Faith
By Judge John Marshall Meisburg, Jr., 7-24-25
Many Christians today have left the local church, and believe they can just watch church on TV or online, or listen to podcasts! This trend really took off during COVID, which was a major Satanic attack on the Church of Jesus Christ. It is a trend that is totally anti-Biblical and must be reversed.
We begin with Scripture and a mandate from the Lord. In the Book of Hebrews, we read the following:
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on, toward love and good deeds. 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.” Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV). Another version says “Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together, as some are in the habit of doing.” NKJ.
And why did the Lord tell us to keep assembling together? What was in His heart? Why is attending a local church so important? I have 11 reasons!
Number one, the local church is essential to our salvation. It is in the local church that most people are saved and baptized, after hearing the Gospel. And it is very important to keep attending church in order to preserve our salvation. Jesus said “He who endures to the end will be saved.” Matthew 10:22; Matthew 24:13. These passages speak of the importance of persevering in our faith, and the local church is critical to assist us in that effort.
Number two, there is safety in numbers. Satan is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, and he easily can attack “Lone Ranger” Christians. 1 Peter 5:8. We can even see this principle in the animal kingdom: the lions and tigers always attack the lone zebras and wildebeests who are away from the herd.
Number three, there is great power in corporate praise and worship. God inhabits the praises of His people. Psalm 22:3. The presence of the Lord is strong when His saints come together to praise Him.
Number four, there is great power in corporate prayer. In Matthew 18:19-20, Jesus says this: “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them”. Thus corporate prayer is an important part of the life of the local church, along with worship, sound doctrine, and fellowship. Jesus said “My house shall be a house of prayer.” Matthew 21:13.
Number five, there is great power in corporate study of the Word and preaching. I believe that when Christians study the Word of God together, they are given different and great spiritual insights that cannot be copied alone. He shows us the secrets of the Kingdom.
Number six, there is great power in corporate fellowship, which the Bible calls “Koininea.” This is not just secular socializing. This is Christian fellowship in the gathering of the saints of the Lord. This is powerful communion among believers . It is fellowship related to our shared relationship with Christ and extends to mutual support, encouragement and participation in each other’s lives. This is very special, and you cannot get this at home.
The early, New Testament church met regularly in the temple and each other’s homes, sharing meals, and communion and breaking bread together. Acts 2:46.
Number seven, Lone Ranger Christians face the danger of believing false doctrine that does not square with Scripture. The local church is key to keeping Christians balanced spiritually and on the right path Biblically. Where there is spiritual error, the local church can provide correction.
Number eight, Iron sharpens iron. We need other Christian believers in our life to help us grown spiritually and correct us when we fall.
Number nine, we all have spiritual gifts that can be used in the local church to benefit each other. The Lord Jesus gave the 5-fold ministry to the local church: apostles, prophets, pastors, evangelists and teachers. Ephesians 4:11. You have to attend a local church to benefit from these spiritual gifts, which were given by the Lord to build up and edify Christians and bring them into spiritual maturity.
Number ten, there is great power in corporate giving and tithing. God says to “bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this says the Lord Almighty and see if I will not open the windows of Heaven and pour out so much blessing that you cannot contain it.” Malachi 3:10. The “storehouse” in this passage means the local church. When Christians come together and tithe to the local church, God can do amazing things on the earth, in terms of building churches, evangelism, and sending out missionaries all over the world to fulfill the Great Commission.
Number eleven, we are told by the Lord to “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2. Jesus said “By this they will know that you are my disciples, that you love one another.” John 13:35. By attending a local church, we can love each other, pray for one another, and serve one another and help those in need because they are family. The Bible tells us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15. You cannot do this isolated at home.
In conclusion, regular attendance at a local, Bible-believing church is essential and indeed mandatory for Christians who want to preserve their salvation, grow spiritually, and take part in corporate praise and worship, corporate prayer, corporate fellowship and corporate study of the Word, and service to others in the family of God, all of which are very powerful!
John Meisburg is a retired Judge and practicing local attorney
The views expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Citizens Journal Florida
