Church.....?

Question

I was wondering if anyone would happen to have scripture that would support or not, the belief of attending one church, and becoming a member of one church. I have been in church for awhile and love the Lord dearly. But, I am not sure that I agree with the way so much is put into having to belong to one "church building", doesn't that almost take away from the Body of Christ as a whole? And, begin to put the focus on man instead of God....I think that is way there is so much division in the church today b/c instead of being faithful to the work of God, we are being faithful to the work of men. Allowing the focus to be the number in the pews, instead of the number in Heaven....So, if you know of any scriptures that tell us we have to be a member of one church, and be faithful to that one church please send it to me....Thanks Starr

Answer 1

the main thing is are you being fed the Word of God accurately at the church you attend? taught His word? are you growing spiritually?, do you study/meditate on God's word? to show yourself approved. it's not the building thats important it whats in your heart and your own personal relationship with God. as i have read the bible i have not come across anything specifically that states that you have to belong to one church, but you should pray and ask God to lead you to the church He wants you in and that way you will be in His perfect will. also there must be a problem in the church you attend and the Lord trying to tell you something, cause it's definately not about man but God. the New Testament (start reading). and in all your getting get understanding. Jesus said "my people perish for lack of knowledge"...p.s. don't forget the Old Testament. search the scriptures for your answer and get a study bible to help you understand ( Life application study bible-new living translation)..God bless

Answer 2

I don't know the scriptures but my personal opinion is that the one church thing is simply a way to keep control, not allow members the option of looking at other Churches or religions. Almost all religions say they are the right one and that if you go to a different religion or Church you are damned. To me that is so obvious a control tactic that it is not funny.

Since all Churches are based on faith, no proof, no physical evidence of scientific value, just a few books that have been translated so many times that errors have to have occurred. Even if the original version was divinely inspired, the translations were not. Some the the books are relatively modern, having been created by members of religions that are basically johnny-come-lately's.

If you check, even the old books are based on still older books. Check out the Epic of Gilgamesh and see how similar the bible is to it.

Sorry, I probably drifted off what you were really asking, but I'll leave my answer here for what it is worth.

Answer 3

I am a Baptist and my Grandpa was a preacher. I have gone to church all my life. I may suprise you by saing that I really dont believe that going to church is a necessity. The idea of fellowship is a good one and churches mean well. I do feel I am better intuned with God after I go to church, but in today's world (not that that means it is an improvement) I can also fellowship online and via television. I can pray and stay connected. When you think about it, people are so much busier today than ever before - there is really not much time for fellowship as it was in the olden days. I go so tht my children will have the same benefit of ritual and learning that I had growing up (especially in today's world). I will try and find a scripture for you although I think the only one that exists just refers to the fellowship aspect and is not a directive.

Answer 4

Hebrews 10:25 said
Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer.

It's necessary to go to church because the Day of the Lord is near, and we have to be together. When you go to a church and you are a member, you have the possibility to serve the Lord. But if you are not a member how are you going to use your talents. That is why is necessary to go church. My friend I invite you to look for a church and serve the Lord with your talents, because everything that God gives you is to serve him and the day will come, when all of us, will be in front of God. And what will you give him? Nothing because you never serve God.

I hope that this answer help you. God bless you.
An remember that Jesus love you, more that what you think.

Answer 5

Starr-you've posted a great question. There are several verses in the NT about having fellowship with other Christians. This means that it is important to go to church to be around other Christians for support and the learn more about Christ. However, you are completely right in thinking that this does NOT mean that you are supposed to be a part of a specific faction or building. I have the same problem with placing membership with a church because I'm there to worship God, not to say I go to that building to worship God. The Bible speaks of one body, but people tend to think that the body is only one denomination. It saddens me that things have gotten like this.

Answer 6

Thank you Lord Jesus for showing me one out of many who understands the church. NO the church is not a building
COLOSSIANS 1:18
18) And he is the Head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have preeminence.

The church is the body of God
1 CORINTHIANS 6:15
15) Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.

And your body must be clean of all filthiness in order to become a member of his church.
I pray for you all. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

P.S
The church building or tabernacle or temple is merely a place for worship and fellowship amongst other true saints of God. For we must worship him in praise.

Answer 7

You should read 9 Marks of a Healthy Church by Mark Dever. The Bible does not explicitly say to become a member of a local Church. But it does definitely imply that. Acts says that people were being added to their congregation. How did they know how many were added? There must have been Church membership. All the epistles were written to local Churches. All the epistles and the letters to the 7 Churches in the book of Revelation. Members of a local Church were given recommendation when they moved from one Church to another. Finally, in Hebrews? God tells us to submit to our elders and that the elders are held accountable for our souls. So how are we to practically apply this verse if we are not members of a local Church? Who is your elder? One more thing, Matthew 18 talks about church discipline. It says that when a fellow brother or sister refuses to repent we are to kick him or her out of the Church. How are we to do that if the person is not a member?

Answer 8

From what I have experienced, churches that follow the Word of God miraculously are sustained.
"And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."
There is no perfect church, due to our imperfection. However, if you feel the Holy Spirit gravitate to a particular church, don't be afraid to become more than an"ok. Do it to me" spectator. Look busy. Jesus is coming.

Answer 9

Maybe the most well-known verse concerning church attendance:

Heb 10:25
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Answer 10

Matthew 18:20

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Read the Bible, Pray, Study the Bible, Pray... and you will find yoru way.

If you do not have a Bible.. you can view the KJV here:

http://scriptures.lds.org/

along with the Book of Mormon (which was written by the Prophets upon the American Continents)