1) The document argues that fellowship with other believers through the local church is essential for Christians and required by the Bible. 2) It cites several passages from the New Testament that indicate Jesus established the church as the institution through which believers would be sent out, receive instruction, and have their disputes resolved. 3) The local church is where believers receive leadership, worship together, and hold each other accountable according to the teachings of the Bible.

1. Yes,You MUST Go to Church! Understanding God’s Plan and Purpose for the Local Church

2. Introduction Too many people, today, have abandoned church due to hurts, disagreements or the feeling that “church people” are dishonest and hypocritical. Quitting the church because some are not living holy lives is just like quitting school, because some are not smart! It doesn’t make good sense. As long as the church has people, there will be faults… BUT…

3. Introduction Continued Anyone who is part of the Body of Christ NEEDS fellowship with other believers. Not have this fellowship makes YOU a “bad Christian,” and therefore no better than those you are trying to avoid. Let’s look at the word of God…

4. Fellowship is Required Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities, Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching.

5. We are Sent… through the Church Acts 13:2-3 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Separate now for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. Then after fasting and praying, they put their hands on them and sent them away. READ Romans 10:14-15

6. We are Sent… through the Church Acts 13:8-10 But Elymas the wise man--for that is the translation of his name [which he had given himself]--opposed them, seeking to keep the proconsul from accepting the faith. But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit, looked steadily at [Elymas] And said, You master in every form of deception and recklessness, unscrupulousness, and wickedness, you son of the devil, you enemy of everything that is upright and good, will you never stop perverting and making crooked the straight paths of the Lord and plotting against His saving purposes?

7. Ordained Government Matthew 18:16-17 But if he does not listen, take along with you one or two others, so that every word may be confirmed and upheld by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he pays no attention to them [refusing to listen and obey], tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a pagan and a tax collector. Even the government that Jesus taught about was carried out through the established institution of the church.

8. Leaders Given to the Church Acts 14:23 And when they had appointed and ordained elders for them in each church with prayer and fasting, they committed them to the Lord in Whom they had come to believe [being full of joyful trust that He is the Christ, the Messiah]. Reference Ephesians 4

9. Instruction through the Church Consider Letters/Epistles from Paul Order during services of worship 1 Corinthians 14 Paul wrote these letters to established, physical, organized churches. If you were not “at church,” you didn’t get the news!

10. Physical Church 2 Thessalonians 3:14 But if anyone [in the church] refuses to obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed. 1 Timothy 3:5 For if a man does not know how to rule his own household, how is he to take care of the church of God?

11. YES, You MUST GO TO CHURCH! Authored by Prophet Joy Allen Joy of the LORD Ministries Breath of Life International Church http://www.joyofthelordministries.org