Going to church on Sunday is a tradition that many Christians uphold, but is it a biblical command? The Bible speaks about gathering together with other believers, the importance of fellowship, and the significance of rest. But what does it specifically say about Sunday worship? Let’s explore what Scripture says about attending church, the principles behind the Sabbath, and why gathering with other believers is such a valuable part of the Christian faith.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Affirmations
What Does The Bible Say About Going To Church On Sunday
Hebrews 10:25
“Not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of gathering together as believers, especially as the return of Christ draws near. It encourages us to prioritize attending church and encourages mutual support and encouragement among believers.
Attending church on Sundays allows us to worship God corporately, receive teaching and guidance from spiritual leaders, and fellowship with other believers. It is a time to strengthen our faith, grow spiritually, and find inspiration and encouragement in the community of believers.
Acts 2:42
“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
Acts 2:42 portrays the early church as a group of devoted believers who consistently gathered together for various activities. These activities included learning from the apostles’ teachings, fellowship, sharing meals, and prayer.
This verse indicates that by going to church on Sundays, we can engage in similar practices. Attending church provides us with a place to learn from biblical teachings, build relationships, partake in communion, and spend dedicated time in prayer corporately.
Psalms 122:1
“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD!'”
This verse expresses the joy and anticipation the Psalmist felt when invited to go to the house of the Lord. It conveys the enthusiasm and excitement in gathering together with fellow believers to worship and honor God.
Similarly, going to church on Sundays should be an occasion of gladness and gratitude. It is an opportunity to join as a community in praising God, to seek His presence, and to be filled with His love and grace.
1 Peter 2:5
“You also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
In this verse, believers are compared to living stones being built up into a spiritual house. It highlights the collective nature of the church, where each member has a role to play and contributes to the spiritual well-being and worship of the body of Christ.
Attending church on Sundays provides an opportunity to fulfill our role as living stones, actively participating in the spiritual growth and worship of the church. It allows us to offer our spiritual sacrifices, such as praise, worship, and service, to God through Jesus Christ.
Colossians 3:16
“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
Colossians 3:16 encourages believers to let the word of Christ dwell in them abundantly. It instructs them to engage in teaching, admonishment, and worship through the use of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. It also highlights the importance of a thankful heart.
By attending church on Sundays, we create an environment conducive to the dwelling of the word of Christ within us. We can participate in teaching and learn from others, offer and receive admonishment and encouragement, and engage in heart-filled worship, thanking God for His goodness and grace.
Ephesians 4:11-13
“And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.”
Ephesians 4:11-13 highlights the various roles and gifts God has given to the church, including apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These roles serve to equip believers for service and contribute to the growth and maturity of the body of Christ.
By attending church on Sundays, we have the opportunity to benefit from the teaching and leadership of these individuals. We can receive guidance, edification, and knowledge as we engage with the body of Christ, contributing to our own spiritual growth and the overall maturing of the church.
1 Corinthians 12:27
“Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.”
This verse emphasizes that believers are individual members of the body of Christ. It highlights the interconnectedness and unity within the church, with Christ as the head and each believer fulfilling a unique role.
Attending church on Sundays allows us to actively participate as members of Christ’s body. It provides a space for us to contribute our gifts, talents, and abilities to the functioning and well-being of the church. Through our involvement, we strengthen the unity and cohesiveness of the body of Christ.
1 Timothy 3:15
“But in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.”
In this verse, Paul refers to the church as the household of God, highlighting its significant role as the pillar and support of the truth. The church serves as a foundation for upholding and proclaiming God’s truth in a world filled with falsehood and deception.
Attending church on Sundays enables us to gather in the household of God, where we can learn, grow, and be firmly grounded in the truth of God’s word. It provides a refuge and a place of spiritual nourishment in an increasingly secular and relativistic society.
Psalm 133:1
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!”
This verse celebrates the goodness and pleasantness of dwelling together in unity as brothers and sisters in Christ. It highlights the harmony, love, and cooperation that should characterize the community of believers.
By attending church on Sundays, we actively join with fellow believers in cultivating unity and togetherness. It presents an opportunity to experience the joy and blessings of true Christian fellowship, where we can encourage, support, and build one another up in the faith.
Psalm 150:1-2
“Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty expanse. Praise Him for His mighty deeds; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.”
Psalm 150:1-2 encourages believers to praise God in His sanctuary, acknowledging His mighty deeds and excellent greatness. It emphasizes the importance of worshiping and exalting God for who He is and what He has done.
Attending church on Sundays provides a designated time and space to fulfill the exhortation of offering praise to God. We can join together as a congregation, lifting our voices and hearts to worship Him, expressing our gratitude and adoration for His goodness and faithfulness.
Romans 12:4-5
“For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”
This verse depicts believers as members of one body, with each member having a unique function and role. It emphasizes both the diversity and unity within the body of Christ.
By attending church on Sundays, we actively participate in the unity of the body of Christ. We acknowledge our interdependence and interconnectedness, valuing and appreciating the diverse gifts and contributions of fellow believers. Together, we form a unified entity, serving and glorifying God.
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”
Jesus, in this verse, affirms His presence when believers gather together in His name. It highlights the significance of communal worship and fellowship, assuring believers of His divine presence and influence in their midst.
By attending church on Sundays, we create an atmosphere where Jesus can manifest Himself in a special way. The collective worship, prayers, and teachings create a sacred space for encountering the presence of God, fostering spiritual growth, and deepening our relationship with Him.
Romans 1:12
“…that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.”
Paul, in this verse, expresses his desire to be encouraged and strengthened in his faith by the faith of fellow believers. It emphasizes the mutual encouragement and support that arises from gathering together in faith.
Attending church on Sundays allows us to be encouraged and uplifted by the faith of others. It provides a context where we can witness the faithfulness of God in the lives of fellow believers, find inspiration, and draw strength from their testimony. Likewise, our faith can be a source of encouragement to others as we share our own experiences and journey together.
James 5:16
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”
This verse encourages believers to confess their sins to one another and pray for one another’s healing and restoration. It highlights the power and effectiveness of corporate prayer within the context of the church.
By attending church on Sundays, we open ourselves to a community of believers who can support and intercede for us in prayer. We can find healing and restoration through the power of collective prayers, as fellow believers come alongside us, lifting our burdens and seeking God’s intervention on our behalf.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Jesus, in this verse, encourages prioritizing the pursuit of God’s kingdom and righteousness above all else. It reassures believers that God will provide for their needs when they prioritize His agenda.
Attending church on Sundays reflects the pursuit of God’s kingdom and righteousness. It creates an opportunity to align our hearts and minds with His purposes, seeking His guidance and wisdom. As we prioritize God in our lives, He promises to provide for our needs, both spiritually and materially.
Psalm 100:4
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name.”
This verse calls believers to enter the presence of God with thanksgiving and praise. It emphasizes the importance of coming before God with grateful hearts and a posture of worship.
By attending church on Sundays, we actively respond to the psalmist’s exhortation to enter God’s gates. It is an opportunity to express our thankfulness to God, lifting our voices, and offering praise for His goodness and faithfulness. Through corporate worship, we can collectively bless His name and declare His praises.
Psalm 122:9
“For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good.”
This verse expresses the Psalmist’s commitment to seek the good of the house of the Lord. It highlights the responsibility and dedication we should have towards the well-being and flourishing of the church.
By attending church on Sundays, we actively demonstrate our commitment to seek the good of the house of the Lord. We contribute to the vitality and growth of the church by actively participating, serving, and supporting its initiatives and ministries. Through our commitment, we help create an environment where all believers can thrive and grow in their relationship with God.
1 Corinthians 1:10
“Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.”
Paul, in this verse, urges believers to pursue unity and avoid division within the church. It emphasizes the importance of being united in mind and judgment.
Attending church on Sundays provides an opportunity to contribute to a unified and harmonious body of believers. It allows us to seek reconciliation, build bridges, and strive for understanding and agreement. The act of gathering together strengthens the bonds of unity, fostering an atmosphere of love, acceptance, and cooperation.
Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”
This verse encourages believers to support and help carry the burdens of one another. It highlights the call to compassion, empathy, and practical assistance within the Christian community.
By attending church on Sundays, we can actively engage in bearing one another’s burdens. We can offer comfort, encouragement, and support to those in need. Through our presence, words, and actions, we exemplify the love and care of Christ, fulfilling His command to love one another.
1 Peter 4:10
“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
This verse highlights the importance of using our unique gifts and abilities to serve others within the church. It emphasizes that our gifts are entrusted to us by God and should be used for His glory.
By attending church on Sundays, we actively engage in serving one another and being good stewards of God’s grace. We have the opportunity to contribute our time, talents, and resources for the betterment of the church and the edification of fellow believers. Through serving, we express our gratitude to God for His grace and demonstrate His love to others.
1 Corinthians 14:26
“What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.”
Paul, in this verse, describes the dynamic and participatory nature of assembling as believers. He encourages each member to contribute their spiritual gifts and insights for the edification of the body of Christ.
Attending church on Sundays provides an environment where we can actively participate in the edification of the church. Through sharing our testimonies, teaching, worship leading, or serving in various capacities, we contribute to the spiritual growth and maturing of the body of believers.
Psalm 34:3
“O magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together.”
This verse calls believers to magnify and exalt the Lord together. It emphasizes the power and impact of communal worship, where God’s name is glorified.
By attending church on Sundays, we join with fellow believers in magnifying and exalting the Lord. Through our collective worship and exaltation, we declare His greatness and majesty. By doing so, we create an atmosphere where His presence is welcomed and His name is lifted high.
Hebrews 3:13
“But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called ‘Today,’ so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”
This verse exhorts believers to consistently offer encouragement to one another. It emphasizes the importance of mutual support and accountability in battling against the deceiving nature of sin.
By attending church on Sundays, we actively engage in encouraging one another. We provide a context where fellow believers can find solace, strength, and motivation to persevere in their faith. Through regular interaction and encouragement, we help guard against the hardening of hearts and the entrapment of sin.