Is it obligatory to join a local church in order to please God and be saved?

Question

Or can I please God just by meditating on his word on my own and by loving God with all of my strength and loving my neighbour as myself?

The problem is that there are too many churches that claim to be the one to follow.

Answer 1

Focus on your personal relationship with God, and He will tell you what He expects of you. It may be church, and it may be something else.

Answer 2

Realize that church is about more than your learning and growth in Christ, you are also there to offer love and comfort to the other members. We are supposed to build up each other, to be there when others are lonely or just need a smile or a hug. Part of being a Christian is reaching out to others.

I think it is better to find a church so that you can spend time with other Christians, and grow in Christ. There are many churches so if you search around you should be able to find one where you feel comfortable. If not a church, try to find a Bible group or prayer group that meets regularly.

Answer 3

Asking a question in this rather disorderly and evangelical place is probably not the way to get friendly advice. Half the people are atheists, and many of the Christians refuse to believe that Catholics are Christian, relying on all sorts of propaganda. In the US, there certainly isn't much reason to be alarmed, especially if what you're worried about is being abused. The US Church has taken very strict measures to ensure that the Church is one of the safest places to send your children, such as background checks and fingerprinting for people who watch children, as well as a course on what adults should watch out for in stranger behaviour, and what behaviors to avoid to stop any suspicion. In some way, I think it must have made the Church a colder place for children, but security seems quite good. Almost every single case reported in the news regards a decades old charge, most of them gay sex with older consenting minors, in any case. Reception of these rules in other countries is spotty, as they are generally seen as overly harsh. Sometimes, because they are, and others because some areas the clergy may still be in denial.

Answer 4

God says be a member of the body of christ, and fellowship with other christians so that we can pray for each other. Ministry is also a part of God's will.
There is no such thing as a perfect church. Just make sure to find one where everyone is on the same page, and they only follow the word of God. Find one that has a goal, and is activly working toward it.

Answer 5

No. If you go to church, you will only get part of the truth. The churches are known for mixing the true with the false. Did you know that most churches will be celebrating Christmas next month, even though their leaders already know that Christmas is a pagan holiday? They will not tell their members the truth because they bring in plenty of money at Christmas time. The churches are not worshiping God with "spirit and truth." John 4:24

Answer 6

You don't have to join in order to be saved, but you need the strength of the church. The bible says not to forsake the assembling of yourselves with other believers and even more so as you see the Day approaching.

Answer 7

Here. Meditate on this bit:

Hebrews 10:25 (King James Version)
King James Version (KJV)
Public Domain

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 8

Hebrews 10:25
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

So the Bible tells us that it is a good thing to do. Do you have to do that to be saved, no. For that you just have to accept Christ's free gift.

Answer 9

The only way to be saved is by taking Jesus as savior. Find a gospel teaching church ,read the bible ,meditate on his word,the holy spirit will lead you.

Answer 10

The Bible has no denominations. It does say that we aren't to give up fellowship with other believers though. If you don't have christian friends, find a church where you can make some. If you do, try going to church with them.