More Thoughts on the Church

I want to continue to probe this thing we call church. What is it anyhow? Is it merely an invention of mankind or is it God ordained. As we discussed last week, our mind goes to the meeting when we think of the church. I want to suppose a much broader view of church for the purposes of this discussion. I submit to you that the church in fact is the people of God. More specifically the people of Christ, or if you will the body of Christ.
So now I have a question for those who suppose that they don't need the “meeting”. I have met countless individuals who believe that they don't need to be a part of the church “meeting” to be a part of the church. This is nuts. I must ask you if that is your story, if your faith hasn't taken you to church do you suppose it will take you to heaven? Church was not our idea. This meeting, the gathering together was Jesus' idea. He left us a blueprint of the church in Acts 2. From all I read there, it isn't necessary for me to read anything into it. It stands plain before us that the early church, the one that saw with their eyes the Christ, received instructions to gather and break bread, and to listen to and heed the teaching of the elders. Acts 2.42 - All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
Now I grant you that you can receive teaching on your couch in front of the TV. You cannot do the rest of this verse without a group of believers. From where do you get your fellowship?
Fellowship means – community of interest, feeling, etc.; friendly relationship, companionship(such as that of a father and son); an association of persons having similar tastes; communion...
Fellowship is a key and fundamental element in your spiritual growth. Amongst other things, fellowship will keep you steady and away from doctrines that are anti-Christ including those which say you don't need fellowship. I can go on and on. I encourage you to search the scriptures for yourself and find what the Lord thinks of the gathering in both the old and new testaments.
I have one last question. How can you claim to love Christ and not His body? How can you claim to love Christ and not His bride? Are you in fellowship with Christ at all? As always, I welcome your commentary. Keep the faith and wear the crown. Holla.

Peace is the presence of the goodness of God.
P. Jas.