloved Son Yeshua who I love deeply, then I am at church. I have hope that one day as in JOHN 17 we will be ONE.

Blessings,

Amen! I'll pray for you that the Father will bless you with strength for the journey. Remember you're never alone even in the daytime with the Lord by your side.

I have noticed the internet has more than its share of "no church is good enough for me so I don't go to any of them" representatives.

I commented on this imbalance in chat, and a lady in chat said she has a theory that "the people most active on Christian internet forums are those who couldn't get along well enough with others to do any of their socializing in a real life church."

I made the observation that I am very active online and I seem to be a fairly nice guy. She basically said I don't count because "You're an exception to a lot of rules. You wreck theories for a hobby."

Hmph!

yes! by all means, if you can, yes, go. Hebrews 10:25, "not forsaking the assembling of yourselves, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another and so much the more as you see the day approaching".

"You're an exception to a lot of rules. You wreck theories for a hobby."

Have to figure out if this is a compliment or an insult, lol.

Yeah I seem to have that problem a lot...

Remember the "Have A Heart" thread? The one where I started with a song quote about a heart like a truck... It's in Singles Forum.

https://christianchat.com/christian-singles-forum/have-a-heart.210244/

I showed that to a kid at work and he said, "Isaac you're dangerous!" I'm still wondering if that's a compliment or an insult.

You’re also a Linux user.

No.

Hmm, yes... A cogent point.

"Obligatory", no.
As iron sharpens iron I believe it's a good thing to fellowship with other brothers and sisters in Christ not just to enjoy each other's company but also to listen to those who are more mature than us spiritually.
Many times I increase my spiritual knowledge or understanding from reading books written by mature spiritual writers.