8 reasons God wants you to go to CHURCH 

The American church is in catastrophe and more Christians need to speak on this issue. I think we should welcome things like home churches as long as their being led by someone who teaches with authority from the bible alone

I don't attend church because of the celebration of pagan holidays.

Matt. 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. This 100% covers "Church Meeting" wherever you are. At Home, Lunch, the Park, Camping, anywhere! Hebrews 10:25 falls under Matt. 18:20 No where does it say that the pastor is over the apostles, prophets, evangelists, and teachers, but they teach it like that today. Eph. 4:11-12 says Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service. ***And this is the problem we have within the church body*** WHY? Because Jesus Himself gave these people who basically all do the same thing, to teach people about Jesus, Salvation, and Eternal life. However, the problem is, the ones that are a pastor at a denominational church business, says THEY will decide who becomes a pastor/preacher/evangelist/minister or not. Do you see the problem there? Because 1 Tim 3:1 says it is up to the individual who aspires to become a teacher, and 1 Tim 3:10 says let them serve after being tested. I personally was rejected by First Church of the Nazarene, and Calvary Chapel, with one pastor from Calvary Chapel laughing at me, and then a pastor from the Nazarene camp saying "We are taught to guard our pulpit, and not let anyone take from us". Thing is, I wasn't trying to take his precious pulpit away from him. WoW! I was just wanting to get involved, in which no one wanted me to get involved. This was years ago, and the denominational system is still the same way. They just want you coming there every week giving them Free Money so they can keep their job. Can any Christian out there in Christian Land tell me what's wrong with that? Meaning did James worry that someone else was going to take his title as Disciple over? How about Paul? Peter? The answer in NO! And why is that Saints? Because James, Paul and Peter didn't have a position of power or job title, because they were doing what they were called to do. This is the problem today, because these paid pastors fear losing their paid positions. Doesn't that remind you of Matt 23? Read it and you will see, because the Sanhedrin loved their positions of power, and they loved being greeted in the market place and so on. It just reminds me of them, because today's pastors/evangelists and tv preachers are like rock stars to their fans swarming around them like they're something special, and none of this is taught in the Bible, but they do it anyway. See, Jesus, the Disciples and Apostles didn't have a pampered little building to go to everyday, with all the luxuries they have today? Why not you ask? This was the King of King's and His Disciples; weren't they taking in millions from all the people that followed them around? The answer is NO... They didn't preach from a building, but the pastors do today. They didn't pass an offering plate and then keep the money for themselves like the pastors do today. There is no record anywhere that Jesus, the Disciples and Apostles ever built a building calling it a church, nor did they ever elect a pastor for said church building, nor did they ever teach us once to pass an offering plate, and then take the money to fund a building, pastor and staff; but the pastors do it today without hesitation. Did you ever wonder about that Saints? Well today, I'm going to share with you where it a came from. First of all the Food Tithe from the Old Testament was hijacked from the Old Covenant Scriptures, and changed into a Money Tithe System by the Roman Catholics in 355AD with Rome making the people pay their local priests 10% of their income, while calling it a tax. Secondly, it was the Roman Catholics that first invented the building to meet in 255AD, and by 356AD they had the people pay for the building and the priest no matter if they attended or not. When Martin Luther left the German Catholics, he introduced the money tithe system to the Reformation, which found its way to America from the denominations leaving Europe. And today, we have over 15,000 different denominations here in the USA all teaching a heresy Money Tithe System of 10% by their local denomination/tv preachers. The denominations here in the USA look like the RC's, they act like the RC's, they elect a head man for the building like the RC's, and of course they pass the plate and have the people fund everything like the RC's. But not one word of this is taught in the Holy Bible Saints! There is not one verse where they built a building, elected a pastor and charged a 10% money tithe to the people. It's not in the Bible, so therefore it is not Biblical. No church buildings were ever built, No teaching the people to elect a pastor, and No passing an offering plate telling the people to give 10% of their income to their local church; but that's just it, there was no local church, because they met in the homes of people, and that is Biblical! Paul said we are to be imitators of Christ. Did Jesus do any of this Saints? NO He didn't even have a pillow to lay his head down on folks. Please read the entire New Testament people, not certain verses taken out of context; and you will see the Collections taken up went to the church people for Equality. Jesus, the Disciples and Apostles NEVER once stuck out their hands, saying pay me, I'm preaching to you. Let's read what Jesus said when He sent out the 12. Matthew 10:8 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Jesus said, Freely you have been given, now go give it away for FREE. Jesus didn't charge anyone to become a believer, nor did he charge people when he healed them. Let's read what Paul said: 2 Corinthians 2:17 Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God. We do not peddle the Word of God for profit. Shall I go on Saints? If Paul didn't preach the Gospel for profit, am I to? No Just because someone is on tv or at the local religious denominational business, doesn't mean I need to give them a 20. I've been teaching God's Word to people for years, and I haven't accepted a penny for my work, because I worked for my keep just like Paul said he did, With his hands...It doesn't matter what time of the day or night it is, I'm ready to serve when called upon, just like right now.

Please pray that I find the right church with the right people. Thanks in advance, God bless all.

I want to go to church but the church hurt was too painful and deep. Hopefully I'll be able to soon.

I love church and fellowship but am unable to drive and to exhausted to leave my home.. I'm 62 and disabled so I do my fellowship online or with family! I watch sermons and keep in the word and in prayer all day! There are those of us who physically can't get to church! I think God understands this!

I disagree on several points. The trouble with aging into our eighties we have long memories to look back on. Now I can remember back to my pre-teens when we weren't ushered out of the church to a kids group but stayed in the main body for the entire service. We listened to four bible readings, we had a sermon explaining those readings. We had prayer. Yes we prayed for the Queen, (it's easy to see why she has been on the throne for 70 years. Millions of people prayed for her every Sunday) We prayed for our elected leaders. We prayed for international issues that were adversely affecting people. We prayed for the sick, the church, the community at large. So what do we have today? We spend the first half hour in the dark singing silly songs. We have a motivational talk that goes on for ever. We don't pray for the world, it's leaders, or anybody. It's all a human hype driven show. We are presented with a watered down gospel where Jesus loves everybody. He doesn't seem to want us to repent now. The Holy Spirt has evolved into some sort of Mickey Mouse character. The church needs to pull it's socks up and act like a church.

1:08 Jesus didn't assume anything about anyone because He KNEW them. We, as followers, may be prone to assume things at times but that would not be like Christ. This is why we are to acknowledge the Father in ALL of our ways as His ways are perfect. We never have to play guessing games in the Kingdom. When it comes to assembling ourselves together, it should be with like minded people. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. WHERE there are 2 or 3 gathered in my name, there will Jesus be in the midst. Jesus is the way, the truth and the light! 🙂 God bless!🙏🏾

I love the Proverbs 18:1 reference that says a man who isolates himself becomes more apt to commit sin. This is very true! Look at the problem so many people have with secret pornography addictions. A healthy church is a place of encouragement to recharge, renew and be reminded of God's Truth's in an often dark and fallen world.

The Early believers actually gathered daily. The church is a body not an institution so we really need one another. Of course there needs to be organization but it should be structured like a family not a business. It's about having love relationships after all. I can not imagine people doing well when persecution hits if they are not connected closely with other believers. I can only speak for myself but it is hard for me to imagine losing the religious freedom that we have in the western culture but the political sands are shifting. It is very easy to become complacent when you live in a bubble and many Christians are very cozy in the western world culture. If persecution comes the true followers of Jesus will have to rely on one another.

This is the answer you're always going to get when its origin is from a traditional Christian church. They really can't teach otherwise without fear of lost attendance, decrease in salaries, etc. I used to be a salaried Senior Pastor, so I always knew the dangerous discussions to avoid. I was hoping he wouldn't site Hebrews 10:24-25, but he did. This is the "go-to" verse on church attendance. This is actually the only passage in the entire New Testament that says to "attend," when misinterpreted. But is this what the passage is really speaking about? If you consider the context, it's actually addressing something else entirely. It is speaking of that "blessed hope," of Christ's return. Notice also this oft quoted section of Scripture: "Forsaking not the assembling of ourselves..." The Greek word for "assembling," is used in only one other passage in the New Testament. It is found in the context of 2 These. 2:1-2, where is speaks of our being "gathered" to Him at His return. The Hebrews passage is saying the same. We are not to forget, abandon (or another way to put it, we should keep in the forefront of our mind) the time of our being assembled with Him as we see that Day approaching. And if we were to stick to the inaccurate interpretation of "church attendance," it never speaks of where or when this fellowship is to take place. Nothing about Sunday or Saturday in this text. Secondly, the current traditional church does not represent our early ancestors, for they met throughout the week for fellowship in each other's homes. The typical traditional church of today still incorporates much from the Roman Catholic Church. The Senior Pastor now serves in the role of the Catholic priest, even though he no longer absolves of sin, etc. But the church still revolves around his teaching, preaching, ministry and vision. He is still placed on a spiritual pedestal. He is still addressed with a respectful title (even though Jesus condemned this in Matthew 23). God's people are divided by all these manmade Christian institutional churches. Plus, there is no command to give to a church every week. It just isn't in the Bible, but they won't tell you these things. 1 Cor. 16:1-2 can't be used because that is addressing saving, not giving (lay by in store), and it is for a special collection that Paul is collecting. It is not non-ending. In fact, as one studies the New Testament carefully, he or she will discover that the entire reason for giving was to provide for needy saints such as widows, orphans, traveling Apostles and missionaries. It was never for salaried local pastors. Not even Jewish Rabbis were paid till about the 5 or 6th century. And this is only the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more that I could say about this.

So you aren't saying I can receive spiritual nourishment outside of the building of people? I thought we receive from jesus himself, rather than a tax exempt institution. It seems like your argument states you HAVE to go to church to receive wisdom and truth from Christ and this is a lie that I was unfortunately led to believe at a young age. I have grown closer to God by leaving the institutional church, and joining the universal church.

My mother was also "hurt by the church" she is allergic to alot of natural perfumes that the members would wear. After a little notice to the church members that she heavily reacts to many perfumes she was judged by people saying that she just wanted attention or was lying because how can anyone react to anything natural (how about peanuts). She finally gave up even trying to go to church because she would usually sit somewhere uncomfortable and away from everyone so she didn't smell the perfume.

Because I would love to find a GOOD church I am trying to get to a place where I am brave enough to go back. Wish I could find one that leaves me feeling closer to Christ and no wanting to run for the hills. I'm just not willing to accept the behavior I experienced from church members in the past. There was shunning, gossip, lies and mild abuse. Perhaps that is not your experience but it is mine. It does happen to some of us and the denial of that is what made me lose trust of the church. If it were my own fault I would admit it and change it. It's not me in this case. Never was. It seems any time one questions their bad actions they turn it around on you and say you lack faith. Honestly, I don't lack faith in God. I lack faith in many of his followers. What if we leave feeling shunned and more alone? Please don't tell me it's in my own head because that excuse for the bad actions of others is scapegoating. Something Christ taught against. Some of us love Christ more than anything but just can't be part of something that has hurt us.

All through the new testament Jesus talks about the key to eternal life. Jesus said Loving the Lord with a true heart will get you eternal life. Doing the will of the Father gets you into the Kingdom. Having God in our hearts is what he is looking for, doing wh a t Gods wants us to do not what we think he wants us to do, abd there is a lot of false teaching going on these days. Jesus said the father is looking for those who worship him in spirit and truth, and although Jesus taught in the synagogues he did not teach synagogues or church going as a key element in eternal life, he taught relationship and he taught everywhere he went, on hills, mountains in valleys, by the road side wherever he was. We the people his children are the church, and our bodies is his temples, our hearts. I think we are putting to much emphases on a building, rather than on making sure we have the right relationship with God. I don't belive God is telling us to organize a church nor create rules, he's telling us he sees his church in those who have a true heart for him. 2 John talks about keeping the truth we got from the beginning. Jesus talks to the churches in Revelation about keeping their true love for him that some have lost. We will be judged on if we have Gods son a true heart for him, not on if we went to a building all the time. These days church has become a christian organization of mans traditions, I honestly doubt that God is in a lot of them. We have more christian organizations, than we have places that promote a real relationship with Christ according to Gods word. God bless you.

Its just that it has been hard to find authentic relationships there. Most are based out of duty, obligation, going through the motions or just putting a smile on your face while you say hi

Okay so going to a bad church makes me even feel more lonely because people give the worst advice, try and control, feel weird around them, most people are married or old so I can’t relate and I went to saddleback church growing up which was not right for me. Idk I get weird not only when I’m alone but worse when I go to the wrong church. I want to learn about Jesus not find the next best thing or class they have to offer like all the mega churches. Idk why I feel super close to my co workers like that’s a covenant yet I don’t feel close to anyone in the church. I’m hoping this will change.

The bible does not speak of going to church as a church system or a church building. All references to the church in the bible is a group of believes, not a church system. Church systems began in 320 Ad under Alexander and he merged Christianity with paganism. Church systems are man made and not biblical. In fact they are exactly what Jesus did not want.

Matthew 6:5-6 "When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in synagogues, and on street corners so that they my be seen by men. But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you."

While, most of these points I agree with, I think it’s crazy to kind of dismiss “church hurt” the way you have here. We’ve had several issues with people trying to come to the Lord and being slapped back from that, because of “saints”. THATS a serious issue and bitterness inside of the church, that’s SHOULD be dealt with, but instead-so many pastors are worried about numbers in pews, rather than cutting that kind of stuff off at the pass. Jesus himself said “suffer not these little ones” I don’t think that was only referring to children, but babes in Christ. And if we are hurting them from the inside, that’s an issue that doesn’t necessarily start with the unsaved.

1) Money. 2) Money. 3) Money. 4) Money. 5) Money. 6) Money. 7) Money. 8) Money.

This is a lovely, encouraging video. Thank you. I've recently started going to church again as I strayed for a few years when I was younger. I'm so glad I've started going and this video makes a lot of sense x

Too much Church hurt. Also, the amount of money spent on High Def Video Screens, State-of-the-Art Sound Systems, Coffee Bars, etc... not to mention Pastors living in $1Million + Mansions is anything but Christian. Also, once your seen how the sausage is made (the Big Business of Church), it's very dark.

Church has become a top priority in my life but that has not been like that all of my life! I was always a believer but I didn't start going to Church until later in life. I am in my early fifties and look forward to going to Church in person every Sunday morning! No Church is perfect and it sometimes takes time to find one that you like or switch to a different Church after a period of time. I love worshipping in a full Church with others as it lifts me up!

It’s encouraging that you recognize and see what church actually is. Church isn’t a place you go to on Sunday mornings. Church is gathering with other believers, on a consistent basis, and growing in the Lord and in relationship and love with eachother.

"Church" started out with a few gathered in private homes...without sole spectators, all were involved in the gathering in some way. Jesus clearly said that leaders should serve and not take titles. Apostle, prophet and pastor are job descriptions, not titles. One if the main changes that occurred happened 70 years after Jesus' death and resurrection. Ignatious, leader of the church in Antioch instituted a hierarchy of leadership. This was based on Roman City Government. The bible clearly states that competition leads to ambition and envy. The bible promotes "regarding one another as more important as one's self." It does not support competition. Also, another major change happened 230 years after that. The Roman Emperor Constatine made Christianity the official religion if the Empire. Instead of being a persecuted minority humbly serving the outcasts if society, we have church as we know it today. It was never meant to be an institution. It was meant to be a body in the image if Jesus, with love reigning and definitely without competition and envy. The church today doesn't need reformation, it needs transformation!! Don't continue to be deceived.

Is repentance, I go to church… Remember… But what think you? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him. Matthew 21:28-32 In JESUS Name… + + + And they went out, and preached that men should repent. the kingdom of God…

The issue with this is that scriptures which support the follower should not neglect church wasn't talking about the factions we have nowadays. In the bible the church was just simply believers seeking truth not people who've chosen to label themselves based on a particular doctrine which is what Paul.was talking about.

Hey I’ve been hurt by religion and church that’s a valid reason 😂 I find it funny cuz that’s literally what I told my wife 10 minutes ago. Subbed

@Mike Winger - what do you say to someone who says 'I can do small group but not church'

My question is what do you say to people (like myself) who find social activities very draining? Whenever I go to church I find myself leaving drained and usually a little bitter, just because social interaction (especially on large scales) is very difficult for me. As a side note, I've gone to church my entire life and continue to go, my dad is a pastor, my brother is a pastor, my best friend is a pastor, his brother is a pastor, and his father is a pastor, all at different churches.

I don't think his message was to atheist, or agnostic. Clearly stated the church is the believers in Christ.

The only people that teach all the bible you say are not Christian so where are the Christians that are doing the will of GOD? Mathew 7 : 21

4:01 I know this is an old video but I want to say I see an issue with the modern church in that, it would seem that this isnt really something that is encouraged in the "churches" of today. At least, in terms of the physical building. Its just hearing the preacher preach, and then leaving. There isnt really any opportunity to pour out to others. Except in the specific ways the church asks for them, and even then only certain people who volunteer to do certain things in the church to help it all physically run. None of it seems like a way to pour out to other if one of your gifts is something like encouragement as you had the example of before. How can I encourage anyone who needs it if all I do is show up and then leave without talking to anyone?

You could redo this video--but first read Richard Jacobson's Unchurching book and check out his comics. Also, Letter's To The Church by Francis Chan, and Pagan Christianity. I am currently not convince that God wants me to "go to church." Yes, by His will I am part of His church and He wants me to gather with other believers for "church" but it doesn't need to be in a building with paid pastors and worship leaders and children's programs, etc. This pandemic has really opened a way for people to see how we can change for the better.

Oh man.. I feel so alone in my Christian walk. My hubby is a non believer but does attend church with me. Since church isn't really his favorite place to be we're pretty in and out so I haven't met anyone😕

I can refute each and every one of those false teachings. First of all, WE, as in the PEOPLE, ARE the Church, and NOT the EGOS of people, the religions, the denominations, or even the buildings, again, it is WE that are the Church, as is appointed by YAHWEH EL ELOHIM Himself. Second, Christianity is NOT supposed to be an organized religion, and the reason for that is because other religions have organizations, but Christianity is supposed to be a way of life, and not an organization; it is a way of FAITH, and NOT a way of mere words, or even works, for works can hide ulterior motives that do not line up with the Holy Scriptures. YAHASHUA HA'MASHIACH made THAT concept VERY clear to the evil religious hypocrites that ruled in the Gospels...see the places that are in the Gospels when the Pharisee was making a big to do with how much that they were donating to the Temple and how the poor widow that had only two mites gave to the Temple. Humility goes a long way in the Sight of YAHWEH EL ELOHIM, and many places that are in the Holy Scriptures reflect such a mindset. However, this is not to say that YAHASHUA HA'MASHIACH, or ANY Form and Function of YAHWEH EL ELOHIM Himself hates organization, far from it, but, rather, He prefers organization by His Holy Word and His Holy Will rather than what WE want to do to Him in our lives. You cannot, nor should you, dare to even THINK about putting any Form, and/or Function, of YAHWEH EL ELOHIM, into a box. Third, to assume that YAHASHUA HA'MASHIACH wants anything is, honestly, an insult to Him and His Holy Word, unless He SPECIFICALLY says as much in His Holy Word, and/or had SPECIFICALLY implied as such in His Holy Word. Do you know the Mind of YAHWEH EL ELOHIM personally? If the answer is no, then you honestly should not even THINK about blaspheming Him in such a manner, as that can lead to an unpardonable sin in your life. Fourth, as was said earlier, the early followers (and, by the way, it is insulting to call the followers merely believers, as even YAHASHUA HA'MASHIACH had PLENTY to say about such things Himself), did things as was described in these other things that are in this message. Fifth, no, the early followers DID NOT meet on Sundays, as that was a pagan compromise that Emperor Constantine had forced upon people towards the end of the Roman Empire. The REAL early followers actually followed the Jewish/Hebrew Shabbat (Sabbath), which is generally agreed to be between what we would now call Friday sundown to Saturday sundown). What Emperor Constantine, and, by extension, the Roman Catholic "church", and a lot of other false forms of so-called "Christianity", follow, is a selfish, erroneous, wicked, vile, and evil falsely misinterpreted view of the Holy Scriptures. Moreover, in the Gospels, it is VERY clear that the Disciples followed the Hebrew/Jewish Shabbat, and YAHASHUA HA'MASHIACH had ALSO followed the Shabbat Himself as well, as He is literally YAHWEH EL ELOHIM Himself as well, not to mention that He was also descended from a lot of priests and leaders that did likewise from His human mother. (This post will continue in another post.)

The church I attend to makes me feel the opposite of what we should feel when we gather together. I feel guilt, remorse,and I don't come out feeling refreshed. All I think about is that I'm not doing enough for God. It's very draining. I've stopped going. I pray and read the bible everyday. I do this with my daughters as well. I listen to yt videos but it's not the same. I know I need to commit to my church but I'm seriously thinking about finding a different one, a different denomination I mean. Pray for me my brothers and sisters in Christ 🙏

Church is cool, but pursuing after God Himself is even better. True religion, pure and undefiled is caring for the widows and fatherless. I dont need someone to tell me that is the right thing to do. The law is written on my heart now.

I agree with this premise BUT, my issue is, more often than not, going to church actually gets in the way of the true purpose of the assembly. We've been trained to think that going to a building once or twice a week to watch a concert and a motivational speech will suffice for true fellowship, accountability, teaching, exhortation, etc. These things ARE RARELY happening in church meetings and MOST people know it! This is why folks aren't wasting their time anymore! And yes, there's home groups but, generally, it's frowned upon if you don't jump through the Sunday attendance hoop and then try to attend home fellowship! I believe the Greek theater paradigm of Christian churches nowadays is pagan in its roots and has very little to do with scripture! I've yet to find someone to convince me otherwise! Please help

I have to say that I like you but disagree with everything you said in this video. The only real reason out side of lack of physical ability is when the Church has gone Astray and that's what I believe. A lot of churches have the main point but I don't want to be indoctrinated with truth mixed with lies. I have no idea how God is going to judge us but if he is has harsh as he was on in the old testament then I feel sorry for the vast majority of churches of God.

The Church was and is the "assembly (church) of the body of believers" (who traveled through the wilderness together) So the only way we can go to that "body", is when we become one with it, spiritually, and recognize, are spiritually joined to, and fellowship with, even cooperate together with. Those who have turned the church into an organized hierarchy of paid leadership. With a centralized meeting hall. Usually are a gate back into the World, the Spirit is trying to lead us out of. They are in error! Like the Bible plainly says. "do not preach for filthy lucre sake," and "trust not in lying words, saying the temple of the Lord are these". And from the beginning of the movement of the Holy Spirit, recorded in the book of Acts. The Church was scattered from their centralized assembly in Jerusalem, by persecution, into all the world, to preach the gospel. This spirit lead movement sometimes solidified into a worldly like business of running the Church. Which through the ages, has done more damage to the movement of God than good. All of that doesn't mean God can't or doesn't use the local assemblies to benefit individual attendees. It does mean that the so called church assembly, has some merit but many faults. Check the letters to the churches in Revelations. When hierarchy lead assemblies fell away from the Lord. It was usually as a group they were lead astray by the teaching of their local leaders. It was individuals, or family unites, that kept themselves pure from worldly influences, better than the body of believers. People who want to make a living off of the church. Are the ones usually responsible for this failure.

When people say they don't like organized church, typically they mean they do not like the institutionalization, control, domination, indoctrination, etc, all of which tends to go along with these business institutions commonly referred to as churches. If as a non-catholic believer you think of the way the Catholic church has operated for centuries you get a good idea of what i mean. But in truth lots of this is also the case within perhaps the majority of non catholic institutions that call themselves christian churches as well. For example, the control of being told they have to find an institution to make into their home church in order to be a follower of Jesus, being told they need to "submit under" a pastor (most commonly a paid pastor), make this pastor and/or other leaders of the institution and/or the institution itself their "covering", being expected and/or pressured and/or guilted to give 10% of ones paycheck to this institution, being expected to just go along with what the institution, it's board, it's denomination, etc, has decided for you in pretty much every area of doctrinal belief and thus being expected to conform to all of these popularized institutionalized beliefs lest you be shunned, ostracized or worse, being expected to go to the institution every week lest you be looked down upon as if you are not committed to God Himself, being judged in various other ways for not conforming in every way to the expectations of the institution, its leaders and its congregants, and other negatives that are almost always associated with institutionalized / organized religion. As well, being expected to say none of the things i have said in this post lest you be shunned, ostracized or worse. Blessings to all.

The 9th reason, pastors need that cheddar!!!

If we believers are the church - how can we go to church? Yes we can gather with the church, but we don’t go to church, we are the church that gathers in Jesus name.

1 Corinthians 14:26. I do have great concern over this in it not happening today. Bible says when everyone shares its a STRONG church. I don’t have a problem going but I’m very concerned about how the biblical model is so different. I’m having a hard time understanding why it wouldn’t concern people if they read the book of Acts. It was not business like. Ive been on the inside of leadership and it’s very unbiblical. I’m very concerned. 😔

The way of the Christian has been overrun with weeds and the pollution of Satanic teachings so that the bible advice is Get out of her is it not? Revelation 18:4 I heard another voice out of heaven say: “Get out of her, my people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins, and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues.

People get weird going to church too bud.

Que Dios siga dándole la sabiduría en estos vídeos siga adelante! En Cristo! :)

This all assumes you are a believer.

Mathew 7:21-23 John 6:40 Isaiah 55:6 We need to work on "seeing Him" and "believing in Him". We need to work on seeking Him (Isaiah 55:6) while He may be found. This life is less about church and more about seeking Him. Then... we may see Him and know that He is, and look no longer as through a glass darkly. The hope of all... His face, His words, His will, His hand. Not figuratively. Not symbolically. But literally. If you have some friends to seek Him together, then even better. Minister to each other, sing praises together and pray together. It will look closer to what the early church looked like and less like "church" these days... and give to the poor, visit the sick and do good together. Not because your pastor guilt-tripped you into it. Not because your works save you (btw, they don't). But because you are actively seeking the face of your Savior and wish to please Him above all else. The testimonies abound for people having these experiences. Repent...which means to turn back or return.... turn back to Him, and seek Him with everything you are!!! All glory be His!!!!

I can't find anything you've said that would lead me to believe that I need to attend weekly church services. The same results can be had by fellowshipping with believers in other forms of gatherings. As you said, the church is each and every believer. Where two or three are gathered together in Jesus' name, He is there in the midst of them. I can fellowship 6 days a week with my brothers and sisters in the Lord and NOT go to church services on Sunday and STILL have the same benefits. I can use my gifts in a group of three or four just as I can use my gifts in a group of 100. I can worship the Lord in a group of two or three just as easily as I can in a group of 50. I could go on and on. As long as I'm gathering together with my brothers and sisters, it doesn't matter whether I'm in a church building, in my home, in their home, at the beach, sitting in front of the library, etc... As long as our focus is on the Lord and we're teaching, admonishing, loving and correcting one another, as long as we're worshiping the Lord and delving into His word, as long as our main focus is on God, it doesn't really make a difference where we do it.

But what if there is false teaching at your local church?

hey i believe in the church and already knew some of this stuff but i just feel like its a waste of time can u cover that excuse???

I cant be completely sure i will go to church this sunday but i want to right now as i see its benefits and the effects of not assembling with other believers.

I'm late watching this video but on the subject of people being hurt by the church, I'm going to reply because this is a bigger issue than you described and, though your position may not be the same today is it was back then, it warrants conversation. There Comes A Time for Christians in the modern Church when, having been abused emotionally buy multiple churches, they quit going and decide to stop trying. There is much wrong with the modern Church as it typically exist in this country. The problem that makes this even tougher is that people who complain they were hurt, instead of receiving support from other Christians, are commonly cited and told they must not be real Christians with real faith if they quit over being hurt by the other people in the church. It is being used over and over again as a way of beating the recalcitrant member over the head, blaming the victim before the victimization and excusing bad behavior on the part of church people and congregations. Under those circumstances, and I've experienced that myself, it's no wonder more and more people are wandering away from the modern social clicks we call it Church to do their own thing. It's no wonder that organic churches meeting in homes have become more popular. I often wonder what God's response will be towards churches that cause Believers to stumble like this.

I was really closed to believe you.but the problem is that the people that works at church they are the biggest siners of all time but according to them they are so perfect because they attend to church every Sunday and I don’t attend to church every Sunday and I don’t think this people should deeply believe they are better than me just because I don’t attend to church every Sunday . That is breaking gods rules this people working at church including the father they are just regular people trying to survive life just like anyone else … I been catholic all my life and I had a really extremely bad bad experience just recently that I know it has to do with people that works there. So after I tried for so many years trying to get my son in law to go to church finally he decided to go get baptized and he needed to study for a full year before he can baptized and get his first communion so he asked me if i could be his godfather and I very proud of him I said yes so after going for a year to study one month before they didn’t except me as his godfather according to them because I don’t attend to church every Sunday .. and my question is who in the heck is this idiot people to tell people when they supposed to go to church and when to confess and who’s going to be your godfather???? That right there is breaking gods law

Organized religion isn’t about actually being “organized” as in like a set standard. It’s the idea of the organization of religions. It’s the idea of people constantly fighting and bickering about their respective religions, a group of flawed peoples interpreting the Bible in order yo say that “my religion is right, and yours is wrong and because of that your soul is doomed”. That’s what people mean when they say they’re against organized religion. For example, i was raised Mormon and left that church when i was about 12. as a teenager I was involved in a non-denominational Christian church, and I showed up to a youth event and was straight up asked, “what are you doing here? Aren’t you Mormon?” And because of that snarky comment, people looked at me differently and treated me differently because of my upbringing.

What is the duty of a pastor and that of a teachers? Do you know the commandment yeshua gave to his disciples..you are saying to use gifts in the church, like exorcism? The Bible says every believer has been given power and authority over serpent and scorpion. In Ephesians it says every believer should put on the whole armor of God. most gifts like speaking in tongue are meant for the unbelievers .if you all speak same language why speak in tongue..read luke 16:16.. and u know that the good news about the kingdom of God needs to be preached to every individuals..dont lock urself in those churches, do what Jesus as commanded, good news ABOUT THE KINGDOM OF GOD TO EVERYONE, who is not in those churches. And here is the true worship Romans 12:1

The most important reason we go to church/come together as believers is to break bread. Other reasons follow this main reason. Remember the bible makes it clear that they moved from house to house to break bread, they met to break bread etc all phrases which indicate the importance of breaking bread when we meet. It is disheartening that this core reason for meeting is the one most ignored. How do we go the whole month to church without breaking bread in our meetings? Read carefully your bibles. Breaking bread is everything we need. It is preaching the gospel, in breaking bread we get healed, we are set free from every oppression, we get the spoils of our warfare ...the list is endless. This service was removed or confused by the Devil so that he makes all our meetings useless. Please fellow brothers and sisters let us revisit this important service and be careful to do it in a worthy manner. Amen

Brother you are preaching church but rather preaching Jesus. You worry to much about people not attending church. You should know it’s not a sin not to go church. because going to church is meeting with other believers anywhere and anytime. you are all just like the pharisees. Couldn’t give up the law and follow Jesus. Jesus has set us free it’s what Jesus has done for us.

This makes me glad I continue going to Church....

Pastor DEFINE CHURCH? not our definition, the Bible's definition. I am not against organized meetings of the body but I have seen and been involved in "Churches'" that I want nothing to do with now.

AFreshWord.org Weekend release! 8 reasons why you should regularly congregate with other disciples of Jesus! afreshword.org/post/103164212568/mike-winger-is-an-associate-pastor-at

Not disagree with the overall message, though it's not always easy for all believers to find other local like-minded believers with whom they can gather together, but I don't believe the "gathering together" spoken of in Heb 10:25 (Reason #3) is talking about physically gathering together with other believers. It seems to me to be talking about our having been "gathered together" into "one body," and against those who would be guilty of what Paul preached against in 1 Cor 12 when he wrote about the whole body not being an eye, etc, and "that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another." And, unfortunately, there is lots of schism in the body of Christ, which is exactly why some believers cannot find local fellowship.

Who or what is the assembly (church) in the wilderness that Steven spoke of Acts7:38 to whom was given the living oracles by the Angel of God? Ephesians 2:11-13 vs12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the Commonwealth of Isreal and strangers from the covenants of promise,... Ephesians 3:7 that the Gentiles should be Fellow Heirs, of the same body and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel. Not two bodies, one body in Christ. There is one assembly which Messiah is restoring, that is Isreal, not the Christian Church. Sir, I respectfully ask you to read the Scriptures for yourself apart from your denomination filter before you try to teach. Start at the beginning not at the (New) Testament

Anyone interested in some thought provoking material on the issue of Institutional Church vs Ekklesia. Check out: The great ecclesiastical Conspiracy (Google it and RU-vid), The Harlot Church System (Google it, free to read online) and Pagan Christianity

I'll give you 2 reasons why you should not. 1, because scripture does not instruct believers to go to church, nor does scripture say a building is a church. It tells believers to BE the church, and it says the PEOPLE who are in the body of Christ are the temple. 2, all churches that are denominational are false churches, and so are all the churches that teach a monetary tithe.

Mike hebrew 10 speaks of leaving the local family and in the context of whole letter going back to the temple worship, going back to the Law!! Paul is not speaking of church hoping as this was Jerusalem church which was zealously observing following the law of Moses, they did not have too mant fellowships churches it was either home group or The Temple!!

There is some legitimacy in not liking the ''organized religion'' bit. Organized religion is uniting or doing religion totally along the lines of the fleshly influence we have over each other- power, fame, wealth, need to belong, partisan interest, nationalism, patriotism, fear, tradition. While these influences are never completely eradicated it can be minimalized and other noble sentiments can be replace them like: love for God, love for others, love to study and understand Gods word, love for prayer, fellowship, encouraging others through teaching, exhortation and instructions. If these be the aim of our hearts no way can we not rely on God for only God can give, add to and maintain these blessings.

Avoiding other people because of their ethnicity is prejudice not racism. I’m not sure why people use “racism” in place of bias prejudice and discrimination. Racism is a systemic act that prevents certain groups of people from accessing services, power, privilege, civil and human rights, or their pursuit of happiness.

I don't agree with most of your point. I think you should rewatch this video you made and make corrections. Especially because most of the bible passages used were used our of its contextual meaning. You only used it to back up your personal belief. Not affirming what the scriptures clearly states.

Your 8 reasons are valid but they are not reasons for going to church. A Christian cannot go to church. When one claims that the church is the people but yet continues to advertise the place and address of a building - Jesus calls that hypocrisy. The whole concept of man made institutional religion has nothing to do with God, being taught properly, having real fellowship or sharing of one's spiritual gifts. The only reason any value at all derives from these places is because the Spirit of God is present in some of the people. The church building has nothing to do with it and in fact is a huge liability. Here's my question: What's worse, not attempting or failing to find real spiritual fellowship in a manmade institution, or calling God the author of a worldly and carnal creation of man? I think Paul was right, most church goers gather not for the better but for the worse!

It’s sad how so many believes make excuses for not fellowshipping with the body of Christ. Then you have persecuted Christians in China that will gather even at the threat of imprisonment. What’s our excuse?

Mike Winger or Staff...if this even gets looked at, is there another video addressing the modern church not conducting itself as the early church? This is my primary concern and literally no one can answer it. Fellowship, as we call it today, looks nothing like it did in the early church? How would one address this to a local church today?

Hey there. You do realize there is a false church and a true church. We need discernment in order to destinguish. Modern churches structured like businesses are not the body of Christ. They are designed to keep you on the hamster wheel trying to work your way to salvation, just like all other religion. It's best to stay away and spread the gospel as you go. People in modern "churches" don't want to hear the Gospel. They have made their own false gospel already.

It is sad that you are a Chaplain and have a TH behind your name. You have totally taken this verse out of context. This verse is talking about a church who is dealing with a unrepentant brother. It is dealing with church discipline. Read your Bible in context brother before leading others astray. Matthew 18:15-20, “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector. Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. “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.”

*"Knock knock."* *"Who's there?"* *"It's me, Jesus... Let me in."* *"Let you in why?"* *"So I can save you."* *"Save me from what?"* *"From what I'm going to do to you if you don't let me in."*

Big oops. Along with those commands are times to worship and how to worship. Sunday is not mentioned. Deciples and early Christians set aside Friday sunset to Saturday sunset for weekly worship.

It's ok to say that we should go to church, but I have Schizoaffective disorder, and going to church triggers me. I can come across as hostile to people in church, and hence people at church seem to dislike me. How would you deal with this situation if you were me Mike. I rarely learn anything and people tend to avoid me at church. If I stay off of church due to being depressed or semi-psychotic, nobody contacts me. When I'm at church nobody choses to do anything with me.

I just got off the phone a bit ago where my older sister hung up on me. While she is religious, the word "church" sets her off. It's uncanny most of your excuses sounds like you were talking about her. I tell you, I honestly think Satan, or one of his minions is in her head telling her why she doesn't need to go to church. I'd love to send her this video, but it would do no good, she wouldn't watch it. She one of these people who thinks she's always right and the rest of the world is wrong. I pray for her, at this point, about all I can do.

Can you please talk about women as preachers. All I've read and studied about in the bible is woman should not be over man and be teachers of men. I believe this wholeheartedly, but all videos I see against women teachers are by men and they dont cover all scripture, which I feel like is not being entirely truthful and some women wont respond to the message. I've seen women preach on it, but also use women in the bible to bring their case to a "truth" without knowing the circumstances behind them and ignore scripture. I'd like an honest and Apologetic answer to the topic. I know it will cause a lot of backlash, but women who want the truth and not something that makes us feel good would be very interested in it. I can do it, but have no access to anyway to look legit and get it out to women who want the truth. Thanks!

A true Saint doesn’t want to keep sitting up in a church building hearing the same songs, same sermons, seeing the same people week after week. We are the church everywhere we go and in this current spiritual climate you cannot tell me that these are Saints in these church services!

People don't get nourishment from ALL the gifts when it's the same 2 or 3 people preaching every week! LoL. SMH!

My fiance doesn't go cause he says churches are all about money. I don't believe that's true. The church I go to isn't like that. I wish he would just give it a chance.

Wow I was surprised to find this video so fast. I was expecting to find some convoluted reason that made no sense. Kind of like looking for the right card for the anniversary. I hope people aren’t substituting watching a pastor on RU-vid with the real thing. Being isolated isn’t how Christ intended humans to be. Makes it easier for satan to work on. Of course not all churches are good. So be discerning. Pray that you find the right one. Watching church on YT is ok if it supplements what you’re already doing

But here's my view tho I'm someone who doesn't really believed in a church system deal I've been to many churches it's not that I don't like being around ppl it's just sometimes I'd rather read the bible and when I feel confused or uncertain then I'd prefer to go to church or consult a preacher or someone with more knowledge Wasn't it said that we should equip yourself with the knowledge of god and not be divided these days it feels that churches are that divided each one believing their faith is stronger or their faith is better ... We are one with Christ so why can't all churches at some point exchange ideals and communicate and become one that to me who be better

Almost every church I've been to are all smiles and hugs INSIDE the walls of the building but dont bother with me outside of the building.. even if I invite and offer to pay for lunch or whatever.. even after I asked why they only hug and smile inside on sundays but nothing else outside of the church they still ignore me. I can only assume its me, or its fake.

Early believers did not gather on Sunday morning. Nor did they have a " church building". They fellowshipped in homes and caves because Christianity was illegal..

I just dont understand how assoisiating with other people is for everyone. Some people need other peoples encouragment and love but if youre like me you feel better honestly when you work solo. I feel like church has become its own community, and if you dont think or speak or expeirance like the people in that church community youre labeled as an outcast. If i had a drug addiction and i had to choose to go to church or go to a close friend i would go to a close friend. Not only will they not judge you, theyll be real and honest with you. They wont give yiy some manifactured answer. I feel like churh takes tge personality out of you. Youre expected to believe sins are bad cause the bible says theyre bad. But we ourselves settle for tgat instead of investigating for ourselves and realizing why drinking can lead you astray or why adultery is worthy of condemnation. Christians. Wake up. Read the bible with your own eyes. I believe in God. But i find no purpise in church.

Bring back the Bible Thinker jingle! (At the intro) maybe speed it up for a new effect. Random unrequested suggestion. ;-)

What about when Jesus says not to call anyone of the earth father. Isn’t that a direct contradiction to calling a priest father? And when he says in John 2:19 to burn down the temple because of iniquitous behavior and that it will be rebuilt in 3 days(indicating that the temple is his body). I think the preface of what church is is counterintuitive to the message. He also says the man who looks back after using the plough will not get into heaven. And that being overly public about worship is a sin. All these indicate to me to not go to church and that church is inside of Me. Just an opinion. Church people seem like they just want church points and didn’t even read the book. Also only the 11 apostles (after Judas) ministered. I don’t think he meant anyone. He meant those few people.

I've been attending a church for almost a year... I feel accepted by some, but the pastors wife and a few others, treat me like a total stranger.

How do you share this with non-church goers on Facebook without looking like I think I'm better than than since I go to church?

what happens if i go to a church that teaches things that dont agree with the bible. since when does communion bread become more important than what the words of the bible say, also if love is always the answer you might get a restraining order from the police by a woman who doesnt love you back

Your reasons against are a bit hyperbolic. You make it sound like someone is a total hermit if they don't gather at a building. A big reason for gathering 2000+ years ago is because bibles didn't really exist. 95% of the "churches" today try to increase membership, not actually winning over souls and preach the same milk toast messages week after week. I'll continue to fellowship with family and friends and use what God has blessed me with to give directly to the widows. the poor and those in need, not to salaries, building mortgages, insurance, musical instruments, sound systems, maintenance and so on. Most of today's "churches" are nothing like what was prescribed in the bible.

Hey!!! What happened to the singing? Bring back the chipmunk

saying you dont need to go to church is basically saying you don't want to ! if you love god then you would want to go everyday ! i see your fruits in these comments I pray for you all

So great! I sent this to a dear friend and I pray that it convicts his heart. Thank you, Pastor Mike.

I respect your disbelief with organised religion but coming from the word "organised" says itself. Its not a bad thing to woship with other religious. Its a fellowship, to commune with others....❤