Sometimes, you ask some Christians which church they attend and they say, “I don’t belong to any church. I fellowship wherever I want to; wherever the Spirit leads me.” That’s sad. It’s a show of spiritual immaturity and instability to have such a mind-set. Any Christian who says he or she doesn’t believe in being a member of a local church, is in error, and under the spell of Satan.

 

We’re clearly admonished in the Scriptures not to forsake the gathering of the saints; our church meetings: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). These are the last days, and our opening verse says men shall give heed to “seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.”

 

Some people think “seducing spirits” are spirits that seduce men and women in lustful desire, but “seducing spirits,” according to the Scriptures, are spirits that try to lure people out of the Gospel; they lure people away from the truth of the Word. These spirits are working in many people today who go about deceiving others, telling them they don’t have to be members of a local church to serve God. Some have even written books inspired by Satan to convince Christians not to belong in any church, or to lure them from the church into another gospel.

 

Therefore, beware of them; be wise. Even in regions where there’s hostility against the message of the Gospel, Christians still find time and opportunity to meet. The Church is the ground and pillar of truth; it’s the place where you’re taught the truth—God’s Word that puts you over in life.

 

Personal Bible study and prayer are very healthy and must be embraced by all Christians, but it must not take the place of corporate worship—the assembly of ourselves together. You have to be in the house of God so you can hear the Word, grow spiritually, and participate effectively in the work and ministry of the Church.