ATTENDING CHURCH
First we need to define the word "church", according to Strongs
ekklesia ek-klay-see'-ah
From a compound of G1537 and a derivative of G2564; a calling out, that is, (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): - assembly.
Notice it is not a building or organization, but a community or assembly (where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name, Mat 18:20) of called out believers.
There is for us a command to assemble on the Sabbath before the Lord in prayer and worship.
(LEV 23:3) Six days can work be done but the seventh day is the Sabbath of rest, a holy gathering.
(ECC 5:1) Keep your foot when you go to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools,
The text above is one of the most misused for promoting today's un-lively and boring services.
(MATT 9:35) And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing sickness and disease among the people.
(MATT 18:20) Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the middle of them.
(MATT 21:13) It is written, My house is called the house of prayer,
(MARK 6:2) And when the Sabbath day had come, he started to teach in the synagogue,
(LUKE 4:15-16) And he taught in their synagogues, being praised by all. Then he came to Nazareth, where he had been raised, and as the practice was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and then stood up to read.
(LUKE 4:31) Then he went down to Capernaum a city in Galilee, teaching them on the Sabbaths.
(LUKE 4:44) And he taught in the synagogues of Galilee.
(LUKE 19:46) As it is written, my house is a house of prayer.
(I COR 12:28) And God has set some in the church, first as apostles, second prophets, third teachers, and after that workers of miracles, then the gift of healing, helpers, administrators, and interpreters.
(HEB 10:24-25) And let us consider how we can inspire each other to love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another all the more as you see the day approaching.
Up until the time of the Babylonian captivity there was only one location (Jerusalem) for the gathering of worship and to celebrate the annual high Sabbath days.
After the destruction of the temple and the exile of the Jewish people, synagogues were established to service the small communities of exiled Jews. Thus began the establishment of churches.
The Sabbath day was established as a day of rest, a holy gathering of Gods people, as few as two people gathered in the Lords name constitute a church meeting.
Music was always an important part of religious services, there were singers and musicians who took part in most worship services, be it the weekly Sabbath or annual Sabbaths. Music, singing, and dancing were part of the celebrating before the Lord.
Christ established a new church era on Pentecost to replace the corrupted Jewish synagogues of the time, which had become a cold formal institution, which had instituted burdensome rituals not established by God.
He also set us an example by observing the Sabbath day in a place of worship, or gathering in a home or some other place.
A church should be a place to assemble and hear the word of God read aloud, and those that have questions can ask them aloud, a place of prayer, a coming together in joy and song, a place where those in a common belief can fellowship together encouraging and strengthening each other in their belief.
Being a member of Gods church involves a spiritual membership, not a physical one. Having the spirit of God dwell within you is what makes you a member of his church. Christ is not returning to a material building, he is returning to a church that is built on the foundation of the prophets, apostles, and Christ himself, Ephesians 2:19-22.
How then do you recognize Gods true church? In locating his church, you need to find one that follows doctrines that are scriptural, as found within the Bible. No church organization, or minister can get you into heaven, its an individual responsibility.
The church (body of believers) must be a well-run organization, with each member supporting the effort, as well as supporting the other members in love.
If you are in a church where services are boring, non-joyous and subdued, start looking for a new church body to fellowship with! Unless of course that is what you are looking for.
If you cannot find a church in your area, remember that the true temple of God is your own body, for the spirit of God dwells within you.
The church is not to save as many as possible now; it is to develop holy character in those now called, to prepare to teach and rule with Christ.
You must do what is right with God and not what is right with the church, for some day you will have to answer to God, not to the church.
