Originally posted on Bible Topic Exposition:

Some people attend church only on Easter and Christmas.  Other Christians are so turned-off with religion and churchianity…they just stay home.

Many atheists, anti-missionaries, and non-believers are opposed to people becoming believers in Jesus as Savior.  The institution of church and assembling together provides a measure of protection for our belief in God and the truth of the Bible.

We read that the saints of the early church assembled together.  Originally the New Testament church (ekklesia, Strongs #1577) was a gathering of people…not the building where they met!  Following are some New Testament examples & instructions that show the formation of church and “going to church”.

Lk.4:16 it was Jesus’ custom to attend the formal style of service of His day at synagogue (Strongs #4864) on the sabbath day.  Jewish synagogues were lay institutions with unpaid zaqim/elders.  (see my blog, “Synagogue Influence on the Church”.)

But Jesus…

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