Becoming HIS Tapestry

Christian Lifestyle Blogger

IS CHURCH OPTIONAL?

Good day friends, how are you today? How was your weekend? The sun finally came out this morning and with it comes warmer weather.  Our weekend was a tad bit chilly, we were in the 60°s, all weekend long and that was our high temperature.  Yesterday was cloudy, wet and cold; very ‘fall’, if I do say so myself.  We had such a great summer, that I think I had forgotten that along with the absolute stunning beauty of the fall season, comes rain, clouds and much cooler temperatures.  ‘Much cooler’ is really an oxymoron in my neck of the woods; it either hot or cold, we rarely get the in-between temperatures.  As far as most of us are concerned, winter is here.  Fall does not usually stick around long enough for us to enjoy it. james 1 2That’s a good verse, isn’t it?  Sometimes as Christians, we believe God makes suggestions instead of commands.  We pick and choose which ‘suggestion’ we are going to heed to, today.  Some of us may even believe that God’s Word is negotiable. That there are no consequences to disobedience and sadly a few of us have even began to encourage the disobedience of others.  Matthew 18:6 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.  God’s Word is not negotiable, neither does He make suggestions.  Why should He? He is GOD.  Is 46 9He knows all things because He created all things.  Nothing today and in the future in unknown to Him; He knows it all!  With that knowledge also comes active participation in everything.  Creation responds to God’s nudging and everything and everyone fall into His plans for their lives.  God isn’t in heaven twiddling His thumbs, He isn’t dependent on us, and rather it’s the other way around.  No one is perfect, my friend, NO NOT ONE! Christ gave His life for us; He took on the consequences of our sins, in our place. He brought us new life and His command is: Matt 5 48 That’s the standard, ladies and gentlemen.  When we fail, there is grace.  rom 5 20Lately along with the ‘fashion’ trends, we find the ‘church is unnecessary’ trend.  Did God suggest attending church? Perhaps He said you’ve been hurt too many times, you, just you, are exempted? There really is just one reason church should not be an option.  But I’ll give you five: if you have any doubts, read the scriptures attached. heb 10 25

  1. Because God commanded it… Hebrews 10:24,25; Acts 2:42; Romans 10:17
  2. To build up others and to be built up… Ephesians 4:11-13; I Thessalonians 5:11; I Corinthians 12:12,27; Hebrews 13:17
  3. To exercise spiritual gifts… Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 4:11,12; Romans 12:4-8
  4. To grow spiritually… Ephesians 5:15,16; I Peter 2:5; II Timothy 3:16,17
  5. To be an example…Ephesians 4:2; Ephesians 4:12; Ephesians 4:15

No, church cannot save us but neither does reading the Bible, being kind to one another, being submissive to one’s husband.  Is God’s Word negotiable? Yes, I’m so sure that anyone who has attended church, for any length of time, has been hurt by other members of that church, on more than one occasion.  Is obeying the Word of God dependent on my feelings? No, the blogging community is not church, not is it a church.  The blogging community does not afford the opportunity for you to get to know me, nor do I know you. You know about me, only what I want you to know.  I love it here, but this is not church.  Find a gospel preaching church, one that does not compromise the Word of God; be accountable to them, let them be accountable to you.   That is church and that is a church.  Yes, it’s inevitable; you will be hurt in the church. Guess what? You will hurt someone in the church.  Just remember the grace of God isn’t one-sided.  Also remember the price that was paid for your sins.  Do you go to church? What’s your church like?  closing1brenda

←
→

101 responses to “IS CHURCH OPTIONAL?”

  6. I like the title of your blog and of the article about whether church is optional. The people who say that the church is optional are affirming that a man’s bride is optional. Is not the church the bride of Christ? If you want Christ, you must have His bride, and the assembly that goes with her.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  7. I agree church shouldn’t be optional. I can admit I’ve gotten busy working that I do not go on Sundays and Wednesdays all the time. But church is just a building right? Can we still have church at home with one or two people with us? It’s still fellowship and church is present wherever God is. I’m not trying to be a pest I just really want to know. If we gather in his name anywhere we are having church?

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • let’s look at what the Bible says: Hebrews 10:24,2524 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near…. and then in Romans 12:5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another… and again in Colossians 3:16 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God… the one another’s refers to our brothers and sisters in the Lord. Church is where we can find and worship the Lord with the one another’s. That’s just a few, but check out the other one another’s in the Bible, and the best way to serve them and be served is in a church. Please let me know if that clarifies that up for you

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  12. “No, church cannot save us but neither does reading the Bible, being kind to one another, being submissive to one’s husband.”
    Love this simple truth! Great post. I love my church and recently we did a message about how we must not be distracted by others in the church, and if we are distracted it’s because we’re not focused on Jesus the way we should be….church is such a Biblical concept and I’m not sure how or why Christians end up separating themselves from it at times, I guess they begin to treat it as a worldly concept and shy away once something fouls up…so sad.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  14. Great post! I agree. Sometimes we have to be iron on iron, sharpening one another. Sometimes we have to be an example to the believers, and sometimes we have to follow the example of other believers. But if we don’t spend time with them, we won’t be able to accomplish that give and take work that helps us be better Christians. Sometimes being sharpened hurts, but part of that can be the hurting of our pride, which God wants to cause to go.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • Amen! That’s a great comment. Yes, it may be easier to work alone, but if, even Jesus didn’t, why do we believe we are capable to serving the Lord in a vacuum? That’s not what Christianity is about. Love your comment, thanks for sharing. May our Lord be praised

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  17. It’s not so much ” what can I get out of church?”, but more importantly, “what can I bring to church?”. Church life is a laboratory for us to learn to love each other, support each other, feel the spirit together, and, yes, learn together. The Savior’s atonement doesn’t work in a vacuum…it only works with the love and support of others. We’re in this together…

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  18. Fellow shipping with other Christians is so vital wherever two or more join we are in his presence and that is the best place and safest place to be. Well said!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  19. I love church and I love this post. Church is so important. It wasn’t in a church that I first knew God. Before I knew God I tried church and it didn’t make a lot of sense. However, knowing God, made church make sense. God himself lead me to church, through his word, and once I knew him, I wanted so much to have fellowship with his people and be in his body. We need each other and God knows that. That’s why he gives us church, it is a command yes, but it is also a gift. Like all of obedience is a gift. What a wonderful God we have and how precious is his church.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  21. That was very good Sister. Keep spreading the truth. I am sure you have touch a lot of lives with this post. We, as believers need to always remember; the existence of the Kingdom of God upon this earth is not just about us and how we feel, it is about fulfilling the Will and Purposes of God through and in our lives.

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply

  22. Thank you for this encouraging post! Oh, I know…church (people) can sometimes hurt and discourage us. But God…We seek his strength and grace to be obedient and to be a blessing. Thank you for sharing today.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

  23. Good Bless Morning!! Brenda!! This is a Bless Message. I personally has had my hurt from attending Church God Himself knows all about it, there isn’t anything He hasn’t seen nor heard. I truly believe that we all will be accountable for what we have done, are haven’t done for His Name sake. For me it’s been an experience for my Spiritually Growth. I am able to relate to others who has been hurt are wounded. I know Jesus Christ is One who can Heal all wounds. I Thank you for sharing this message with us all. We are called to speak the truth. Because it is who He is.\0/\0/ ((Hugs)) :).

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

  24. This is such an important topic and I appreciate this post. Recently, I heard my pastor say something interesting that pertains to your #2. “2 To build up others and to be built up,” One of the things I run into a lot as a chaplain is people saying something like, “God and I are good, but I don’t need church.” So the conversation tends to go to why the person needs church. And to most thinking people conversations about studying scripture or worship music don’t do much for someone who has decided they do not need that.

    So, my pastors focus is on, what the person isn’t contributing. So, the response becomes something like, “Just think of all that you are not sharing with people. God is doing all of this stuff in your life and He wants you to express your gifts with His body. There are probably several people who need you in their life at a local church right now.”

    I understand the theological aspect of God doesn’t need anyone and all of that, but on a practical level this creates a different discussion that isn’t come and be a consumer based, but God wants to enroll you in his army. God wants you and your family to thrive, and of course they will get there and life will show them over time, they need what the church gives them too.

    Liked by 6 people

    Reply

    • Amen! And amen! And amen! It is for our good when we go to church and surround ourselves with other saints of God. We benefit and grow when we spur and edify and encourage them. We also benefit when they in turn sour and edify and encourage us in our walk with the Lord. Thank you for this comment

      Liked by 3 people

      Reply

  25. Hi, I like reading your stuff and love a little Biblical challenge sometimes so here is mine… In that verse was he describing the church in Acts or the churches of the 2000’s? I was in one church for 12 years, even spent a short time as a children’s pastor there, it’s a mega church. We were leaders in the church and had a lot of friends there. A group of “mean girls” used their husband’s position and my husbands position to abuse me and our family. It cost our marriage and our family a lot pain and suffering so we had to leave. We started at a smaller, wiser, older congregation church and after two years still can’t find our place and our pastor, whom we loved, just had an affair with our administrative pastor. We are struggling with today’s “church” people and so here is my thought, what exactly is “assembling of ourselves”? Could that simply be having another believing couple to our home for coffee, Bible time, and prayer? Does it have to be a formal church?

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply

  27. Wonderful post. We are to worship our God when we come to church … it really is not all about how we feel, it is about how God feels when we worship Him in spirit and in truth. Too often I have heard “I didn’t get anything out of church today” and I want to respond “It’s not about you!” When we worship God, we do receive all the blessings that you listed in the post … and for which we should be eternally thankful. Blessings to you today, and thanks again for the great post.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

  28. I enjoyed this post and I believe according to God’s word, we must attend church and it is not optional; however, as one who experienced abuse in the church, sometimes going back after this type of hurt is a painful process. This in no way negates the fact that we must attend, church, but we must also be sensitive to those who experience much more than church hurt. It is so important to be led of God when seeking a church home. Great post.

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply

    • Amen to that, Darlene. Experiencing church hurt is inevitable and sometimes leaving a church for another is necessary. But disobedience to the Word of God cannot be excused. The cost of our salvation was too great a price. At the end of the day, He is more than able to soothe every single pain we can and will ever endure.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      • It’s perfectly fine to think that you are correct. But did you know that the early church never met in a church, because they were the church? The church as we know it today is of pagan descent. Pure and simple. Trickled down from the Roman rule, to the Roman Catholic, to every protestant establishment there is. Everything about the modern-day church is out of Biblical alignment. Every person goes against His Word. No one is good. Not one, and everyone sins. There is not one person who follows His Word perfectly.
        What about those who meet with the homeless man and speak briefly about the saving power of our Lord Jesus Christ? What if two or three gather in His name under an Oak tree on a Tuesday? Is that not worship?
        It really is discouraging to hear Christians tearing our Body apart by saying they aren’t doing things right in the eye of God, when none really are. That’s why we have Jesus Christ; the final sacrifice for us sinners.

        Liked by 2 people

      • Did you know that the early church actually met as a church? Acts 20:7 Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. ~ the early church did met in homes, and there is no where is scripture that supports your idea that meeting in a building to worship God goes against His Word, yet there are lots of scripture verses that do support meeting with other SAINTS to worship. ~ because there is none perfect, do we now justify our sin? Romans 6:1-2
        What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? My final advice…always ensure scripture supports what you belive to be true about the Bible.

        Like

      • No one said I was not obedient, but I will say again that you are a sinner. Your works won’t get you to heaven. If they did, then why did Jesus die for us?
        We could argue Scriptural context all day, but I will say that your know it all attitude shows tremendously. I’ll pray for both of us.

        Liked by 1 person

      • Damon, I do not suggest nor will I ever say, I am not a sinner. As a matter of fact, every single blog post dispels that notion. I believe beyond a shadow of doubt what the Word of God says here Titus 3:5-6
        not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
        And I also believe what the Word of God says here: James 2:18-22
        But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?
        Thank you for your prayers. I am certainly in need of it. May the Lord abundantly bless you

        Like

      • Ma’am do not assume you know the hearts of men, nor mine. Do not assume you know my knowledge of His Word, or anyone else’s. It would do you much good to show mercy, instead of a displayed superior righteousness, to those of lesser understanding, or of a different view.

        Liked by 1 person

  29. This is a hard one for me, not because it is not true, but because I moved to a new place and have yet to find a church home. I miss my old church terribly, but nowhere that I have visited so far has been a good fit for my family, in particular, my children. Please keep me in prayer. I do want church :).

    Liked by 6 people

    Reply

  30. I am one who has really struggled with this question. I really am not sure even with the verses you gave that God expects us all to be in a church building on Sunday morning. I’m sure it’s a good idea, but I’m not sure it’s a command. I know some very good Christians who do not go to church. However, I do like to worship, pray, and sing in God’s house and I am happy to report that after a long dry spell, I have decided to go back. I’ve gone twice in the past three weeks. I am hoping to get the whole family there, but so far my husband is not really interested. Pray for us, if you don’t mind. Lastly, I believe God took us out of that other church so I don’t regret leaving, but it sure has been hard moving to a new one. Btw, I do go to Community Bible study weekly and the fellowship is amazing.

    Liked by 9 people

    Reply

    • It is a command; no doubt about that. I will definitely keep you and your family in prayer 🙏🏽 ‘church’ does not have to be the traditional building on a Sunday. But cooperate worship and fellowship is not an option. In the early believers at each other’s homes. In some countries, that practice is still kept. It is an example of the beauty of heaven. I can assure there are not going individuals in a corner by themselves while the rest of us worship God together

      Liked by 3 people

      Reply

  34. Yes! Yes!! Yes!!! Yes!!!! WordPress needs to create a love 1 million times button for posts like this. This is exactly how I feel about church. Yes it’s got her flaws because we all are! But I refuse to remember the beauty it carries too. Brenda this is good indeed!

    Liked by 7 people

    Reply

  35. Great reminder! We are self-centered and end up doing things or not doing things based on how WE feel. We too often forget that we should be doing things for God and for His glory. There is no perfect church, but we serve a perfect God who calls us to be part of a church! And once we find a church, there is such a blessing in being involved in it and using our gifts to help build up the body of Christ!

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply

    • Amen! Amen! Now I need a love button 😂😂😂 there is great grace in the Lord. We will have to exercise that grace often, but we must remember we’ve also hurt others along the way. If not others, then we’ve definitely hurt our Lord Jesus Christ

      Liked by 3 people

      Reply

  37. I love this! I grew up going to church every single Sunday. Since moving, it has been hard to find a home church, and my family and I are just getting settled into a new place. It’s something that I missed so much when we weren’t going consistently, and I want my children to grow up knowing that it is important to us.

    Liked by 6 people

    Reply

  38. You are right about belonging to a church not being “optional”, Brenda! We’re connected to Jesus, our Head, AND the rest of the BODY 😀 Good encouragement to encourage other forgiven sinners.

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply

  39. One of the best pieces of advice my discipleship mentor ever gave me was “church is filled with sinners, remember that.” He said eventually someone in church will disappoint you in someway, but just remember that is not God. It was great advice to remember that we all need Jesus all the time.

    We go to a church just down the street from our house. Been going for years. Our kids love the children’s ministry! There are usually over a thousand people in each service, so the worship gets rockin’ too! God bless!

    Liked by 6 people

    Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.