The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum House church vs corporate worship

From God's direction given in His infallible Word. We know the "when" most assuredly; the first day of the week, Sunday, which is the Sabbath of the Lord. (Isa 58:13, 14) This day, the entire day, is to be set apart (holy) unto the Lord in which the people of God are to a) join in corporate worship, b) do works of mercy, and c) do works of necessity. See here: WCF XXI - Of Religious Worship, and the Sabbath Day.

As to the "where", that is not regulated other than by general precepts and principles which would cover such things as regarding sin, etc.


Who are the "we"? It has been given to the Elders and Deacons of Christ's Church to make such decisions. Secondly, these men are to consider the congregation over which they are to rule and care for with much prayer and discernment with the primary concern that everything be done according to that which God has set forth in His written Word and for His glory. (Aside: Feeding Sheep or Amusing Goats?.

I'm not sure I understand this question. When one joins a church, that member oaths before God (this should be done publicly) to submit to the ruling authority of that assembly, i.e., the Elders who are given to rule over it. If this isn't what you are asking, could you please restate it so that I might understand you rightly?

I'm going to assume that these other commitments you have do not involve your participation on the Sabbath? One who has been redeemed by Christ and seeks to honor God in all things by conforming every thought, word and deed to His holy law will most desire to cease from all labor and recreation on the Lord's Day and meet corporately with like-minded fellow believers to offer up biblical worship unto Him. Should the assembly you are attending have both morning and evening worship, then it would be incumbent upon you to attend both. If these other activities to which you are involved are during the week, it would be a matter of priorities, IMHO. Which is more important to you... e.g., meeting with other believers for a time of prayer or playing basketball with neighbors? Meeting with some of the men of the church to study a portion or theme, or whatever, in God's Word so as to grow in grace or to watch a pro football game that falls on that same day each week? Some would regulate their personal lives around the activities of the church while others would regulate their church activities around their own personal lives. Whatcha think?

In His grace,