Is believing enough?

Question

i used to attend church but i stopped attending a few years ago. is it enough to believe in God or do i have to go to church?

Answer 1

Hi Koyote,

When the Bible talks about believing in God- it means not just with a belief in the mind but a following with the heart. With that in mind, the Bible has much to say about how we need one another. Also See Hebrews 10:23-25 (do not forsake gathering together).

In many ways it will make you an ineffective Christian because you will miss out on opportunities to be encouraged and also to be an encourager. i'm not sure what reasons you have for not going- i imagine it might be people- but we go to church for God - to worship God and to serve others.

John 13:35 says by this all men will know that you are my disciples by your love for one another. So your choice to not fellowship with other believers makes it hard for you to show your love for God.

Genuine belief shows itself in obedience (Jesus says if you love me, obey me.) So i would say in that sense as long as you are disobeying God in this area- you're always going to feel inadequate and in many ways you are living an "incomplete" walk with God-- by missing out on one of his greatest gifts-- the fellowship of other believers.

Feel free to email me and let me know more about your personal situation. i'm sure you have your reasons to stop going... [e-mail]

Just a brother in Christ trying to help.

Kindly,

Nickster

Answer 2

Believing is just the beginning. One must practise what they believe. You are one of the lucky ones. They want you to go to church because its easier to lead people when they are in a group.
Like its easier to move the sheep from one paddock to another if they are in a flock. One will find more truth in ones own heart talking to God than going to church and listening to the priest. How can you talk or listen to God when the priest is always talking. and would you take the word of sinner and liar.

Answer 3

Church attendance does not save a person. However, lack of church attendance leads to sin because those who ignore their duty to fellowship with God and other Christians will fall into temptation. It all boils down to how you want to live your life. Do you want to live in the peace of God or do you want to live in the turmoil of the devil. Jesus loves you.

Answer 4

I feel you. I don't go to church anymore. But i think beliefe is enough. God knows wether u believe or not and there is nothing wrong with not going to church. I feel believing is enough. God knows i love him, and i belive in him, and god will love you no matter what u do!

Answer 5

Faith in Christ is the biggie but you shouldn't shun the family of God. Hopefully, you'll be spending eternity with them so you better learn to all get along. :>

Seriously though, the fellowship, support, encouragement and edification available is a key asset - especially nowdays.

Hebrews chapter 10

24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
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.

P.S.: If you're concerned about the whole tithing / offering thing, leave your wallet at home.

Answer 6

I believe that people need to attend church on a regular basis. It strengthens your faith, and when you are in trouble, troubled by something or whatever, your Church Family are there for you. I love my church family as much as my biological family, because I picked them, I had no choice with my biological family.

Answer 7

The Bible says, "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 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." (Hebrews 10:25)

The Bible says, "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (James 2:17)

There are several instructions and commands in the Bible that we cannot obey if we are not together with fellow Christians. These include fellowship, teaching and encouraging one another.

The church is the "body" of Christ. Can we love Christ and not love his body?
We should love God and Christ. Love "delights in the truth" (1 Corinthians 13:6) If we delight in truth, wouldn't we also delight in coming together with fellow Christians to study the Bible, the word of God (the truth)? If we love God, shouldn't we delight in the opportunity to come together with fellow Christians to worship him?

The Bible says, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1) How can we be more unified than to come together with the single purpose to worship God?

King David said, "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD." (Psalm 122:1)

This is the attitude we should have.

Answer 8

bible states you shouldn't forsake assembling with other believers... and you need to hear the word of God - study the bible with others, pray for each other, be like family with other believers, have accountability to an elder/pastor; supporting the gospel(giving money to ministries/missionaries/agents that are reaching other for Christ) ,giving of yourself to sharing the gospel with the lost, and having your own personal relationship with the Lord..... if the Lord lead you out of church, then are you doing what he's laid on your heart to do?

Answer 9

Whatever rocks your boat.... some people say it does matter if you go or not. I used to go then my life was thrown into turmoil. My church at the time couldn't answer my questions so I turned my back on it.......best thing I ever did.

Answer 10

I am not a christian. But what is wrong with believing and worshipping at home. You know your faith and your beliefs. If you hold that strongly, why would a church make it any different then you at home.