The New Testament's Guide: To Church

In 1 Corinthians 14:26 we dig into the critical distinction between the universal Church (capital C) and the local church gathering. Pastor Chad challenges the common excuse that "the church is the people, not the building" when used to justify not attending corporate worship. While acknowledging that God's presence can be experienced anywhere, the message stresses that the spiritual gifts outlined in 1 Corinthians 12-14 find their full expression and purpose only when believers gather together physically. Pastor Chad confronts cultural Christianity that treats church attendance as a religious obligation or checkbox rather than a vital spiritual discipline. Paul's instructions to the Corinthian church specifically address what happens "when you come together," not "if you come together," making corporate gathering non-negotiable for experiencing the fullness of Christian community and the operation of spiritual gifts.