Please no opinions on this: according to the infallible word of God, to be a good Christian are you required to go to church? Also, in the Christian tradition, are you not allowed to do work on Sundays? If possible, give me some scriptures, please.
2006-10-14 12:14:27 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
All Christians are required to attend church. Whether it be a standard church where people come to a specific building designed for that purpose, or another type of setting, such as a home fellowship, we are required to attend. There are no "Lone Ranger" Christians.
As it is written: "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." (Hebrews 10:24-25)
If a Christian separates themselves from the local Body, they are no longer abiding in the vehicle that Christ Himself established for teaching and encouraging one another. As they remain apart, their spiritual state suffers.
Our adversary, Satan, doesn't play fair. He and his minions are like pack animals that hunt for prey. They do so just as in the wild a pack of wolves or hyenas stalk a flock or herd. The predators don't attack the flock or herd, they wait for the weak, sick, or lame to fall behind. When the straggler is separated, then the pack attacks.
When we separate ourselves from the Body, we are like the straggling animal. We are without our primary protection. Then we are attacked, and discouraged in our walk with Christ. We begin to feel all alone, and we feel that God doesn't care about us anymore. If Satan cannot have our souls, he will have our walk, if we allow it.
John Calvin and Martin Luther, both of whom were important figures in the Reformation of the Church, believed so strongly in corporate worship that they made comments like, “Apart from the Church, salvation is impossible.” (Martin Luther) And, “So highly does the Lord esteem the communion of the Church, that He considers everyone a traitor and apostate from religion who perversely withdraws himself from any Christian society which preserves the true ministry of the Word and Sacraments.” (John Calvin)
As far as working on Sundays, that is really up to you. Jesus is our Sabbath rest. As it is written: "For the one who enters God's rest has himself rested from his own works, just as God did from his." (Hebrews 4:10)
The day is not as important as the fact that you take a day and worship, spending time with His people, and His Word. "One person decides that one day is better than another, while another person decides that all days are the same. Each one must be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes a special day, observes it to honor the Lord. The one who eats, eats to honor the Lord, since he gives thanks to God. And the one who does not eat, refrains from eating to honor the Lord; yet he, too, gives thanks to God." (Romans 14:5-6)
2006-10-14 12:30:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hebrews 10:25 - Do not forsake the assembling together of yourselves, as the Pagans do..... The whole chapter is a good read.
Tradition is often not tied to Scripture, so it's best not to base your practices on them. However, even the New Testament (not just the 10 Commandments) proves followers honored Sabbaths. The OT contains around 115 Scriptures discussing the Sabbath. There are around 55 in the NT.
Exodus 35:3 tells us that something as neccessary as keeping our families warm would be forbidden: Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day.
However, Leviticus 23:24 allows for a religious ceremony: Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation.
Also, sacrifices are allowed: Numbers 28:9 And on the sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and the drink offering thereof:
Even the land gets a break: Leviticus 25:4 But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.
Tradition says we honor the Sabbath on Sunday, because that's the day Jesus arose. Traditionally, this is a day of rest, period. What one's idea of rest is, is open to discussion. Most observe the "no work" rule as meaning no secular work, or work outside the church or ministries.
2006-10-14 19:46:40 · answer #2 · answered by azar_and_bath 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been baptist all my life, but I have never felt that anyone required me to go. I go so that I can worship my Lord and hopefully encourage someone. You never know what you will miss or who was looking for some encouragement from you.
Oh and according to the Bible, the church is the body of Christ and is the people not the building. You can have church wherever you are.
God Bless You
2006-10-14 19:21:42 · answer #3 · answered by Stephen B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Christians are told to fellowship with one another according to Hebrews 10. But no requirement to go to a church, just some type of fellowship.
2006-10-14 19:31:17 · answer #4 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hebrews 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.
I Cr 13;8a, Love never fails!!!!!
10-14-6
2006-10-14 19:19:44 · answer #5 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, the Bible says we are not to give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing. Heb 10:25
He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. Rom 14:6
2006-10-14 19:28:28 · answer #6 · answered by berg 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not necessary to go to church, but recommended. It is good to have fellowship with fellow Christians because it does help you to walk better in your faith. So if I were you, I would go to church if I could find a really good one that teaches from the bible. But, there is nothing wrong with just worshipping at home.
2006-10-14 19:17:18 · answer #7 · answered by . 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
you're not required to go to church but i think that it helps a ton. plus you can meet some pretty cool people at churches. and about working on Sundays. you can work on Sundays. it's not against Christian law or anything.
2006-10-14 19:20:52 · answer #8 · answered by blue_mamoth 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"forsake not the assemblying of yourselfs as is the practice of some" Hebrew 10:25 I think
all Christians are encouraged to assemble regularly... I would say not wanting to assemble together... is more a symptom of lack of spiritual health... posisbly even lack of spiritual life
just as a doctor might ask a patient how their appetite is to see how their doing... what you long for might tip you off whether your spitiually in trouble or even spiritually dead and need life
2006-10-14 19:23:05 · answer #9 · answered by whirlingmerc 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the Word tells us to not forsake the gathering of the saints. we need each other to strengthen us. we are to grow in the things or the Lord and each of us has at least one gift to offer the Body of Christ. without being in the fellowship how can that happen? find a Church and get involved.
2006-10-14 19:19:39 · answer #10 · answered by Lover of my soul 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋