Should I attend church regularly?

Friend-of-Jesus

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I have been mulling this issue over with my turtle mind and would like to add something more than the posts I made with my hare brain.

What are the real reasons I dislike church? Spiritual life, being a disciple of Lord Jesus Christ, is all about the supernatural. The Bible is full of supernatural events. Being able to have a personal relationship with God, through prayer, and being led by the Holy Spirit are amazing supernatural gifts. When I go to church I find that the supernatural aspects take second place to legalism and man-made dogma. That always looks like lack of faith to me. When we get saved and filled with the Holy Spirit we are so on fire. There is very little doubt in our minds that a supernatural event has taken place. Somehow, sitting in a pew listening to lectures week after week that Holy Spirit fire seems to die down in people? The rules, the dogma, the politics kill the childlike wonder for me. Jesus gave His gift to everybody. The alcoholic hobo can pray and connect with Jesus Christ all day long, for free. That is the gift of Lord Jesus Christ. He doesn't cut me off because I can't afford to give 10% of my income to the church. The church doesn't own Jesus Christ. The priest doesn't have ownership of the Holy Spirit and dole it out. So some will say I lack faith and am not a real Christian because I don't go to church but maybe my faith is simply more based on believing in the supernatural aspect. Without the supernatural we have no basis for faith other than Jesus was a good teacher and was killed for it.

If church increases your faith and enjoyment of it and you have a spiritual mentor through the church that is wonderful, go to church! If church slowly erodes the well of Eternal Life Water, the Holy Spirit in you then...I don't know why you want to do that. I loved church when I was a kid. As an adult I tend to prefer empty churches, empty of people that is...at least people that speak. Silent people are fine, haha. Churches tend to be locked during the day now, that is a sad thing.
I guess my point is: believe in the supernatural aspects of religion, that is how it moves beyond religion to spiritual life.

What exactly would you consider supernatural? Some people would interpret every event of life as the result of God working in their lives. Others look for specific gifts like tongues, healing, prophecy etc and to them that's the extent of the supernatural. Is it smth happening in the physical world, or more in the inner world of souls of people? What is it for you?
 
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Sarah G

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What exactly would you consider supernatural? Some people would interpret every event of life as the result of God working in their lives. Others look for specific gifts like tongues, healing, prophecy etc and to them that's the extent of the supernatural. Is it smth happening in the physical world, or more in the inner world of souls of people? What is it for you?
All of the miracles in the Bible both OT and NT including but not limited to creation, virgin birth, resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Everything that happens that surpasses the material, physical laws. That is my hare brain answer. The question is very good and challenging so I am going to have to let my turtle mind work on it and see what I can figure out. I am thinking along the lines of material laws and spiritual laws and it being impossible to fathom out spiritual laws with our limited material senses. Thanks for pushing me a little to think more deeply about what I am saying.
 
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Waggles

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The solution to your dilemma is to be in the right church.
I have disappointments and frustrations with my church because we are not yet perfect, still well intentioned human beings.

But my church, The Revival Fellowship, does preach sound doctrine on how to get saved Acts 2:38
and how to stay saved.
The rest is up to me.
 
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dqhall

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Should I attend church regularly? Why or why not?

Should I attend every Saturday or Sunday? Why or why not?

Are there any disadvantages of NOT going to church? If yes, what are they?

What are the advantages of attending church regularly and becoming a member?

What are the disadvantages of attending church?

Are there any disadvantages of becoming a member of a church?

If yes, what are the disadvantages of becoming a member of a church?
I am not currently attending a bricks and mortar church on a regular basis. I can think of reasons I did in the past. These were for fellowship and to hear the pastor's teachings.

Some reasons why I do not attend a bricks and mortar church on a regular basis are: time commitment, dry cleaning bills, unfriendly congregations, thirty miles distance to a church I liked, vain repetition of church rituals, lack of support for the poor, disagreements over scriptural interpretations or lack of good teachings, tithing, offerings etc. No matter how much I gave there was a need for me to give more. If I put in $40 or $50 I thought I was a suspect for not tithing when the subject of the sermon turned to the problems with people who do not tithe.

If you donate $5 to ChristianForums.com, you might be doing a good work.

These days I get some Christian fellowship and teachings from online sources.
 
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devin553344

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Should I attend church regularly? Why or why not?

Should I attend every Saturday or Sunday? Why or why not?

Are there any disadvantages of NOT going to church? If yes, what are they?

What are the advantages of attending church regularly and becoming a member?

What are the disadvantages of attending church?

Are there any disadvantages of becoming a member of a church?

If yes, what are the disadvantages of becoming a member of a church?

Yes, I would attend Catholic church, and if not then definitely a traditional Christian church. The views of this forum "may" support some sin in my opinion. And it is wise to surround yourself with traditional Christian values. especially in this modern day when people are supporting evil as good. I would definitely not attend this forum only. It doesn't appear wise.
 
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OrthodoxLady1994

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I'm aware that many here will disagree with me, but it's very difficult to be a "lone Christian". It's difficult to keep reading the Bible, keep praying, worshipping, and if you do so, fasting, without a church community behind you. Also, how do you expect to receive the sacraments if you never go to where they are offered? The Apostles set up communities for a reason. It was important enough to do in a time of persecution when being a Christian could get you killed. Think about that for a second.
 
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Brother Daniel 210

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People of the same faith should meet together....at a location of their own choosing.

The Bible seems to state this clearly.

What is your view on my interpretation of Hebrews 10:25?
I think your right about meeting especially when it comes to Hebrews 10-25 also because of acts 20:7 and 1 Corinthians 16:2 in both verses they would meet upon the first day of the week
 
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OrthodoxLady1994

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Jesus told the apostles to protect his sheep, His flock, ie us.

Also, Hierarchy in the Church is not an "I'm more important or more Holy than you" situation. Actually, the priesthood is a position of responsibility, the priest, much like a pastor is responsible for keeping the flock he's been charged with on the straight and narrow, to protect them, and keep the community strong. You do recall Pentecost don't know? When the apostles preached and were heard in many different languages and multitudes became Christians at once. The only way a normal, mortal person could accomplish what they did is if they were given the ability and the charge to do so by Christ Himself, and they didn't stop at just converting people, they set up entire communities and then advised and at times corrected them.

Jesus also said "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood you have no life in you. He that eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me and I in Him." - Gospel According to St. John Chapter 6.

"This *Is* my body" "This *Is* My Blood"
 
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Jennifer Rothnie

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Jesus told the apostles to protect his sheep, His flock, ie us.

Also, Hierarchy in the Church is not an "I'm more important or more Holy than you" situation. Actually, the priesthood is a position of responsibility, the priest, much like a pastor is responsible for keeping the flock he's been charged with on the straight and narrow, to protect them, and keep the community strong. You do recall Pentecost don't know? When the apostles preached and were heard in many different languages and multitudes became Christians at once. The only way a normal, mortal person could accomplish what they did is if they were given the ability and the charge to do so by Christ Himself, and they didn't stop at just converting people, they set up entire communities and then advised and at times corrected them.

Jesus also said "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood you have no life in you. He that eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me and I in Him." - Gospel According to St. John Chapter 6.

"This *Is* my body" "This *Is* My Blood"

Every believer is a priest, under Christ the high priest. 1 Pet 2:9, Heb 7:11-28, Heb 6:20, etc.

There are various gifts in the church (teaching, preaching, hospitality, knowledge, service, giving, etc.) But we are all ministers of the new covenant. 11Cor 3:6.
 
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OrthodoxLady1994

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Every believer is a priest, under Christ the high priest. 1 Pet 2:9, Heb 7:11-28, Heb 6:20, etc.

There are various gifts in the church (teaching, preaching, knowledge, etc.) But we are all ministers of the new covenant. 11Cor 3:6.

"My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body" James 3:1-3
 
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All4Christ

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I think that falsely minimizes Protestantism, which is not all TV evangelist and a sappy song. We should not apply such stereotypes even if they are absolutely true in some of their meetings. It's not true far more often than it is true.
And it minimizes Orthodox Christianity when only saying mass counts.
 
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All4Christ

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Jesus told the apostles to protect his sheep, His flock, ie us.

Also, Hierarchy in the Church is not an "I'm more important or more Holy than you" situation. Actually, the priesthood is a position of responsibility, the priest, much like a pastor is responsible for keeping the flock he's been charged with on the straight and narrow, to protect them, and keep the community strong. You do recall Pentecost don't know? When the apostles preached and were heard in many different languages and multitudes became Christians at once. The only way a normal, mortal person could accomplish what they did is if they were given the ability and the charge to do so by Christ Himself, and they didn't stop at just converting people, they set up entire communities and then advised and at times corrected them.

Jesus also said "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood you have no life in you. He that eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me and I in Him." - Gospel According to St. John Chapter 6.

"This *Is* my body" "This *Is* My Blood"
Plus we have the example of the Church councils, the Deacon / presbyter / bishop structure, directions of discipline for the Church, guidelines for assembly of the believers, the Didache, etc.
 
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All4Christ

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Scripture for formal gathering / structure of the Assembly (Ekklesia):

Hebrews 10:25
Colossians 3:15-16
Colossians 4:16 (reading the epistle to the local body of believers)
1 Corinthians 14
Acts of the Apostles 2:42-47
Matthew 16:18
1 Timothy 3:1-13
Acts of the Apostles 15:6-29

I could continue...

Add the historical record, and you can see that there is an apostolic pattern of gathering with an "episkopos". You can easily see the position of deacon, and the presbyters. You see teachings of how to conduct ourselves during church meetings. There is a council to determine what the Church believes. There is an overwhelming amount of evidence that the "do not forsake gathering together" was referring to gatherings of the local Body of Christ in a formal setting.
 
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All4Christ

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The example of church council is..all formed under the nicolatain doctrine..
Which Jesus said he HATES.
Do you believe the apostles were wrong to hold the Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15?
 
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Conker

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In my honest opinion I believe we should not go to any institutionalized church, but to gather with your family and read the bible, talk about things you've read, and different experiences. I find that much better than to go to a institutionalized church, because you are able to congregate and express and learn more in a smaller setting.

Here's a link that shows what the biblical definition of a church is:
6 Ways the Bible Tells Us What Church Should Look Like - Stephen Altrogge
 
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Sarah G

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Following this thread I am definitely swayed to the scriptural arguments for the necessity to attend church. I can only pray that the Holy Spirit guide me to a church that is conducive to my spiritual growth.
The fault or difficulty is no doubt in large part due to a rebellious nature on my part. Maybe a steady church life would prevent the zig-zagging I have always experienced in my spiritual life. It is difficult to be both the disciple and the discipliner.
 
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All4Christ

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1st-Hierachy..the forming firstly of a so called spiritual elite over a laity.
2nd- a merging of pagan practices into Christianity by said elite class having positioned themselves (usurped) a measure of dominance over the laity.
I recommend checking out the definition of Nicolaism a bit more. I double checked my understanding last night and this morning to see where you are coming from. While searching online, I found only one definition that is remotely similar to what you are stating. What I have read in the past - and the consensus everywhere I research - does not match your definition. Perhaps a site like Topical Bible: Nicolaitans would help. Please - Check out your research some more.
Nicolaitans

(followers of Nicolas), a sect mentioned in (Revelation 2:6,15) whose deeds were strongly condemned. They may have been identical with those who held the doctrine of Balaam. They seem to have held that it was lawful to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication, in opposition to the decree of the Church rendered in (Acts 15:20,29) The teachers of the Church branded them with a name which expressed their true character. The men who did and taught such things were followers of Balaam. (2 Peter 2:15; Jude 1:11) They, like the false prophet of Pethor, united brave words with evil deeds. In a time of persecution, when the eating or not eating of things sacrificed to idols was more than ever a crucial test of faithfulness, they persuaded men more than ever that was a thing indifferent. (Revelation 2:13,14) This was bad enough, but there was a yet worse evil. Mingling themselves in the orgies of idolatrous feasts, they brought the impurities of those feasts into the meetings of the Christian Church. And all this was done, it must be remembered not simply as an indulgence of appetite: but as a part of a system, supported by a "doctrine," accompanied by the boast of a prophetic illumination, (2 Peter 2:1) It confirms the view which has been taken of their character to find that stress is laid in the first instance on the "deeds" of the Nicolaitans. To hate those deeds is a sign of life in a Church that otherwise is weak and faithless. (Revelation 2:6) To tolerate them is well nigh to forfeit the glory of having been faithful under persecution.
(Revelation 2:14,15)

ETA: The Nicolaitans actually were known to disobey the ruling of the Jerusalem Council.
 
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