I ask you? Am I the only one that thinks?

Question

o.k. my Q is there anywhere in the bible that says u have to worship in a church? i thought that if 2 or more people were to get together & talked about God then that was concider to be congregating. in all the things i remember about the bible is that Jesus talked to all his followers outdoors, it did not have to be in a building. the reason i pondering over this is it seems that everywhere i turn there is yet another church being built,to replace it with the older one that looks just fine,if the congregation grows to big than add on.sure all things need repair.but it seems a lot of old churches sitting there just going to waste!!!
in all of the pictures that are depicted in the Bible,Jesus is outside under a tree with his people around him listening to him Speak the word of God.NOT PREACH!!!!!..NOT IN A BULIDING with stain glass windows ect....

Answer 1

You have a good question here and you're not alone in this situation.

My chuch meets in a school gym because we are growing and there is no building available in our area large enough to hold us. We're currently at over 500 people and just entering a building phase for our congregation.

But to answer your question whether Jesus ever preached in the synagogue take a look at these verses using http://www.biblegateway.com
Matthew 4:23
Matthew 9:35
Mark 1:21
Mark 1:29
Luke 4:38
John 18:20

But Jesus was cast out of the synagogue when he began to oppose the pharisees after ridding the temple of the money chasers Matthew 21:12, Mark 11:15.

Yes there are old buildings that are not continued to be used and congregations will move, but for a lot of reasons to move to a new structure. For instance A) one congregation in my town had a building almost 100 years old and the building was not compatible for their elderly and there was not room on the property to rebuild. Another church in the area found that they would have to spend almost 2,000,000 to upgrade their facility and that facility was only 40 years old but the building codes had changed.

You're right about some buildings going to waste. But most congregations when they move are looking for a new congregation to take their older structure as their own. And it does happen a lot of time.

Answer 2

We don't need to worship in a church. If everyone would take it upon themselves to call each other and arrange to meet regularly then that would be fine. But I don't think most people have the time and contacts to do this.

- Church is more convenient, and comfortable. I would not want to worship outdoors under a hot sun, or during winter.
- It is also beneficial to have the pastor/priest/church elders to provide spiritual guidance. They have actually spent a lot of time studying and trying to decipher Scripture. And the Bible does talk about spiritual leaders. Speaking the word of God sounds the same as preaching to me. Maybe you don't like the connotation of the word 'preaching'?
- It is a place to meet with and get to know other believers. I am not outgoing by nature but I recognize that I need to be exposed to other people so that I am inspired to grow.
- As a church building is more convenient, a lot of people go there, and sometimes fill it to capacity. Also, there is the need to project for future capacity as our population grows. This is why building expansions take place.

In any case, don't let this take up too much of your time. If it's not your thing, just concentrate on your building your own relationship with God, and the rest will follow.

Take care and God bless.

Answer 3

You seem to me as if you have a strong spirt, maybe you should spend time with other Christiansor solitary Bible Study and a setting of your choice (of course) and teach others the "Word". You are on The right track all ready.
It's not the building, it's what's in the building/the people/the bride.
People just have opinions about worship. and the place to worship,, but it's just opinions. As a Christian , I am open to all forms and places for worship.
As long as it's for the Glory of God,
1 Corinthians 14:25-27 (orderly)
Luke 24:47 (preach)

Answer 4

It does not require a building, but does require a gathering, a called assembly. The Greek word translated "church," is the word "ekklesia." And ekklesia, in Greek culture was when a group of people gathered for a public meeting, especially for voting, or discussing business.

There is a major movement in the U.S. that is going back to the concept of the house church. Several like-minded believers get together on a Sunday, and worship, read the Word, and participate in expounding the Scriptures. It is wonderful.

However, that is not an excuse to go it alone. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, "And let us continue to consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another even more as you see the day coming nearer."

This is because when you go it alone, you become a target. Let me give you an analogy: I Peter 5:8. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." If we separate from the Body (the church), we are alone in the faith. The devil and his minions are like wolves, hyenas, coyotes and other animals that hunt in packs. In the wild, these animals rarely attack a herd or flock. They wait for one or two to get separated from the rest. They go for the stragglers, who are usually the weakest, either from the journey or illness. Then the predators attack. It's never fair. Five or six to one. And the attacked animal almost always loses.

Likewise, the Christian who separates from the church, is alone. Without a constant diet of solid biblical preaching, and encouragement from other (and stronger) believers, this Christian becomes weak and malnourished in the Word. Their defenses are down. Then the devil and the demons attack. Since the Christian is alone, weak and malnourished, he/she has nothing to defend themselves with, and they succumb to temptation or become disillusion with the faith, and fall away. Their testimony gets damaged, their faith is in shreds, and they wonder, "Why bother?" and quit. Then the devil is satisfied.

It is like this: If the devil can't have your soul, he will have your walk and testimony, if you let him. And skipping church is a sure fire way to go down that road.

Answer 5

Where three or more are gathered in the name of Christ their he shell be also.
A group has to meet somewhere. If you have a group of more than 25 meeting by a stream bank may not be the best place. Also to know where and when. A chair to sit in would be nice to. Also in the dead of winter or the 100+ days of summer would like to be not to hot or cold. So a group house should be build and the house should be sanctified to the lord, making it fitting for him.
You must find a church that Christ likes. You can find that in Revelation 2 and 3

Answer 6

Gather together. Has nothing to do with a church building or the numbers. It is to aid and uplift each other. The first churches didn't begin to be built for a very long time after the birth of the first Christian communities.

Answer 7

A church is a place of fellowship for like-minded people. In Greek, the word church means to be called out, to be separated. It makes no difference whether you worship in doors or out of doors, God see and hears just the same. As far as preaching is concerned, to preach means to proclaim, and Jesus certainly did proclaim. the number of churches appearing is not inappropriate. In the first century churches were limited to small locals. The small local church is still highly prized today over the mega-church. The physical church and its members is the physical body of Christ. Jesus loves you.

Answer 8

I think you are in dire need of education. I don't know how to answer you so you will understand, but the Church is the Body of Christ. It is built to Glorify God, not man. Anything we build, is to be to the Glory of God, and if a Church of any kind does not have God's blessing upon it,or it teaches other than his word, it cannot last for long. You may not like country music, but really, you should hear Roy Acuff's Great Speckled Bird.

Answer 9

The church is not the building its the body of believers. The place of worship itself is the santuary. You go to the santuary to have church. So, it don't matter where you have church as long as you are gathered with other believers and study Gods word.

Matthew 18:20
For where two or three gather together because they are mine, I am there among them."

Answer 10

No building needed... but on a cold and rainy day it is nice to have one... Where two or more are gathered in Christ's name that is where The Church is. The Church of which Jesus The Christ is The Head... The only True Church.

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