The church began on the Day of Pentecost in Jerusalem (Acts 2). The preceding Bible verses about going to church show us a number of reasons why a healthy church is so important in our world today. Is it all right for one spouse to attend one church while the other spouse attends another church? Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. The Bible doesn’t say anything directly about this; the problem didn’t arise because Christians were few in number in those days, and they knew they needed to draw strength from each other. Is missing church okay? We may have difficulty trusting others, or we may feel lazy and selfish, or it may be hard for us to be a part of a community thanks to a disability or similar circumstance. I addressed that question here.Instead, this post focuses on what the early Christians did when the church met. If you are in a church that looks like the world, acts like the world, does not have sound doctrine, supports homosexuality and even has homosexuals working in the ministry, supports abortion, the prosperity gospel, etc. Is it OK to wear shorts to church? Hebrews 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 13:13, says that we also in like manner must go outside the normal camp. This is also what Paul meant for us today because many of my biblical scholar friends may say that going to church was a Levitical priesthood order. We had a former member who went to the nursing home so I started a Bible study there and found myself going back time and again to other residents and shared the gospel. What does the Bible teach about making kids go to church with their parents? Christian Truth. The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines a fellowship as a "community of interest, activity, feeling, or experience" and "a company of equals or friends." It’s not that giving to your local church isn’t important—it is, leaders told the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE). If it’s at all possible, however, I certainly urge couples to attend the same church. It is translated from the Greek term ekklesia which is formed from two Greek words meaning "an assembly" and "to call out" or "the called out ones." The Bible says nothing about married couples attending different churches because the Bible only acknowledges one church. A lot of people try and weave modern church membership practices and requirements into biblical passages. Jesus tells Peter that he received this revelation from God. Imagine a parent, for example, writing seven different letters to seven different children. Does the Bible have a dress code? today I attempt to answer the question, "What does the Bible say about church meetings? Mention the church to a group of Christians and you are likely to get a mixed response. The Bible doesn’t say anything directly about this; the problem didn’t arise because Christians were few in number in those days, and they knew they needed to draw strength from each other. In the New Testament the only way a husband and wife could go to two different churches would … Matthew 6:5 - And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites [are]: for they love to pray … This is very sad. Differences of opinion about what church to attend become more intense when the debate centers not just on varying worship styles but also on differences in deeply held doctrines and worldviews—even if those differences never had seemed all that serious before. - Sort By Book Order. We will also see, according to the Bible, that the Lord’s one true church does not include any of the more than 600 different kinds of false denominational churches, and that the multiplied millions of people in these counterfeit churches are all going to be eternally lost in Hell, if they stay in them. I spoke to him about what you wrote, and he confessed to me that he had been reading the Bible and praying. John 8:24 I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless … 2. The early church did not have such "church-hopping," primarily because each town generally had only one church to begin with. We need the individuals of the church and the institution of the church. "First, two things: This post isn't about when the church met. The fragmenting of the church into denominations did not occur until long after the Bible was completed. After raising our children in church, at the age of 14 & 16 now, they do not want to go! Conversations with our spiritual brothers and sister is beneficial to us. What does it mean that the church is the body of Christ? What does the Bible say about politics? What does He say should be our concept of the church, and does denominationalism fit that concept? Jim Denison, co-founder of … Ephesians 3:10,11 says the church is part of God's eternalwisdom. “As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and … By being there He showed not only His compassion for those who were grieving, but also His power over death. In going to the Word of God to find out what He says about church, I am beginning to see clearly what church is and what it is not. Is it wrong to attend multiple churches? 2. What your church did is called "church discipline." The Book of Revelation addresses seven letters to seven churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) (Revelation 2-3). What does the Bible say about fellowshipping with others? Chris Elkins: Hi, I’m Chris Elkins with Denison Forum, and I’m with Dr. Jim Denison today, and we want to talk about a fairly tough subject.Jim, I want to bring up the subject: What does the Bible say about death? A. Bible Meanings of the Word "Church" The word "church" is used two ways in the Bible: The church in the "universal" sense UCG.org. Does the Bible say you have to go to church? 6. Scripture clearly communicates that those who are in fact a part of the Body of Christ are to dwell together in unity. The problem is, the “Jesus” he believes in is not the Jesus of the Bible. 2. 4. (Some date it to the eleventh century, when the Eastern Orthodox church excommunicated the church of Rome, commonly called the Roman Catholic Church.) With so many churches going dark today, I understand why people aren’t taking their Bibles to church. For those who can’t go to a church, we go to them (at least I do). You may object, “No, the difference is that I believe in Jesus Christ, but he doesn’t.” But every Jehovah’s Witness I’ve talked to claims to believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. How-ever this is … The early church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). Peter responds by declaring, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (v. 16). In this passage, Jesus brings His disciples outside Jerusalem and asks them who they think He is (v. 15). The Christian community in a close proximity would gather together in a more communal way than we do today. First of all I would like to thank you for helping me many months ago with a problem I had concerning my boyfriend. The first mention of the word church in the entire Bible is in Matthew 16. Think about this: What is the difference between a Jehovah’s Witness, who is trying to work his way into heaven but is actually on his way to hell, and you, a believer in Jesus Christ, bound for heaven? Today, many cities have several churches. It is obvious that the not, because as good as all further Producers permanent bad rated be. What was God's purpose in establishing the church? Though a person may serve as a member in one church, he or she may attend two or more churches. Does the Bible Say We Must Go to Church? However, the Church does not mandate a “tithe” as such of any percentage of income or other resource. (Some date it to the eleventh century, when the Eastern Orthodox church excommunicated the church of Rome, commonly called the Roman Catholic Church.) So in that sense it is true to say that you don’t have to be a church goer to be a Christian. We need to be the church, and yes, we also need to go to church. Church-hopping occurs for different reasons. Continuing the train of thought I began with "What Does GOD Want from Me?" I asked if I should stay with him because he was not a Christian at the time. What about hats and veils? What does the Bible say about married couples attending the same church as each other? There is only one church founded by the Lord ( Ephesians 4:4-6 ). 1 Peter 5:1–3, "Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory t… This man never got to go to church, and yet he is a Christian because he trusts in Jesus. THe bible makes it clear that worshipping with two or more people is basically the same as worshipping in a large congregation. What is proper to wear to church? Church Definition in the New Testament . 5. In any case, either people did not attend more than one gathering, or the issue did … Studies show that people who are unattached to a conventional church are more stressed, less concerned about the moral condition of the nation, less likely to believe they're making a difference in the world, less optimistic about the future, and less educated about the Bible. Biblically, there is nothing that states involvement in multiple churches as being a sinful or negative thing. Is it okay to attend two (or more) different churches? Involvement in a local body of believers is imperative for mutual exhortation (Hebrews 10:24-25), spiritual growth (James … The Bible does not say that there are those who are chosen and that there are those who are not. What does He say should beour concept of the church, and does denominationalism fit thatconcept? In the verse above, Paul addresses his letter “to the church of God,” and in apposition, “to those who have been sanctified in … Some might say that, while they do love Jesus, they don’t love the church. But we must not do that. Let’s look at 1 Corinthians 1:2: “To the church of God which is in Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, the called saints.”. Seven churches in seven cities of Asia Minor were each given a special letter from Christ, and each letter addressed issues going on in that particular church. Hebrews 10:24-25 - And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: (Read More...) Psalms 150:1 - 127:6 - Praise ye the LORD. Frequently spouses discover a desire to return to the traditions in which they were raised. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Others might respond, “Of course we love the church.” Established Christians tend to leave a church because they've relocated or because they don't approve of a change in the teaching or direction of the church. Does the Bible say anything about going to funerals? Thousands of Bible-believing Christians believe that the coming of the Lord for His church is imminent; that is, it could happen any day, any moment. The Bible says nothing about married couples attending different churches because the Bible only acknowledges one church. Though a person may serve as a member in one church, he or she may attend two or more churches. Some of those passages are as follows: 1. Let's explore several passages and consider numerous biblical reasons for going to church. If it’s at all possible, however, I certainly urge couples to attend the same church. You treat the church as if it is a denomination, which it is not. These are clear reasons to leave that church. Nothing says that only people who worship in a building that has the name "church of Christ" over the door will go to heaven. We will also see, according to the Bible, that the Lord’s one true church does not include any of the more than 600 different kinds of false denominational churches, and that the multiplied millions of people in these counterfeit churches are all going to be eternally lost in Hell, if they stay in them. This shows that the church is important to God, so we should respect His will regarding it. The word "church" is mentioned more than 100 times in the New Testament. The early believers were essentially in-house churches, where immediate family, extended family and friends were already living in deep, meaningful community together. Let's explore several passages and consider numerous biblical reasons for going to church. First Corinthians 1:2 and Galatians 1:2 also reveal more than one local church existed in these towns. As a verb, to fellowship simply means to spend time with that community or company. A: Two of Jesus’ greatest miracles actually took place at funerals, and He was present at both of them. The Bible says, “Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship. For someone who can’t go to worship, they must have alternatives. Bible verses related to Going To Church from the King James Version (KJV) by Relevance. . 1. The Bible tells us to meet together as believers and to encourage one another. The New Testament knows nothing of unchurched Christianity. I recently wrote about this sad trend: Are Today’s Churches Discouraging Reading the Bible What is the importance of church membership? We need the church as organism and organization. The Bible tells us to meet together as believers and to encourage one another. The fragmenting of the church into denominations did not occur until long after the Bible was completed. You know, I’ve always been told all my life there are two sure things: taxes and death. But the church of the Bible recognized only one head-Christ. Should women wear pants to church? However, the Bible is clear that the early believers were very committed to one another. In Difference to other Products cuts what does the bible say about CBD extremely good off Taking into account different independent Experience, can undoubtedly find, that the Means effective is. The Jehovah’s Witness “Jesus” i… If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. 1. Ephesians 4:14-16. “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) You can’t “comfort yourselves together” if you aren’t together. Is it wrong to attend two or more churches? This is very sad. Is it wrong to attend two or more churches? Hebrews 13:17, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. By focusing on this you miss the issue completely. The Bible says nothing about married couples attending different churches because the Bible only acknowledges one church. What Does the Bible Say About...Changing Churches? They didn’t have to rent out space and a … Singing in the church is a group effort, in the physical presence of others. God wants us to go to church is because it’s a good habit. Answer: The New Testament does not directly address the subject of attending two or more different churches. The main difference is theological. The fragmenting of the church into denominations did not occur until long after the Bible was completed. 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 ESV / 14 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful. Timeless wisdom on a timely subject DALLAS — With the national election just weeks away. Are there acceptable reasons to miss church. It is instead, a loving act calling a wayward Christian to repentance. 3. Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers (2 Tim. Bible verses about Leaving Church. Each letter would … Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you." In fact as soon as you say you “have to do something” to be a Christian you are in danger of getting the gospel message wrong. In the New Testament the only way a husband and wife could go to two different churches would be if there were two congregations of the one church in one town, and there is no indication that ever happened. . They believe when this event takes place that Christians will be translated, receiving instantly glorious bodies suited for life in heaven. 1 Corinthians 11:18 | View whole chapter | See verse in context For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians begins, “To the church of God in Corinth” (1 Corinthians 1:2), indicating one church, whereas the book of Galatians begins with “to the churches in Galatia” (Galatians 1:2), indicating more than one in the area. The strongest and clearest statement in the Bible about regular church attendance is in Hebrews 10:24-25. . and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. The word denomination does not exist in the Bible and for good reason. How should I treat a gay or lesbian person? What Does the Bible Have to Say about the Church? Contrary to what most churches seem to strive for, the Bible does not instruct us to meet in a building with a steeple, a stage, or a sound system. I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, … So, does that mean God chose everyone to be saved before the foundation of the world and therefore it is man's choice whether he will accept God's saving grace? This is rarely a positive, long-term solution, however; it separates partners rather than engaging them together in a marriage-enriching, spiritual experience. Question: "Why is church attendance / going to church important?" THe bible doesn't mention church. In fact the bible (Hebrews 10:24-25) urges us to attend church. Some husbands and wives decide to “solve” the problem by skipping church … 2:14). by Catherine (Georgia, USA) Rick Brentlinger Answers Thanks for asking such a good question. The bible does not say that. When properly administered in a spiritual manner, church discipline is not punishment. What does the Bible say about church discipline? Should I shun a gay or lesbian person? This shows that the church is important to God, so weshould respect His will regarding it. Notice, in the Epistles (letters that make up the bulk of the New Testament), they begin with a salutation like "To the church at Corinth" or some other area. There is no Christianity without Christ and no Christ without His church. Answer. From there, the Christian movement spread to other cities, including multiple congregations in many cities (see Romans 16). If they deny Jesus is God in the flesh. The Church grows without a building campaign. We have always held the idea that we're just all going until you are grown, on your own, and can make that decision for yourself. Ephesians 1:22-23- "And hath put all things under his feet,and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, {23} Which ishis body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all." Most churches in America are throwing away their Bibles and believing in lies. Copyright 2011-2020 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved. Answer: The Bible tells us we need to attend church so we can worship God with other believers and be taught His Word for our spiritual growth. In fact, in the Bible, there were not many different churches. Some spouses attend completely different churches. Each letter, as proclaimed by Jesus and recorded by John the Apostle, declares the triumphs and failings of the recipient churches and warns each congregation to repent. (Some date it to the eleventh century, when the Eastern Orthodox church excommunicated the church of Rome, commonly called the Roman Catholic Church.) Is it a sin for a woman to wear pants? Acts 2:46-47 states, for example, "And day by day, attending the temple … To other cities, including multiple congregations in many cities ( see Romans 16.! I attempt to answer the question, `` what does it mean that the church we. A parent, for example, writing seven different letters to seven different letters to seven letters. Answers Thanks for asking such a good habit taxes and death tells peter that had. The individuals of the Bible says nothing about married couples attending different churches “ tithe ” as such of percentage. Election just weeks away you are likely to get a mixed response serve as a verb, to simply. 16 ) that states involvement in multiple churches as being a sinful or negative thing focuses on what early... 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