Is going to church really necessary?

[Albion]

Probably. But I have yet to find a church that strictly teaches from God's word, chapter by chapter and verse by verse. As I mentioned there's usually a verse or two followed by a written sermon in there somewhere. One could spend a lifetime in certain churches and never move past the milk if that was the case. I think we could do without all of that and stick to just teaching God's word. Hopefully, Christians are studying on their own but I know many that feel as if they get enough through their churches and that's it.

Again, fellowship is great if you're truly getting fed. I don't have a problem with that.

Well, there is only so much that can be covered in a 20 minute sermon and the hope is that the preacher will bring forth lessons from whatever passage he's focusing on that go beyond what everyone in the congregation already knows.

In the liturgical churches like the RCC and the Anglican churches, there is a format which takes pastor and people through the major events in the Bible on an annual or three-year basis, but if you are looking for a church in which the preaching examines a verse or passage in Scripture each week then moves to the next in sequence, Calvary Chapel says that's what it does, and there are people who are very satisfied with it.

 

[Kenny'sID]

I don't go to a church, and don't feel the least bit guilty.

As far as the scripture that tells us not to forsake the gathering of ourselves together, I do that here or the like.

And I wonder if I could even find a church these days who has beliefs in common with mine, or who teaches the actual bible.

 

[Albion]

I don't go to a church, and don't feel the least bit guilty.

As far as the scripture that tells us not to forsake the gathering of ourselves together, I do that here or the like.

We don't worship here. Or receive the sacraments. Or actually fellowship. Or resolve differences between members.

Yet in the Scriptures that you read and interpret by yourself, all of it is outlined for us as the way Christ's church functions.

 

[disciple Clint]

Why do many Christians feel a need to go to church? I understand some may enjoy going to church, but it seems if someone doesn't want to, they are looked on by others as not real Christians. Is there some kind of a requirement to go to church in order to get to Heaven? Or is it enough to just love God in at home.

Ken

The answer to that question is dependent upon your Theology. For example Catholic Theology requires attendance and since it is a Sacramental based Theology you need to attend in order to receive God's Grace. There are accommodations due to Covid. Other Theologies do not mandate attendance. It is important to remember that "church" is not a building, it is the body of Christ, the Bride of Christ, or in other words the people of Christ and since we are one body we need to fellowship with one another. You are a much stronger Christian when you make yourself available to help your brothers and sisters in Christ and you allow them to help you, this blesses everyone and they will know we are Christians by our love, love is not something that can be isolated to an individual alone by themselves. Look at the Trinity, The Father loves the Son, the Son loves the Father, the love of the Father and Son is absorbed and radiated by the Holy Spirit, mutual love is the example that God sets for us.

 

[Ken-1122]

The answer to that question is dependent upon your Theology. For example Catholic Theology requires attendance and since it is a Sacramental based Theology you need to attend in order to receive God's Grace.

According to Catholic Theology, is participating in sacraments required to get into Heaven?

 

[disciple Clint]

According to Catholic Theology, is participating in sacraments required to get into Heaven?

I would say yes because Baptism and Reconciliation are Sacraments in Catholic Theology but I suppose that if you had not committed any mortal sins you might get by, I am not certain to be truthful, while I have some academic knowledge of Catholic Theology it is not my faith.

 

[Albion]

According to Catholic Theology, is participating in sacraments required to get into Heaven?

They are very important, beneficial, and meant to be a normal part of life as a church member, BUT the answer to your question (required for salvation?) is "No."

 

[Joyous Song]

Why do many Christians feel a need to go to church? I understand some may enjoy going to church, but it seems if someone doesn't want to, they are looked on by others as not real Christians. Is there some kind of a requirement to go to church in order to get to Heaven? Or is it enough to just love God in at home.

Ken

JS: I go because I learn things from my pastor and see and talk to those i love. I also go because the L-rd once answered a question I had in a pray in a unique way using the sermon as His voice. I also met my husband at church.

 

[Alicia Booth]

Why do many Christians feel a need to go to church? I understand some may enjoy going to church, but it seems if someone doesn't want to, they are looked on by others as not real Christians. Is there some kind of a requirement to go to church in order to get to Heaven? Or is it enough to just love God in at home.

Ken

Hi friend. It saddens me to hear that other believers are looking down on those who do not go to a church building. I don’t think that is what Christ calls us to do to one another. That being said, I believe that the benefit of being in a church community is for fellowship. People who will celebrate your wins in life and rally around you when there are trials. I just listened to my pastor this morning talk about the church, the bride of Christ, and how we thrive when we are part of that community. The body of Christ needs one another as this world is often filled with trouble and pain. People need you! I am betting that you have lots of wisdom that you could share to encourage other believers. Being a part of a community allows us to help others in their pain and for others to help us in our pain. If you’d like to listen to the message, you can https://bit.ly/3vlwzMJ. Big hugs!!

 

[disciple Clint]

Why do many Christians feel a need to go to church? I understand some may enjoy going to church, but it seems if someone doesn't want to, they are looked on by others as not real Christians. Is there some kind of a requirement to go to church in order to get to Heaven? Or is it enough to just love God in at home.

Ken

Real Christians do not tell others that they are not Christians. It is not with in our authority to decide who is and who is not a Christian. If there are those who have not had times when their behavior made them look less than Christian we are being honest with ourselves.

 

[Lukaris]

Only the individual can know I guess.

 

[ViaCrucis]

Why do many Christians feel a need to go to church? I understand some may enjoy going to church, but it seems if someone doesn't want to, they are looked on by others as not real Christians. Is there some kind of a requirement to go to church in order to get to Heaven? Or is it enough to just love God in at home.

Ken

Depends on what kind of Christian you're asking.

As a Lutheran the reason we gather together for the Mass is because that's where God promises His Word and Sacraments to be. Christ Himself is in our midst through the preaching of the Gospel and (quite literally) in the bread and wine of His Supper.

Church happens when there is Word and Sacrament. Without Word and Sacrament it's not church, it's just getting together.

Going to church is not a requirement for "getting into heaven". But in the mercy and grace of God given through His Word and Sacraments Heaven comes down and meets us.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[mike_inc]

Why do many Christians feel a need to go to church? I understand some may enjoy going to church, but it seems if someone doesn't want to, they are looked on by others as not real Christians. Is there some kind of a requirement to go to church in order to get to Heaven? Or is it enough to just love God in at home.

Ken

The Bible does give importance on going to church, for example why would God add to the church if He didn't find it important?

Acts 2:47 NKJV praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

The apostles also make mentions of Church gatherings:

I Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

If we base our faith in the Bible, then wouldn't it only be right to follow it's teachings?

 

[sunshineforJesus]

I think going to church is neccesary for fellowship,and for growth in the Lord.

 

[FutureAndAHope]

Why do many Christians feel a need to go to church? I understand some may enjoy going to church, but it seems if someone doesn't want to, they are looked on by others as not real Christians. Is there some kind of a requirement to go to church in order to get to Heaven? Or is it enough to just love God in at home.

Ken

The bible tells Christains not to forsake the assembling of yourselves together as is the habit of some. The reason for this is other Christians keep you accountable to truth and help you see the errors of your way. I have family members who have left church, because it did not fit with them, but they seem to have embraced all sorts of weird ideas since doing so. THey are still Christians, but a wild breed.