I've heard different views from, "Yes, there is no exception or excuse", to, "No, you are the church". Are there verses in the bible that dictate we must go? If we're Spirit filled and pray on our own, is that considered ok?
I'm not attempting to get out of going to a church. I currently attend one twice a week and two others now and then, but my lifestyle changes and so does my job. Also, sometimes I go through stages where I just don't want to be on a hectic schedule. What say you?
Hi Roman 8, Hello all
Romans 8 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible.
Let's start with that to answer your questions.
Romans 8:15-16 (KJV)
"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear;
but ye have received the Spirit of adoption,
whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit,
that we are the children of God:"
The spirit we had before we received Holy Spirit
was one that caused us to fear.
Fear what? IMO All the hoops we had to jump through
to exceed the righteousness
of the Pharisees.
They being the super righteous such as Paul...
Very few if any Jews were thinking,
compared to the Phrases, that they were very righteous.
Yet most Christians think that by doing the works of, going to church,
reading the bible, having their quiet time, tithing on
The dill, somehow makes them the Church.
Who makes us the church is Jesus.
We do not go to a church, we are the church.
Going to church, hearing preaching... most Christians would say
is practicing their religion.
So if I did not go to Church but went to have dinner
with my widowed mom…
that wouldn't be practicing pure religion?
If I went out for dinner with a friend or two Christ would not be with us?
If we used the church in acts as an example to follow...
They went to the Temple daily
and then broke bread and shared a meal in their houses.
The Catholic and Eastern at lease do a service every day.
Most of the protestants don't.
Fortunately for us He has given us freedom from
those types of work. We do those because we want to
not because we have too.
The Sabbath was made to give us rest from our hectic life of work
or "works," if you like. Reading that commandment…it does not say
anything about going to a service in addition to not going to work.
Let's end this with:
Romans 8:1-2 (KJV)
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus,
who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free
from the law of sin and death."
James 4:17 (KJV)
"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good,
and doeth it not, to him it is sin."
Thank God we are free from the bondage of sin and death
for that one too. None live up to that, even Paul.
God bless
JP