*Can't I go off by myself and worship God, what's the difference?
*Why can't I worship God in the comfort of my home enjoying the best music and
preaching TV has to offer?
*Why can't I meet with God in a peaceful park or along the banks of a bubbling brook?
You can meet with God anywhere you want to meet with Him, in fact, if you're saved God is always with you. Jesus promised to never leave you and to never forsake you. He said that He will go with you to the end of the Earth. A child of God should be in constant contact with his Heavenly Father. However, these things do not replace church!
I need church because it's a memorial service. Imagine for just a moment that I were dying of a terrible disease. Then, just at the last moment, someone stepped in and donated a vital organ that cost their life, but saved mine. Would I be thankful? Yes! Now, suppose I learned that there was going to be a memorial service held in memory of this donor. Would I be there? I wouldn't miss it for the world.
Two thousand years ago, Jesus stepped in and donated His body so I could have life. The very least I can do to honor Him is to show up at His memorial service. This is the first reason I should attend church.
The second reason I need church it to celebrate victory. On the third day after Jesus died He arose. He did not stay in the grave. His resurrections is absolutely reason to celebrate! He defeated death, Hell and the grave... And through His victory, the Bible says we have victory. I need church to celebrate with others and share the joy God have given us through His son, Jesus Christ.
I need church because it's a classroom. I need to learn as much as I can about Christ. I need to know how He expects me to live. I need to know more about Him so I can be closer to Him. The third reason I need church is to learn, learn, learn. I want and need to know more.
The forth reason I need church is because it's a refuge. It's a place to get away from the world, the stress, and the rush of everyday life. It's a place to get my mind off all the things that consume and distract it during the week and focus on how blessed I am to be a child of God. A place to hear the songs of praise and the testimonies of all those around me. It's a place where I can be a part of something much bigger than myself.
The fifth and final reason that I will list here as to why I need church is this, God said to go. "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting on another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:23-25). This passage talks about helping and encouraging each other in the body of Christ. You cannot do that alone in the woods, at a park, or in your living room watching TV. God said I need church, I need other Christians in my life, and I need to be active for Him. God knows what I need and He knows what you need, too.