Apologetics

A formerly homeless friend, whom I believe came to faith in God, remarked that going to church isn't really necessary; it's your relationship to God that's important. He added that a church is just a building. 

He's right that our relationship to God is important and that the physical church is just a building. But, although we have to individually learn about God and work on our relationship with Him, as I explained to my friend, the church is a place where two or more are gathered in his name (in so many words). 

There is no such thing as a Lone Ranger Christian. 

Individual Christians are light from a single candle, and when many candles burn together, they bring a brighter light. The church building is just a place where people can congregate to worship God. 

"And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together,as some have made a habit,but let us encourage one another,and all the moreasyou see the Day approaching.  If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains." Hebrews 10: 24-26 

The apostles started the act of teaching the Word, fellowship, and communion. "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Acts 2:42 

The church – where two or more are gathered in his name – is not limited to a formal church service. At the community meals for the homeless and needy, Christians comfort, edify, and encourage one another. This is what the early church did.  "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."  1Thessalonians 5:11 

Realizing that man does not live by bread alone, churches that host the community meals pray before the meals, take requests for people in need of prayers, read the Bible and deliver sermons. The hosts minister to their guests, sometimes one on one. On one occasion, a guest with a drug problem talked practically the whole meal one on one with one of the hosts. After the guest ministered to him, the guy went to a short term rehab clinic and then went out of town for longer term treatment. His cousin told me he was doing well in the program and had a job, responsibility last time I talked with him.   

People have different experiences in life, experience circumstances the Lordputs them in and puts people brings into their lives. It's a blessing to share Biblical perspectives with one another. We all have different gifts and Christians work together in the body of Christ to glorify God.  

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17