Do I have to go to a local Church?
And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread…. (Acts 20:7, KJV)
The question about the necessity to attend a local Church as supposed to just “worshipping God at home or in my heart” sometimes comes up. It could have variations such as “do I have to belong to one local Church?” or “is attending Church services important?”.
The answer to the question becomes obvious if we use an analogy. After you were born as a baby, was it mandatory for you to belong to a family? Or could you have been thrown into the streets by your parents and be cared for by any family that is willing or available? Absolutely not! As a baby born by the Spirit in Christ, God places you in a family to be groomed and cared for. That local spiritual family is your local Church.
It is God’s express will for us to be part of the local fellowship of the saints. He says, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is..” (Hebrews 10:25, KJV). He does not want us to forsake it. When believers start asking such questions, in the majority of cases, it is because they have been hurt or had some bad experience in a local Church. Yes, Church, like any other family, has some family members who might get on your nerves. Jesus knew the hearts and evil works of the Pharisees and Temple leaders but He never stopped going to His Father’s house.
You will be amazed that the Holy Spirit will place you at a particular Church under a particular pastor. Not every local Church is for you, and not every pastor is really “your pastor”. The Spirit knows your spiritual needs and as the CEO of the Church He knows where to place His children.
Do not make it a habit of forsaking the assembling of the saints. Be part of a local Church. Remember, if you are looking for a Church to attend, ask the Spirit to lead you to where He wants you to be and get involved!
MEDITATE
What is the difference between the local Church and the universe Church called the Body of Christ?
APPLY THE WORD
God wants you to be part of a local church family. Do not let anyone drive you away from your Father’s house. Be engaged and involved in the local church family.
PRAY
Ask the Father to help become fully engaged and a blessing to your local church family.
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