"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
Best thing I heard last sunday was a pastor asking his congregation if they believed people who never come to their or any other building but stay at home can receive the same blessings from God that they feel they receive by showing up each week - then he said its a personal relationship - wonder how many "pastors" say this openly to their brothers and sisters these days ?
Graphic Artist & Illustrator - Authorized Minister - US Navy Wife - Former Instructor - US NAVY TAP - CEO - Proud Patriot - #Arkansas
Before Christmas 2022, I took on this subject - exactly as you have presented, with an online Associate Pastor and asked him to back his statement of "you won't be blessed unless..." up with scripture. Of course they use Hebrews 10:25 BUT... I posed the fact that I am handicapped and unable to attend a church with oxygen concentrator that isn't quiet. That the Holy Spirit dwells among the sanctified as promised, 24/7... no matter their location, that the Church is a body of believers who individually house as a temple, the Spirit of God.
That a good Christian friend is mine lives in the high mountains and comes down twice per year for 1 week to gather supplies, see a dentist and doctor and returns to his cabin. He has no one but himself and God.
Is he doomed? Heavens NO! God, Jesus, Holy Spirit and him. That's more than two gathered. No...the use of Hebrews 10:25 in this instance is to raise finances. In many churches today, this is the case.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
Many seem skilled at presenting that which fills their coffers and as I found God I wasn't in a "church" and never owned a bible, and as it is written, God is spirit, Christ came to take us out of mans temples, giving us the gift of The Holy Spirit which resides within the True Temple of God, our own bodies.
Graphic Artist & Illustrator - Authorized Minister - US Navy Wife - Former Instructor - US NAVY TAP - CEO - Proud Patriot - #Arkansas
EXACTLY.... and the Spirit is STILL calling all who will listen, OUT of these churches.