Is a Christian Commanded to Go to Church, and If So, How Often?

As a pastor of a New Testament church, I desire that all who attend do so each Sunday. When they don’t, I am concerned. I wonder if they are sick, out of town, struggling spiritually, upset about something, or attending another church.

Thankfully, the Lord gave us the Bible as a source of truth to answer our questions about life.

The Bible provides an example of the early church in the book of Acts:

Acts 2:42-47:

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. All that believed were together and had all things in common; they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as anyone had need. They continued daily with one accord in the temple, breaking bread from house to house, eating their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

In this church, four practices were common among believers:

1. Learning the doctrines (teachings) of the Bible
2. Fellowship with other believers
3. Partaking in the Lord’s Supper
4. Praying

How often did they meet? Daily! Does this mean all believers should meet daily at the church? No, not at all. As the church evolved, so did the practice of meeting daily. The book of Hebrews, written to Jewish Christians suffering persecution, offers this encouragement:

Hebrews 10:24-25:

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching.

These verses shed light on why a believer attends church. Church is not to be attended as one would an event such as a concert or a sporting event. Church is a place believers go to “provoke” them to “love” and to do “good works.” It is where believers gather to encourage and help one another. When you choose to be unfaithful to church, you weaken not only your own spiritual life but also the spiritual lives of others in your church.

Another practice found here is to go. Believers should be faithful in attending their church, especially as we understand that the Lord’s return is near. Is it a command? No, but it is a practice that should be a priority in the life of a believer. I am always aware that the church is loved by Jesus and that Jesus gave Himself for it.

Ephesians 5:25:

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it.

The lackadaisical attitude about attending church is not found in Scripture. Prioritizing personal pleasure, convenience, family, sports, parties, etc., reveals the condition of the heart. How can one profess to love Jesus and not love what Jesus loves?

Are you commanded to go each and every Sunday? Each time the door is open? No, but attending your church should be a top priority. It should be as automatic for a Christian as going to work or a child going to school.

Go to church!

Seven Steps for Restoring an Overtaken Christian

Seven Steps for Restoring an Overtaken Christian.  

Step One:           For Spirit Filled Believers Only! (1a)

Galatians 6:1 (KJV) ¹ Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 

1.            Does the Believer Exhibit the Fruit of the Spirit?

Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, ²³ Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 

 2.            Does the Believer live an Unselfish and Sacrificial Life?

Galatians 5:24 (KJV) ²⁴ And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 

3.            Does the Believer Walk in the Spirit?

Galatians 5:25 (KJV) ²⁵ If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 

4.            Does the Believe Walk free from Envy, Pride, and Contention?

Galatians 5:26 (KJV) ²⁶ Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. 

Step Two:          Approach the Person in a Spirit of Meekness (1b)

Galatians 6:1 (KJV) ¹ Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

…spirit of meekness:        Gentleness, meekness, humility. Meekness means to be gentle,                                                         tender, humble, mild, considerate, but strongly so.

Humility with Strength!

It is not correction by…
Blame, lecturing, disapproval, surprise, spirit of rejection, hardness, criticism, indifference, harshness, “holier than thou”…
The wrong spirit in restoration destroys rather than restores.  It offends rather mends!
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth" (2 Tim. 2:25).

 Step Three:      Consider Yourself (1c)

Galatians 6:1 (KJV) ¹ Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

…considering:   Take heed. Watch Out.

Luke 11:35 (KJV) ³⁵ Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.

2 Peter 3:17 (KJV) ¹⁷  Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

 Step Four:         Bear One Another’s Burdens (2)

Galatians 6:2 (KJV) ² Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

…burdens:          load, weight.  References a whole day’s labor. 

We are to help others with their load.

 Step Five:          Confess Your Own Nothingness (3)

Galatians 6:3 (KJV) ³ For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

All sinners saved by grace!!  Know your boundaries and limitations.

Step Six:             Examine Your Own Works (4)

Galatians 6:4 (KJV) ⁴ But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

…work:                 Behavior and conduct. 

…rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another:   Your satisfaction comes in your living.  You do     not need others approval. God Pleaser, not Man  Pleaser.

It is imperative in restoring others that we examine ourselves first.  What is our behavior and conduct?  Are we a  man pleaser, or a God pleaser?  What is our motive?

Example:             Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount.

Matthew 7:1-5 (KJV) ¹ Judge not, that ye be not judged. ² For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. ³ And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? ⁴ Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? ⁵ Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

Step Seven:      Realize Your Own Responsibilities (5)

Galatians 6:5 (KJV) ⁵ For every man shall bear his own burden.

…burden:            Different from verse 2.  It is something we have to bear regardless of its weight.  It is our lot in life.  No one can live your life for you.  You have to do it.  It can be your job, your physical ailment, your financial condition, a tragedy you endured, an abuse you              suffered, the consequences of past decisions.

Matthew 11:28-30 (KJV) ²⁸ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

We can help others with their burdens, but there is a burden we are called to bear.  The burden well carried will be rewarded.

2 Corinthians 5:10 (KJV) ¹⁰ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Under His Wings!

2.  A Testimony of Trusting in the Lord (12)
Ruth 2:12 (KJV) ¹² The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

Boaz recognized Ruth was trusting God.  Scripture refers to the wings of the Lord several times. Under the wings of the Lord we find:

     a.  Redemption

Psalm 36:7 (KJV) ⁷ How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
This is a reference to the wings of the cherubims on the mercy seat of the ark of the covenant.  On this ark was the blood sprinkled on the Day of Atomement.  Ruth was trusting in the Lord for her redemption.  It was under the shadow of thy wings that she found salvation. 

     b.  Rest

Psalm 17:8 (KJV) ⁸ Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,
The word "hide" means to conceal or withdraw from view.  It is referencing that God is our place of rest.  We can find a place of rest in a busy and hectic world when we are hid under the shadow of his wings. 

     c.  Refuge

Psalm 57:1 (KJV) ¹ Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.

Israel had six cities of refuge for protection for those who had accidently killed another.  It was a place they could seek asylum.  God is our refuge.  He is the place we can flee for protection.

      d.  Rejoicing

Psalm 63:7 (KJV) ⁷ Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.
God is our place of rejoicing.  When we trust in Him, He gives us rejoicing in our hearts. 

Ruth had learned that God is her redemption, her rest, her refuge, and her rejoicing.  It is under the wings of the Lord that we too will find redemption, rest, refuge, and rejoicing.

Boaz respected Ruth for her faith and trust in God.  He wanted Ruth to have God's best. 

Daily Meditation: Dealing with a Liar.

Proverbs 25:18 (KJV) ¹⁸  A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
Dishonest people are engaged in making false pronouncements and/or false promises.  Verse 18 is referring to those who make false pronouncements. 
Maul=Large wooden hammer or club.
Sword=cuts and wounds.
Sharp arrow=pierces to the heart.
A person who makes false and misleading statements against another person can inflict terrible wounds on their victim.  They can cause a person to lose his reputation or worse.  I know we always quote the childhood saying; "sticks, and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me".  However, the reality is that people making false and misleading words do hurt others.
Some practical advice in dealing with false witnesses and false testimonies:

1.  Remember, you are not a garbage can with a hairy lid.  Don't listen to slop if you can avoid it.
2.  Don't believe everything you hear. 
3.  If you don't know the facts, don't make a judgment.
4.  If someone says false things against you, confront them.
5.  If the confrontation does not produce repentance, move on.
6.  Remember, eventually people will judge you on the content of your character, not the words of a liar.
I know that false words made against us hurt, and can cause damage in relationships.  However, it is best if we do not allow our concern of what others think and say about us to effect our daily walk with the Lord.  The meditation of our heart must not be on what the false witness said or the damage he inflicted to our reputation, but on the goodness of our God.  Paul instructs us to "think on these things".
  
Philippians 4:8 (KJV) ⁸ Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

I John 3:18-22 Daily Meditation on Love.

1 John 3:18-22 (KJV)18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.   19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.  20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.   21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.   22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.


 1.  Love is more than words. (18)


We describe people as "all talk" or we say "talk is cheap".  Love is more than just words...


2.  Love is a lifestyle of helping others while having the right motive. (18)


Deed= our work or our labor.  Our occupation. It is referencing a lifestyle of doing works in helping others.
Truth= the right action with the right motive.
Love is living a life constantly helping others according to what is right with a right motive.  This would disqualify good deeds that are not rightly motivated.  This would disqualify good deeds that glorify self or benefit self. 


3. Love produces a heart that is right with God (19)


4. Love produces a heart free from guilt (20)


Our actions not done in Biblical love will produce a guilt in our heart.  No worries, God is able to forgive and cleanse us.




5.  Love produces an open and  real relationship with God (21)


Interestingly when the fruit of the Spirit is listed in Galatians 5, love is listed first.  The primary indication of a Spirit-filled life is a life lived loving others the way Jesus did!  This was not a compromising self-serving love, but a sacrificial and giving love.  A love that was demonstrated clearly on Calvary's cross.


If you want an open, close, and real relationship with God, don't violate the love principle! Love God and love others.

Handfuls of Purpose

Ruth 2:16 (KJV) ¹⁶  And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not.


Boaz showed kindness and encouragement to Ruth as she gleaned in his fields. The Lord does the same for you and me! How many times have you gotten tired and weary in faithful service to the Lord? Perhaps, your blessing meter started getting low and the Lord came alon...g and dropped a handful of blessing on purpose for you. He does this a number of ways. He may use a truth in the word of God to satisfy and comfort you or may bring a person into your life to lift your heart, faith, and encourage you. He might encourage you by answering your prayer. There are many ways the Lord drops those handfuls of purpose.
Are you a handful of purpose in the Lord's hands? People need love, encouragement, kindness, or the Gospel. God wants to use you to be a blessing, a handful of purpose in the lives of others if you are willing. You will get more out of your Christian life if you will invest your life into the lives of others..

Now and Then: The Greatest Christmas Gift.

It is early (5:30 am) Christmas morning.  The tree is lit, the fireplace is on, and the house is calm and quiet. Soon all that will change, but for this moment, I have and am enjoying my time alone with the one who made this day possible, the Lord Jesus.

Much has been said about His birth in Bethlehem's manger, and much needs to be said about the God-man. Why was He born?  Why did He leave Heaven's splendor to be born here on earth?  Why did he consent to the constraints of a human body and ultimately the torture that was His death?

His motive is clearly explained in the Scriptures.  The most famous verse of all reveals it.  John 3:16 (KJV) ¹⁶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  Jesus came because He loves us.  I don't know about you, but I am overwhelmed by the truth that the great creator of this universe, the God of gods, and the Lord of lords knows who I am and has chosen to love me. My heart sings today the Anna Barlett Warner classic Jesus loves me.  Yes Jesus loves me.  Yes Jesus loves me.  Yes Jesus loves me.  The Bible tells me so!  

He came because He loved us, but why did He come and why did He die?  He came for our salvation, He came so we could be eternally with Him in Heaven. Jesus stated this clearly:  Luke 19:10 (KJV) ¹⁰ For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. This is the then.  Jesus came and died for our future.  He gave His life for ours.  2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV)21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.  

He also came for the now.  He came to give his children and mankind in general a better life.  The Scripture clearly teaches this:  John 10:10 (KJV) ¹⁰ The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. This verse clearly summarizes the struggle between God and Satan.  Satan comes to rob and destroy us, but Jesus came to give an opportunity for all to have eternal life (then) and an abundant life (now).

Where the message of Jesus has gone, the way of life has been improved.  I know my life is filled and abundant because of Him.  It is improved. Soon it will be 38 years since Jesus came into my heart and gave me eternal life and an abundant life.  All I can say is thank you Jesus!  I have today in my daily walk written about many of the numerous blessings the Lord has given me, and it overflows my heart.

Now, abundance; then, eternal life!  Praise the Lord.

Isaiah 9:6-7 (KJV) ⁶ For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. ⁷ Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Luke 2:11 (KJV) ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.