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

Millions of people have stopped attending church and feel there is nothing wrong with it. Satan gives them all kinds of excuses to keep them from attending church because he knows that when you disobey the Bible’s instructions, you are practicing sin.

When COVID hit the world, it shut down everything, including attending church. During that time of isolation, people found themselves depressed and confused, as well as returning to sinful actions from which God had delivered them.

Many churches closed their doors during COVID and didn’t reopen because of financial difficulties. Because people had stopped attending church, the church was not able to pay their monthly obligation, such as mortgages, utilities, and the upkeep of the church.

Churches have monthly obligations just like the congregants have for their homes or apartments. Tithes and offerings assist the church in meeting these obligations. When the doors are open, believers have a place to go to meet with God and other believers. The body of Christ is obligated to keep the doors of the church open; when we do so, God will bless us because we follow instructions.

Most importantly, the body of Christ must assemble itself in the church. Thank God we can watch church services from different social media, but it’s not like being in the actual church. Not just to give financial support, but to get our spirits fed, connecting ourselves with other believers.

We have the freedom to attend church and fellowship with other believers. In some foreign countries, Christians have to hide in basements in different areas of safety where they can worship without being harmed or locked in jail for their faith in Christ.

You don’t have to be in church to receive salvation, but you do have to be in church to maintain your salvation; if not, you will find yourselves saying something, doing something, or going places as Christians you shouldn’t be.

If the Bible is telling us to assemble ourselves, it’s a reason. The Bible was written by godly men, following the instructions God was giving them (All scriptures is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. For the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works – 2nd Timothy 3:16-17). When we reject the instructions, we’re being disobedient, which is sin, and according to the Bible, the wages of sin is death.

Joining ourselves with other believers gives us strength; it builds our faith. We receive instructions, and we will feel the presence of God. You will not receive at home what you will receive in attending church! Don’t allow Satan to influence you to disobey God’s instructions.

The church is where God dwells, yes, He will give visitations in your home, but before He comes to your home, He will meet you at the church first. The church is where worshipers go to pray and seek God; as they seek Him, He will make Himself known to them.

You can’t receive the blessings of God if you don’t want to follow the instructions! We grow spiritually as we attend church and follow the instructions of the pastor (Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God – Psalm 92:13). Planted means you will not allow anything or anyone to keep you from attending church. You’re fully aware of where your help is coming from, and you’re fully aware when you come expecting from God, you will receive it.

You don’t attend church to make friends or attend to show off your clothes. It’s a place that is set apart for the holiness of God. It’s a place where you can have an encounter with God. The church is the place to go where you can have other believers pray for you.

The church is where God has instructed His people to be!