Christian fellowship is a sign of a true Christian (1 John 1:7). The Bible admonished us to have Christian fellowship so we can worship God with other Christians and be taught His word for our spiritual growth (Acts 2:42 & Hebrews 10:25).
Fellowship is a place where Christians can love one another (1 John 4:12); encourage one another (Hebrews 3:13); spur one another (Hebrews 10:24); serve one another (Galatians 5:13); instruct one another (Romans 15:14); honour one another (Romans 12:10) and be kind and compassionate* to one another (Ephesians 4:32).
When you trust JESUS CHRIST for salvation, you are made a member of the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). For the church body to function properly, all of its 'body parts', need to be present (1 Corinthians 12:14-20). A Christian will not reach spiritual maturity without the assistance and encouragement of other Christians (1 Corinthians 12:21-26).
For these reasons, church attendance/participation and or fellowship should be regularly aspect of your life. You should have the desire to worship God, receive His word, and fellowship with other Christians.
A GENTLE REMINDER
Attending church and being around other Christians doesn't make you a Christian though.
Just as a bicycle DOES and CANNOT metamorphose into a car, just because it has always been packed at a garage meant for a car; your attendance of church as *a routine family tradition or social obligation DOES and CANNOT make you a Christian. But if you are a Christian you will desire to fellowship with other Christians on regular basis. Without the God-given habit of corporate worship and the God-given mandate of corporate accountability, we will not prove faithful over the long haul.
Read Psalm 84:10.
For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand (anywhere else); I would rather be a doorkeeper and stand at the threshold in the house of my God than to dwell (at ease) in the tents of wickedness
Be smart; be the first to be in church always.
Ritchie's Virtual Church
