I am a christian and have been for as long as I can remember. Do you have to go to church to be one? I read my bible and pray everyday, but I haven't been to church regularly in a long time. Where in the bible does it say you have to go to church every week? I know it says in the ten commandments-"Remember the sabbath day and keep it holy" but that justs means your not suppose to "work" on sunday. It's meant to be a day of relaxation because God rested on the seventh day.
2006-09-16 18:57:17 · 20 answers · asked by bookworm1885 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Heb 10:25 not forsaking the assembling together of ourselves, as is the custom of some, but exhorting, and by so much more as you see the Day drawing near.
Technically, you do not have to go to church to be a believer, but it is strongly encouraged. You assemble together with your brothers and sisters for communal worship, prayer, fellowship, instruction and hearing the preaching of the word. You cannot engage in these activities effectively on your own. You will not lose your salvation by not attending a service, but you will miss a huge part of the Christian experience and will be more vulnerable to false teaching and falling into sin.
2006-09-16 19:03:19 · answer #1 · answered by BrotherMichael 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
No. In order to be a Christian you have to have a relationship with Jesus Christ, have faith in Him and follow Him.
Going to a bible believing church is something that feeds your faith.
Another essential part of being a Christian is bible study.
The sabbath is Saturday. The modern day Christian church meeting Sunday, goes back to a tradition started long ago in Rome, (read church history and learn about "replacement theology for more info).
The main thing to remember is that it is hard to be a "lone ranger" Christian. We need fellowship with other believers and it's good to study the bible together.
Hope this helps you.
2006-09-16 19:16:53 · answer #2 · answered by redeemed 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It does not. It says the body is the holy temple of God. I have not went to church for a long time too. I think we need to for the fellowship of others. I do a bible study online every day with my group. But this gets hard because as a roul no one e-mails me back. In my group I do have a pastor and another person in school to be a pastor. So I sort of have home church for me and my group. But to love our Lord with all your heart and soul , To repent , Pray to be forgiven , and be baptized. To pray each day to be forgiven the things we may have done wrong that day. Pray for stringth. Church does not get you to Heaven. Jesus does.But going to church helps.
2006-09-16 19:15:30 · answer #3 · answered by ldp999000 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only one place. Use your concordance to find it.Paul says" and don't neglect the gathering together of the saints"...
You go to Church to be around like minded people,and to strengthen your faith thru study.You should probably listen to a radio station tht carries Calvary Chapel teachings and or J. Vernon McGee's Thru the Bible show just to round you out.I rarely go myself.I can do without all the hand shaking and phoney smiles. I took a 2 year course from Moody Bible Institute.It would really do you good.I too read every day and really study commentaries(J.Vernon McGee is my favorite and least expensive).I don't go to church for the above reason and because one of my 4 kids is handicapped and there just isn't resources for her near us.She don't go ....I don't go.
2006-09-16 19:10:09 · answer #4 · answered by AngelsFan 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you can be a christain and not go to church but that does not mean its right bc he says not to forsake the assembly and all over the old testiment they gathered or assembled the congragation or the people so there needs that because paul talks about how the church is suppose to edify you and build you up and how the church is where you are equiped so you cant get equiped outside of it ... now on that note whatever church you go to you have to get under authority and find a church that will equip you otherwise there is no use of church . ok ...i hope that answers you a little and helps
2006-09-16 19:11:21 · answer #5 · answered by superdaniel417 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Call yourself whatever you want. It's a personal matter between you and God. I personally, don't believe God cares whether I go to church or not as long as I lead a good life and give back. I communicate with God daily and reciting long practiced lines about how "unworthy" we all are, or going to a specific building isn't going to bring me any closer to God. Everyone is entitled to their individual beliefs. It doesn't mean anyone is wrong; it means that God is love all of us and has given us different ways to experience that love based upon our individual spiritual needs.
2006-09-16 19:05:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
As a believer you should believe Jesus when He tells us that when at least 2 or 3 people are gathered in His name, there He is in their midst: Why, if you believe Jesus, wouldn't you want to fellowship with the church; the other believers?
2006-09-16 19:11:48 · answer #7 · answered by raininmyshoe 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to go to church, but is good to get together with believers of the same faith and share their love for God in Song and praises.
2006-09-16 19:07:25 · answer #8 · answered by ginger13 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Just a note .. I don't go because of what it does for me, or what I get out of it. I attend whenever possibly (I work some Sundays) because I see it as a sacrafice I do to go worship Him. Of course I now attend Catholic Mass, and that is all Mass is...a worship service. Preaching and teaching come from other places.
2006-09-16 19:04:20 · answer #9 · answered by Augustine 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
In an well balanced Bible believing church you get. spiritual food,
christian fellowship .and bible learning .something we all can use in life !
2006-09-16 19:06:48 · answer #10 · answered by Tilt Of My High Flyer 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋