Yep . And then , you have the people quoting the Law of not forsaking the assembling together of christians when they themselves violate their vey command for obtaining righteousness . By only meeting with their own club , they forsake the meetings of other christians - sometimes those closer than the their own club . They say that you can;'t be an island when they are on their own islands deliberately seperating themselves from others and not meeting with them .
And , if you happen to attempt to meet with one club one time and another another time to meet with a variety of fellow christians , they call you a "church hopper" because it is a sin to meet with as many christians as you can .
Scriptures provides an excellent example of the body of Christ fellowshipping together as one unit. It shows that those who were in a certain region worshipped together. We see that in Corinth, Thessaloniaca, Philippi, Athens, etc. 1 and 2 Corinthians gives us a glimpse of a group of people who were having many difficulties in their worship. Apostle Paul addressed many of the issues, one of which was division
1 Corinthians 1:10-16 (only quoting 2 verses)
I appeal to you brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no division among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there has been quarreling among you, my brothers...
These verses are showing that this is a body that is worshiping (or dividing). They must be the same people.
Look at the way Paul is addressing other congregations. Praising many churches then have to correct others, why would he waste his time correcting other churches if they are not having the same consistent people worshiping together?
The church function in such a way that you need a tight knit group of Christians for it to work. Paul asked Timothy to go back to his congregation and appoint Elders and Deacons, those guys had to meet certain qualifications before they were appointed. Again, you would need to know the characters of these men to appoint them, it takes time to get to know someone. We are to teach each other, that takes time. There are so many more things that Christ ask us to do that we need to spend time together to get that accomplished.
And for people saying that one is a "church hopper" I don't hear that being said, but I don't understand how one can be effective in the Lord's church, if they go from church to church but not contributing to the work that is going on with the church at the congregation. Yes, we can go visit each other, but how often do we stay and fellowship with that group and go and help out where they need it, if all we are doing is meeting them one time? Don't get me wrong, scripture also show that the apostles and those who were with them were going from place to place strengthening the church. Macedonia sent gifts to other churches who were in need. Yes, we should go out and visit with each other, but we do have a responsibility to a "home" congregation.
