Can't I Just Stay Home and Read the Bible?

[bcool]

Can’t I Just Stay Home and Read the Bible for Myself?

You should study the Bible yourself! However, if you read far enough you will see Hebrews 10:25 where God says don’t skip church. The local church is there for your benefit. Even though God sent us the Holy Spirit who is our true Teacher, God also gave us certain men with the spiritual gift of Pastor-Teacher to study the Word and teach us how it applies to our daily lives. Then as we study the Bible on our own, the Spirit causes it to make more sense to us (John 14:26 & Ephesians 4:11–12). The greater your foundation in any subject, the easier it is to integrate new information and concepts into your outlook on life.

Of course there are other great benefits that come from fellowshipping with believers at the local church. Here's just one more. A lone wolf at home on Sundays eventually becomes easy pickings for the Adversary.

-Brad

[Keith]

Excellent Brad! Let's look closer at your reference verse a moment:

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25)

Not only are we instructed to assemble in church together, but it's stressed to do it to a greater degree as we see the End approaching! We all see the signs of our times...this ministry specifically making an effort to keep the brethren informed as to the nearness of the Lord's appearance for us.

And since we "see all these things" (Matthew 24:33), our attendance in church isn't just a suggestion, it's an order! God is telling us: 'Time is short! Prepare yourselves...I'm soon bringing you Home!'

What an exciting time to be alive and serving Him!

[sallyw]

Amen!

[S F Lord]

Sept 1, 2011 7:55:43 GMT -6 Keith said:

and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25)

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That is timely and Holy Spirit inspired to bring to our attention the words in the above quote. "So much the more". It absolutely tells us the reason why.

And it is more than just being there. We have all posted and commented on the complacency of the church today, we have asked the question, where is the church, where is it's stand and response to attacks on Christians and their faith. We don't have anyone on the national scene, like Billy Graham, today. The only preachers we hear about, or from, are those loosing their reputation for moral decay, or are preaching a gospel to please tickling ears.

Yes, great numbers are in church on any given Sunday, but there in body and habit only. We as a church, at this point in the end-times, have one weapon, and one weapon only and that is fervent, crying out, on your knees 'til in aches PRAYER !!

When in trouble, when torn by their sin, when surrounded by a vast enemy, when rebuked for worshiping false gods, what did the Israelites do? They cryed out to God for forgiveness.

Thats what the church must do today. Stop the programs, the small groups, the morning coffee studies, the evening studies, the meetings to have a better constitution written. Preachers should be prayed for to have a renewed Holy boldness to confront congregations with a call for prayer, not just 1 hour a week but prayer for a solid week or more.
God listened to His people when they cryed out to Him. He hasn't changed, we have.

Church related programs and activities are great, part of the reason why we assemble together. However, if these things are done without being prayed up, in concert with our Lord, they are somewhat useless.

We must return to the only thing that we have, other than Gods word, and that is PRAYER..

Who knows where a vast increase in prayer might take us. Will it stop the Arabs from hating the Jews? Probably not.... But it just might bring a whole bunch of sinners in need of a Saviour to our church pews

[Keith]

Wonderful, Bob!

[Murph]

Nothing as powerful as God's word except prayer and God's people on their knees talking with our Father...Who is in Heaven...

[bcool]

First.... everybody please tell me that there's a JESUS IS COMING ARE YOU READY ALERT BANNER on this board? Whoa! Caught my attention for sure. Here I am Lord!

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Now to "so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" and comments by Bob and all. Thanks folks. I've got a friend in Texas who is discouraged about a couple of churches he's been to recently and wants to just sequester himself at home instead of prayerfully keeping up the search.. Dynamite stuff! Thanks.
-Brad

[Keith]

Sept 1, 2011 16:51:41 GMT -6 bcool said:

First.... everybody please tell me that there's a JESUS IS COMING ARE YOU READY ALERT BANNER on this board? Whoa! Caught my attention for sure. Here I am Lord!

Banner? What banner?

Sept 1, 2011 16:51:41 GMT -6 bcool said:

Now to "so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" and comments by Bob and all. Thanks folks. I've got a friend in Texas who is discouraged about a couple of churches he's been to recently and wants to just sequester himself at home instead of prayerfully keeping up the search..

When we left our old church years ago, we tried several until we found the one that preached the Truth, and we've been there ever since. It may take awhile, but the destination is worth the trip! Tell him to hang in there.

[Murph]

Amen to that Keith. Did the same when I left a church that looked to be going liberal...and found Alton Batpist Church. Been there ever since. Had been to churches in my search where preacher men were preaching about football games and Andy Griffin...knew I had found a home when I walked into Alton and the Preacher was preaching a series on the Doctrine of Christ!

Been there ever since...Praise the Lord and pass the Ammo!

Praying that your friend will find a church...but he has to keep on looking.

[bcool]

continuing the theme of readiness.....

"And now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears we may have confidence and not shrink from Him in shame at His coming" (1 John 2:28).