Do I REALLY have to go to church?

AlmosThere

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I need some advice and would appreciate your feedback. Due to my physical condition it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to leave my home. I am presently handicapped due to several health problems, can barely get around without a walker and when I do have to go out (which is quite rare) I need assistance and it's a major undertaking. It leaves me exhausted and in a lot of pain.

I read my bible and pray daily. I am aware that the bible encourages believers to gather together for fellowship and spiritual growth, edification etc. but for me at this time it's just not doable. Does God consider this a sin and requires believers to attend church or does He understand and forgive me.

Also, does anyone know any links to some good online services I could watch so I won't feel so isolated. Thanks in advance and God Bless
 

Tolworth John

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This is were belonging to a church scores. You would be known by the minister and have friends among the congregation who would cost you for fellowship, Bible studies, prayer etc.

May I suggest you contact your nearest evangelical church for there assistance, I suggest using the christianityexplored web site.
It will also provide plenty of links to churches you can try out there on line services.
 
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A_Thinker

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I need some advice and would appreciate your feedback. Due to my physical condition it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to leave my home. I am presently handicapped due to several health problems, can barely get around without a walker and when I do have to go out (which is quite rare) I need assistance and it's a major undertaking. It leaves me exhausted and in a lot of pain.

I read my bible and pray daily. I am aware that the bible encourages believers to gather together for fellowship and spiritual growth, edification etc. but for me at this time it's just not doable. Does God consider this a sin and requires believers to attend church or does He understand and forgive me.

Also, does anyone know any links to some good online services I could watch so I won't feel so isolated. Thanks in advance and God Bless
God desires that we have regular association with our fellow saints ... even as you are doing by using this website.

I believe that this pandemic has taught us ... that we need not physically gather, so long as we find another way to associate.

We have been blessed with the ability to associate with christians from around the world ... all without leaving the sanctity of our own homes.

There are a multitude of online services available now. I will leave links to some that I have enjoyed ...


 
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GreekOrthodox

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I would not consider it sinful that you are unable to attend a physical service without difficulty. Depending on your situation, and as suggested, you might see if a local pastor can make an occasional home visit or possible host a small group to come by. Online / TV services can only do so much I know. I will be keeping you in my prayers as well.
 
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dqhall

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I need some advice and would appreciate your feedback. Due to my physical condition it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to leave my home. I am presently handicapped due to several health problems, can barely get around without a walker and when I do have to go out (which is quite rare) I need assistance and it's a major undertaking. It leaves me exhausted and in a lot of pain.

I read my bible and pray daily. I am aware that the bible encourages believers to gather together for fellowship and spiritual growth, edification etc. but for me at this time it's just not doable. Does God consider this a sin and requires believers to attend church or does He understand and forgive me.

Also, does anyone know any links to some good online services I could watch so I won't feel so isolated. Thanks in advance and God Bless
Numerous churches broadcast their Sunday services online live, or recorded them and put links to church service videos on their websites. Local churches may be found via Google. Some Christian fellowships have Facebook groups.

In some churches people formed friendships and met with each other outside of church. In some churches people did not talk to each other after church.

Paul was not able to visit people in person as often as they would have liked, but he did send letters. Christians have written sermons and books. God may be able to guide people to these writings on the Internet. Whether a message is heard or read, is there a chance for salvation? A pastor may give more attention to one donating more and less attention to one donating less.
 
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public hermit

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I need some advice and would appreciate your feedback. Due to my physical condition it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to leave my home. I am presently handicapped due to several health problems, can barely get around without a walker and when I do have to go out (which is quite rare) I need assistance and it's a major undertaking. It leaves me exhausted and in a lot of pain.

I read my bible and pray daily. I am aware that the bible encourages believers to gather together for fellowship and spiritual growth, edification etc. but for me at this time it's just not doable. Does God consider this a sin and requires believers to attend church or does He understand and forgive me.

Also, does anyone know any links to some good online services I could watch so I won't feel so isolated. Thanks in advance and God Bless

I seriously doubt God has anything for you but love and understanding. I'm sorry for your troubles and that this has been on your mind. I get it, though. All you can do is the best you can given the circumstances, and trust God's love for you. God is gracious.

Sidenote: You have the best avatar! :)
 
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Albion

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Given that it's a physical condition that makes regular involvement with a local church nearly impossible, the answer is "no."

However, Tolworth John was correct in his reply in thinking that to be only an unattached (and unknown) believer is neither good nor beneficial. Do consider being a member of the church of your choice, even if conditions make regular attendance at worship unlikely.

Also, if you are looking for a televised or online church, I'd recommend not making it be one of those that telecasts only the sermon. If you can find one that is to your liking doctrinally that also presents something closer to the whole worship service, that would be a better choice.
 
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EmmaCat

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Yes, I agree with online services.

The introduction of technology into the world of religious services is, indeed, a real blessing. I hope you find a good online church service!

All good things
Emmy
 
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mama2one

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. Does God consider this a sin and requires believers to attend church or does He understand and forgive me.

my mom was also having difficulty attending in person

she told me her priest said she didn't have to attend
 
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Sketcher

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If there's a good church in your area on Facebook, they might stream their services either there or on another platform. I'm recommending your area for a couple of reasons:

1) Sermons are going to be biased to the congregation, so a good sermon by a preacher in your area of Canada may minister to you a bit more effectively than a preacher in certain parts of the US. Although we as a body can certainly benefit from our brothers and sisters in different countries (I've benefited from Henry Blackaby, for instance).
2) Conditions might change and someone might be able to give you a ride to either the church service or a small group or a serving opportunity that you can help at. The closer the church you connect with, the more of a possibility this becomes.
 
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Jeffwhosoever

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An in person church is preferable to have live human-to-human contact, but there are times when you simply cannot attend in person, and it sounds like you may be in such a circumstance.
The next best thing is to be a part of a church through an online ministry, one where the online part is a vital part of the church. With the rise of the internet and technology like Zoom, you can even attend a virtual Sunday school class or be a part of a worship service, but many bigger churches broadcast on TV networks and others have a web portal on their church web site.
 
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