The Lord in verse one is the King of glory in verses 8-10. Who is also the King of King's and Lord of Lord's in Revelation 19:11-16. He is the One riding on the white war horse. He is the Great Creator and Controller of all things. He has a name no one knows but he, himself. His name is, (not was), called the word of God. This is His knowable name. The sword that proceeds from his mouth is His holy word, empowered by His Holy Spirit, will destroy His enemies and brings these rebellious nations under His eternal rule. Praise God, I am on His winning side through Christ, my Lord!
Suleiman in 1540 apparently sealed the eastern gate in Jerusalem; which is apparently where the Messiah is going to return at the Second Coming (or shortly thereafter after defeating His enemies). We can see this in the beginning of Ezekiel 43 as well as Ezekiel 44 in the closing of the gate. There are other scriptures in Nehemiah and Zechariah which point to the glory of the Lord to the east as well.
The repeated theme in verses 7 through 10 could also refer to Christ's triumphant return to the heavenly city and throne when He sat at the right hand of God after accomplishing His work here on earth ( Acts 2:33; Hebrews 10:12 and about 100 ADDITIONAL cross references to that affect!)
When we see His triumphant return; His vestures are dipped in blood. ( Rev. 19:13; Isaiah 63:3). It is certainly possible that when He first entered heaven there was some of the blood from His atonement placed there ( Hebrews 9:12). I would take this verse literally; although there is commentary from some famous people (I will leave unnamed) who say to the contrary.
A couple other themes seen in verses 1 and 2 show the original earth and that after the flood that God established. To be in heaven according to verses 3 through 5 have certain characteristics. We need to heed not swearing deceitfully as well; for any covenant or vow before God is something we are to keep our end on (and I am placing the marriage covenant there as well). God is eternal therefore not planning to change His covenants; with the exception of the New Covenant that He established abrogating the sacrifices of the O.T. for a better one ( Matt. 26:28; etc.) Verse 6 states a generation of them that seek Him; that could be the whole resurrected group of saints; or the Millennial generation born on earth after He comes; or both.
We can see a sort of progression; from the detailed descriptions of the Messiah to come of his sufferings at crucifixion; to the journey through the "valley of the shadow of death" mentioned in Psalm 23; to this chapter. Here; we see Christ entering into the gates or everlasting doors (v. 7 and 9); as well as a description in verse 10 of the Lord of Hosts being the King of glory; and the strong and "mighty" in battle in verse 8. Here; we have the triumphant return after the ascension likely indicated in verse 10; with the victory after the earthly triumph at Armageddon in verse 8; when He then enters into the temple itself (in the east gate). This gate apparently has been sealed off since antiquity in Jerusalem.
The earlier verses indicate a Millenium stance; as to who is worthy to ascend the holy hill (v. 3-5).
In terms of the blood of the Atonement; it is possible that it was placed in heaven; as well as being part of the vesture dipped in blood mentioned at His returns ( Rev. 19:13). We must remember that Christ is our "Passover" ( 1 Cor. 5:7). He secured victory over Satan; and over death itself. God was satisfied with this; and even pleased to crush Him. ( Isaiah 53:10). Christ Himself will rejoice and be satisfied; as the verse further explains. His travail is worth it to please the Father; and clearly His thought was on us when He prayed before His death for us to be "one" ( John 17:11 and 21). This mindset is similar to Paul's concerns as he was physically wasting away in prison over the church where he said it is more needful to remain; although to live is Christ and die is gain. ( Philippians 1:21-24).
As the pastor last week mentioned in his sermon; Christ's battle was fought during the silent periods in His trial. He couldn't die after sweating blood in Gethsemane; or after the flogging which many succumbed to. No doubt Satan wished for this. He was strengthened until He had to be left alone at the cross as we see in Psalm 22.
Mishael, you are right. We do need to wise up as a nation and make the best use of our right to vote and inquire about things that are happening in our government, schools, and in businesses.
I was just thinking to day how bit by bit, the media is conditioning so many that take in movies, programs, etc. to be interested in and enjoy programming that promotes the occult, evil, magic, witchcraft, supernatural powers that are evil, etc. the industry does not just put out "adventure" focused on heroism, violence, etc. as in the past (I don't like that either) but now this is all mixed in with occultism, fighting some evil being or involving sorcery of one kid or another. Even children's movies. gaming, and programming is becoming more and more geared towards occultic practices. I do not want to support this at all! So, I do not go to movies, purchase movies, stream any movies or programming. It is harder when one has little kids, but perhaps parents should refuse to have their children indulge in such things and instead occupy their time with projects, outdoor activities, etc.
Go camping without phones, computers, tablets, etc. Go see our beautiful natural wonders all over our country. Resist teaching your child to depend on T.V. etc. from a young age. babies and toddlers do not need to watch videos or T.V. shows at all and will turn out better if parents refuse to give in this easy cop out. It means that parents, too, would need to refuse this entertainment for themselves, as well, because their children will need their parents to interact with them and play with them, read with them, go for walks with them. So, my suggestion to young parents. Be purposeful in your parenting from the moment your baby is born. Do not allow your child to spend time at friends homes that let their children watch these problematic shows and movies, because they will not turn it of just because you don't want your child to intake it. I speak form experience on this.
I'm sorry for all the children who are hurt by adults and peers. I pray the Lord will turn your tragedy into an opportunity to be an advocate for abused kids, no matter the ages. I believe parents need to watch school board meetings to protest programs and new school books that promote agendas of lewd education materials. Expose it to the public. Parents are beginning to rally against the addition of "sexual" education in grade schools. I always think of John the Baptist: a voice crying out in the "wilderness". . Repent.
FOX NEWS reported today that DISNEY is pushing LGBT in their programs and videos. We need to boycott those "new" movies and videos. Kids can watch the old movies on YouTube.
While I'm on my soapbox: We all need to replace NETFLIX with PUREFLIX. It has good programs for everyone. No violence or filth; plenty of cartoons and kid programs.
We need mentoring in schools, for children trying to recover from abuse and be a much wiser child; not afraid of adults.
We can stop some of what our President advocates by getting our voices back. We have no voice currently.
WE ARE CONSTITUENTS. Senate and House representatives must have them to stay in office. Last election was a bomb because we don't read agendas and don't follow politicians past agendas. First time voters banded together to turn a 180 in Washington. 2 years later, paying 7.00 for a gal of gas, 50% food hikes, etc
We need to FLIP the next elections to the Red side. Re-register as Republican. It's legal. You can flip back anytime. Forms at Post Office. The goal: get this insufferable team of leaders in DC, GONE! The CONSTITUENTS can do this. It's never been done before. I say we are strong enough to do this, with God's help.
Our children's futures are gone. We just don't see it yet. If we pretend blindness it will continue to get worse every year.
Fight back. Re-register red and see how fast Congress reacts. This is our last chance to turn it.
There are 2 kinds of adulteries, one committed with the heart through our eyes, and one that literally finds itself in the very act.
Annulling the lives that once where united in faith and love.
We are born into the image of God. His image of who He is in you and me. Not what the worlds image is , "His image".
This same image given to us through His eternal Son ,Jesus Christ!
If you know Him then you have the mind of Christ and will carry the same cross that He carried.
I needn't say, that if my desire for a man where more than that for a woman, I would be castrated. An eunuch!
Sexually abused as a child ,I find the thought repulsive, that if it were possible I would tie the milestone on those who hurt the children of God! Those who turn the truth into a lie and deny the God that Has created them!
Come Home Today To Jesus__John 3 - In Reply on Psalms 24 - 2 years ago
Romans 1 (read the whole chapter)
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever.
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication,(Adultery), wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Mishael:
We all know God doesn't approve sinful behavior.
It takes Jesus Christ living inside the heart, to begin to change that heart. He's the only one who can.
Eventually your soul is so hardened, you can't feel anything inside. Every time you hear the gospel and Refuse To call upon Jesus; your hearing can't hear it, your heart becomes hard like a stone. God is still calling you, but you can't hear His voice anymore.
Death comes and all your lovers have left you. You face eternity alone.
Because you asked this question, shows you still have awareness of God who is still trying to reach you.
Manuel marques teixeira on Psalms 24 - 2 years ago
Among the conditions required to be in the presence of God, presented on the 24 th psalm, are a pure heart, clean hands, absence of vanity and not sworn deceitffuly. THE hOLY bIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD! a psalm is part of the Word of God's content. The Bible's content is not limited to the any of his books.
To understand the Word of God, one needs to be in a personal relationship with God, through His beloved and UNIGNITO Son, Jesus! JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY BRIDGE AND WAY TO GOD ALLMIGHTY! It's writen that we can make peace with Jesus while we are with Him on the way, meaning while we are alive! On The parabola of the rich man and Lzarus, Jesus teaches that there is an abiss between the rich man and Lzarus! It's writen onthe bible, that God is God of the living ones, not God of the dead ones, because the dead will ressurect, and likewise it's as if they are already alive, but they are still sleeping until the morning of ressurection, when jesus comes as He came to ressurect the true Lzarus, brother of Mary.
The only one tht surpassed this abiss is the champion of man Jesus, the second Adam! He ressurected and says the one that sees the son and beleaves in Him, has eternal life and i wil ressurected him on the last day. Paulo the apostle says on the fiteenth chapter of I corinteans if tere is not ressurection is vain the faith in Jesus. But paulo says also tht god prepared the good works( of Jesus our example as sheperd aproved by God ), for us that we may walk on them.
I believe that we should try be as faithful to God as he has been to us. The scripture says "Fail not the assembling of yourselves together in the manor of some is.and the more as you see the day approaching ". Surely as Bible believers we see that "end day" approaching. We need the fellowship of one another and we must have the preached word of God to feed us! I know that one who is faithful to church is stronger , than one who goes only during special events.
Mark 2:27And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:
Jeremiah 17:24And it shall come to pass, if ye diligently hearken unto me, saith the LORD, to bring in no burden through the gates of this city on the sabbath day, but hallow the sabbath day, to do no work therein;
Jeremiah 17:22 Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day, neither do ye any work, but hallow ye the sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers.
Exodus 31:15 Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.
It's nothing to GOD if you have perfect attendance or not because there's really nothing we can give HIM that HE doesn't have. But at Church we're still instructed to never be absent (we have 3 days of Church services; some have perfect attendance since they were saved, some come and go). So now we go to Church for our own good to receive blessings from HIM: material, physical, and Spiriutal blessings.
We just have to be thankful to GOD that there's this one place for us where we can go to serve The LORD GOD by:
1) singing praising songs to HIM
2) praying to HIM
3) hearing HIS messages through preaching
4) testifying for HIM
5) joining others in setting up The Church and serving HIS followers
If you get that feeling of not going to Church, whether it's a building or a humble place, then maybe it's time to search yourself first. Pray, fast, sing praising songs to GOD, ask for forgiveness for your shortcomings, and cry for mercy, love, and forgiveness, ask for His sweet Holy Presence. And let HIM lead you wherever HE wants you to be. HALLELUJAH! PRAISE THE LORD!
Yes I believe you were taught right, it's what we believe from the heart that's important, and this is some scripture to support that. now having said that, it was once explained to me that going to church and Christian fellowship is like eating a meal, we need to eat for nourishment on a daily basis to live, likewise we should regularly attend church and Christian fellowship for our faith nourishment also. God bless
Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
The simple answer would be no, it is not mandatory that a person attend a church. We will not be judged by God based on how often we went to church, of if we even went at all. However, we are to worship the Lord. I do believe that Christian fellowship is important. Going to church to fellowship with other believers has its benefits. I see church as a spiritual hospital where we go to be fed spiritually. But attendance should not be mandatory. And yes, we are the body of Christ, the church. The church is an organism, not an organization. The building is just a place where the body of Christ meets for fellowship. As far as attending, we are to go where the Lord leads us. We have a problem today where there are many in church that are there for the wrong reasons. You see, the Lord only wants those which His Spirit is drawing to be there, not those who are coming because it's the "right thing to do," or because they are being forced to be there (And I'm not talking about children). So if the Lord is leading you to go to church, then I would say go. If not, stay put. But definitely worship Him and be in fellowship with Him through His word.
The proper place for Christians , even before they where called Christians they where known as Nazarenes . Was the temple , until they where thrown out , then they met in homes . Jesus is the new covenant with Israel as promised , but it was rejected and still is By Israel in part .
Early Christians met in homes. There's no requirement for a facility or space for which some meet. I think the point is being in fellowship with other Christians.
The Bible says that we as christians should gather ourselves with the saints! So my question is, is it mandatory that we go into the church( the building) to worship God? Because I was always taught that our bodies is the church!! And the sanctuary is just a building!
Psalm 24 was one of The Psalms read in public school homeroom every morning. I heard it read so often that I have most of it memorized.
The portion that deeply influenced me is...
Who shall ascend to The Hill of The LORD or who shall stand in His Holy Place?
He that hath clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
He shall receive the blessing of The LORD and Righteousness from The God of his Salvation.
Righteousness that is not my own.
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;" Tit 3:5
"But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:" 1Co 1:30
He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
What does it mean to have clean hands and a pure heart... and who has not lifted up his soul to vanity could someone elaborate on that for me ?
Suleiman in 1540 apparently sealed the eastern gate in Jerusalem; which is apparently where the Messiah is going to return at the Second Coming (or shortly thereafter after defeating His enemies). We can see this in the beginning of Ezekiel 43 as well as Ezekiel 44 in the closing of the gate. There are other scriptures in Nehemiah and Zechariah which point to the glory of the Lord to the east as well.
The repeated theme in verses 7 through 10 could also refer to Christ's triumphant return to the heavenly city and throne when He sat at the right hand of God after accomplishing His work here on earth ( Acts 2:33; Hebrews 10:12 and about 100 ADDITIONAL cross references to that affect!)
When we see His triumphant return; His vestures are dipped in blood. ( Rev. 19:13; Isaiah 63:3). It is certainly possible that when He first entered heaven there was some of the blood from His atonement placed there ( Hebrews 9:12). I would take this verse literally; although there is commentary from some famous people (I will leave unnamed) who say to the contrary.
A couple other themes seen in verses 1 and 2 show the original earth and that after the flood that God established. To be in heaven according to verses 3 through 5 have certain characteristics. We need to heed not swearing deceitfully as well; for any covenant or vow before God is something we are to keep our end on (and I am placing the marriage covenant there as well). God is eternal therefore not planning to change His covenants; with the exception of the New Covenant that He established abrogating the sacrifices of the O.T. for a better one ( Matt. 26:28; etc.) Verse 6 states a generation of them that seek Him; that could be the whole resurrected group of saints; or the Millennial generation born on earth after He comes; or both.
The earlier verses indicate a Millenium stance; as to who is worthy to ascend the holy hill (v. 3-5).
In terms of the blood of the Atonement; it is possible that it was placed in heaven; as well as being part of the vesture dipped in blood mentioned at His returns ( Rev. 19:13). We must remember that Christ is our "Passover" ( 1 Cor. 5:7). He secured victory over Satan; and over death itself. God was satisfied with this; and even pleased to crush Him. ( Isaiah 53:10). Christ Himself will rejoice and be satisfied; as the verse further explains. His travail is worth it to please the Father; and clearly His thought was on us when He prayed before His death for us to be "one" ( John 17:11 and 21). This mindset is similar to Paul's concerns as he was physically wasting away in prison over the church where he said it is more needful to remain; although to live is Christ and die is gain. ( Philippians 1:21-24).
As the pastor last week mentioned in his sermon; Christ's battle was fought during the silent periods in His trial. He couldn't die after sweating blood in Gethsemane; or after the flogging which many succumbed to. No doubt Satan wished for this. He was strengthened until He had to be left alone at the cross as we see in Psalm 22.
I was just thinking to day how bit by bit, the media is conditioning so many that take in movies, programs, etc. to be interested in and enjoy programming that promotes the occult, evil, magic, witchcraft, supernatural powers that are evil, etc. the industry does not just put out "adventure" focused on heroism, violence, etc. as in the past (I don't like that either) but now this is all mixed in with occultism, fighting some evil being or involving sorcery of one kid or another. Even children's movies. gaming, and programming is becoming more and more geared towards occultic practices. I do not want to support this at all! So, I do not go to movies, purchase movies, stream any movies or programming. It is harder when one has little kids, but perhaps parents should refuse to have their children indulge in such things and instead occupy their time with projects, outdoor activities, etc.
Go camping without phones, computers, tablets, etc. Go see our beautiful natural wonders all over our country. Resist teaching your child to depend on T.V. etc. from a young age. babies and toddlers do not need to watch videos or T.V. shows at all and will turn out better if parents refuse to give in this easy cop out. It means that parents, too, would need to refuse this entertainment for themselves, as well, because their children will need their parents to interact with them and play with them, read with them, go for walks with them. So, my suggestion to young parents. Be purposeful in your parenting from the moment your baby is born. Do not allow your child to spend time at friends homes that let their children watch these problematic shows and movies, because they will not turn it of just because you don't want your child to intake it. I speak form experience on this.
FOX NEWS reported today that DISNEY is pushing LGBT in their programs and videos. We need to boycott those "new" movies and videos. Kids can watch the old movies on YouTube.
While I'm on my soapbox: We all need to replace NETFLIX with PUREFLIX. It has good programs for everyone. No violence or filth; plenty of cartoons and kid programs.
We need mentoring in schools, for children trying to recover from abuse and be a much wiser child; not afraid of adults.
We can stop some of what our President advocates by getting our voices back. We have no voice currently.
WE ARE CONSTITUENTS. Senate and House representatives must have them to stay in office. Last election was a bomb because we don't read agendas and don't follow politicians past agendas. First time voters banded together to turn a 180 in Washington. 2 years later, paying 7.00 for a gal of gas, 50% food hikes, etc
We need to FLIP the next elections to the Red side. Re-register as Republican. It's legal. You can flip back anytime. Forms at Post Office. The goal: get this insufferable team of leaders in DC, GONE! The CONSTITUENTS can do this. It's never been done before. I say we are strong enough to do this, with God's help.
Our children's futures are gone. We just don't see it yet. If we pretend blindness it will continue to get worse every year.
Fight back. Re-register red and see how fast Congress reacts. This is our last chance to turn it.
Annulling the lives that once where united in faith and love.
We are born into the image of God. His image of who He is in you and me. Not what the worlds image is , "His image".
This same image given to us through His eternal Son ,Jesus Christ!
If you know Him then you have the mind of Christ and will carry the same cross that He carried.
I needn't say, that if my desire for a man where more than that for a woman, I would be castrated. An eunuch!
Sexually abused as a child ,I find the thought repulsive, that if it were possible I would tie the milestone on those who hurt the children of God! Those who turn the truth into a lie and deny the God that Has created them!
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever.
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication,(Adultery), wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Mishael:
We all know God doesn't approve sinful behavior.
It takes Jesus Christ living inside the heart, to begin to change that heart. He's the only one who can.
Eventually your soul is so hardened, you can't feel anything inside. Every time you hear the gospel and Refuse To call upon Jesus; your hearing can't hear it, your heart becomes hard like a stone. God is still calling you, but you can't hear His voice anymore.
Death comes and all your lovers have left you. You face eternity alone.
Because you asked this question, shows you still have awareness of God who is still trying to reach you.
To understand the Word of God, one needs to be in a personal relationship with God, through His beloved and UNIGNITO Son, Jesus! JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY BRIDGE AND WAY TO GOD ALLMIGHTY! It's writen that we can make peace with Jesus while we are with Him on the way, meaning while we are alive! On The parabola of the rich man and Lzarus, Jesus teaches that there is an abiss between the rich man and Lzarus! It's writen onthe bible, that God is God of the living ones, not God of the dead ones, because the dead will ressurect, and likewise it's as if they are already alive, but they are still sleeping until the morning of ressurection, when jesus comes as He came to ressurect the true Lzarus, brother of Mary.
The only one tht surpassed this abiss is the champion of man Jesus, the second Adam! He ressurected and says the one that sees the son and beleaves in Him, has eternal life and i wil ressurected him on the last day. Paulo the apostle says on the fiteenth chapter of I corinteans if tere is not ressurection is vain the faith in Jesus. But paulo says also tht god prepared the good works( of Jesus our example as sheperd aproved by God ), for us that we may walk on them.
Thank you for your Mercy and Grace
Thank you for Forgiving Us For Our Sins and The Love You Give
Jeremiah 17:24And it shall come to pass, if ye diligently hearken unto me, saith the LORD, to bring in no burden through the gates of this city on the sabbath day, but hallow the sabbath day, to do no work therein;
Jeremiah 17:22 Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day, neither do ye any work, but hallow ye the sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers.
Exodus 31:15 Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.
It's nothing to GOD if you have perfect attendance or not because there's really nothing we can give HIM that HE doesn't have. But at Church we're still instructed to never be absent (we have 3 days of Church services; some have perfect attendance since they were saved, some come and go). So now we go to Church for our own good to receive blessings from HIM: material, physical, and Spiriutal blessings.
We just have to be thankful to GOD that there's this one place for us where we can go to serve The LORD GOD by:
1) singing praising songs to HIM
2) praying to HIM
3) hearing HIS messages through preaching
4) testifying for HIM
5) joining others in setting up The Church and serving HIS followers
If you get that feeling of not going to Church, whether it's a building or a humble place, then maybe it's time to search yourself first. Pray, fast, sing praising songs to GOD, ask for forgiveness for your shortcomings, and cry for mercy, love, and forgiveness, ask for His sweet Holy Presence. And let HIM lead you wherever HE wants you to be. HALLELUJAH! PRAISE THE LORD!
Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
The simple answer would be no, it is not mandatory that a person attend a church. We will not be judged by God based on how often we went to church, of if we even went at all. However, we are to worship the Lord. I do believe that Christian fellowship is important. Going to church to fellowship with other believers has its benefits. I see church as a spiritual hospital where we go to be fed spiritually. But attendance should not be mandatory. And yes, we are the body of Christ, the church. The church is an organism, not an organization. The building is just a place where the body of Christ meets for fellowship. As far as attending, we are to go where the Lord leads us. We have a problem today where there are many in church that are there for the wrong reasons. You see, the Lord only wants those which His Spirit is drawing to be there, not those who are coming because it's the "right thing to do," or because they are being forced to be there (And I'm not talking about children). So if the Lord is leading you to go to church, then I would say go. If not, stay put. But definitely worship Him and be in fellowship with Him through His word.
368 The Triumphs of Christ Psalm 24
1 Triumph of the Prophesied-Ascent to the Hill of the Lord on earth Ps.24:3-6
His triumphal entry into Jerusalem and to the Temple on Mount Zion Zech.9:9; Matt.21:5-12
2 Triumph of the Crucified-Ascension into Heaven as Conqueror Ps.24:7,8
'Mighty in battle' Mark 16:19; Col.2:15
3 Triumph of the Glorified-Entry with His people as Lord of hosts Ps.24:9,10; John 14:3
The portion that deeply influenced me is...
Who shall ascend to The Hill of The LORD or who shall stand in His Holy Place?
He that hath clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
He shall receive the blessing of The LORD and Righteousness from The God of his Salvation.
Righteousness that is not my own.
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;" Tit 3:5
"But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:" 1Co 1:30