By Apostle Edward Freedom
SHORT ANSWER: No, being absent from a building is not the same as being absent from Christ.
BUT... It depends on WHY you are not going.
THE TRUTH FROM SCRIPTURE:
1. YOUR SALVATION IS NOT IN A BUILDING
You are saved by grace through faith in Jesus, not by church attendance. Ephesians 2:8-9
The moment you believed, the Holy Spirit made YOU the church. 1 Corinthians 6:19
“Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20
2. BUT GOD DESIGNED US FOR GATHERING
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another...” Hebrews 10:25
God didn’t say this to control you. He said it to protect you.
ASK YOURSELF 3 QUESTIONS:
i. WHY am I not going?
Is it because of hurt, offense, pride, laziness, or sin? That is a heart issue before God.
Or is it because of distance, health, persecution, or a season? God understands seasons.
ii. WHO am I accountable to?
A lone sheep is easy prey for wolves. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
We need covering, correction, communion, and community.
iii. WHO am I serving?
The church is not a place you go to consume. It’s a body you are part of. 1 Corinthians 12:27
If you are not planted, who are you watering? Who is watering you?
THE BALANCE:
You can be a Christian and not attend church for a season.
But you cannot be a healthy Christian and stay isolated for life.
Jesus is your Head. The Church is His Body. Colossians 1:18
A hand cut off from the body will die, no matter how “spiritual” it is.
FINAL WORD:
Don’t use “I and God” as an excuse to hide.
Don’t use “church people are fake” to justify disobedience.
Find a Bible-believing house where Christ is preached.
Plant yourself. Grow. Serve. Be accountable. Be covered.
“That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee...” John 17:21
God is calling you home. Not to religion. To family.
I am ,
Apostle Edward Freedom
