Why Should The Christ Follower Attend A Local Place Of Worship?

We'll answer the question using three Bible passages; Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Timothy 4:13 and Acts 2:42. As Christ followers, we must understand and embrace the fact that the New Testament consistently and repeatedly stresses the significance of local places of worship! As a matter of fact, it was the pattern of apostle Paul's ministry to establish local places of worship in the areas where he preached the gospel of Christ. Our passage in Hebrews 10:24-25 commands every Christ follower to be a part of such a local place of worship as well as revealing why this is needed! We read, "And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near," (Hebrews 10:24-25). It doesn't get much clearer than this! It's only in the local place of worship to which a person is committed that there can be the level of fellowship and intimacy needed for stimulating fellow Christ followers "to love and good deeds." Also, it's only in this setting that we can be "encouraging one another!" The Bible also teaches that every Christ follower is to be under the protection and care of the leadership of the local place of worship! These godly men (pastors and elders) are to shepherd the Christ follower by correcting, instructing, and teaching. The Lord has graciously given accountability to us through this godly leadership! See Hebrews 13:7 and 17. Furthermore, when apostle Paul gave Timothy instructions about the public meetings, he said, "Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching," (1 Timothy 4:13). Part of the significance in the local place of worship includes : hearing the Word of God, being called to a life of applying what's heard through exhortation, and teaching. These things are reasons why Christ followers are commanded to attend local places of worship! Finally, Acts 2:42 teaches the Christ follower what the early church did when they came together. It reads, "They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer," (Acts 2:42). Active attendance in the local place of worship is imperative to living a life of no compromise! It's only as we meet at local places of worship that the Christ follower can receive the teaching, accountability, and encouragement that's desperately needed to stand firm in our convictions! The local place of worship is designed by God to provide the environment where an uncompromising life can flourish! Your move. Be encouraged!