Expert: Thurman C. Petty, Jr. - 10/5/2007

Question
Is there any where in the bible that says you absolutely have to go to church?

Answer
Dear Ashley,

Thank you for your questions about the need to attend church.

The idea behind the church is shown by the examples of Jesus and the apostles. As you quoted

Mat 18:20  For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

God wants us to get together for the purpose of prayer and Christian fellowship.

Heb 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.

This is about as strong a command that the Bible presents for attendance at church. We go to church to (1) study the Bible together in a group setting, because when we do so, our minds open to other ideas that will help us to understand difficult passages; (2) Worship together—corporate worship brings unity to those who are in attendance, and unity is one of the most important teachings of Christ; (3) We receive instruction that helps us to understand how to put into practice the teachings of Scripture; and, finally, (4) we have time, before services and afterward, to fellowship—talk and get better acquainted with—other members of the church.

If you don’t want to go to church, of course, you are free to stay away. But you will be missing a great blessing. However, it is important for you to find a church that believes the entire Bible, from Geneses to Revelation, and teaches the Bible subjects as they appear in the Scriptures. Take the Bible Lessons on my web site and you’ll get what I mean.

As for the hypocrite that Jesus mentioned, our Lord was not speaking against praying in public. However, these hypocrites were praying on the street corners in loud voices in order that everyone passing by would know how holy they must be. While at the same time they did and said things that were expressly forbidden in Scriptures. (The word “hypocrite” is the Greek word for “play actor.” It would be someone who pretended to be holy when he wasn’t really holy.

I’d like to invite you to my web site www.PettyPress.com, where you’ll find 40 Bible Lessons on some of the major subjects of Scripture; 16 books I’ve written through the years, stories, articles, and many other things you might find interesting.

May God continue to bless you as you study His word, and always be ready for Jesus to come,

Thurman C. Petty, Jr.
Thurman@PettyPress.com
Feel free to write directly to me if you have any other questions.