John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Jesus said that a disciple (a follower of Jesus) is one who continues in the Word. The word continue comes from a word that means to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy); to abide, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, to tarry for something. It is the same word Jesus used in His teaching on the Vine and the Branches in John 15 where it is translated “abide.” You cannot be a good disciple and neglect to continue also in church. Continuing in the Word and continuing in church go together. The local church is what supports and undergirds the truth of God in our life. In 1 Timothy 3:15, the local church is called the pillar or support; and the ground (the stay, bulwark, firm support) of the truth.
Going to Church is not the sum total of what Christianity is about; of course, we have a mission to take the Gospel into all the world and to make disciples. I have observed a new brand of Christian in these perilous times who seem to think both the Word in their daily life and church attendance are optional. They have customized and constructed their own brand of Christian discipleship, Christian lifestyle, and church connection that conforms to their personal tastes, needs, desires, style, and preferences. Many are self-deceived and should awaken to the fact that:
If the devil can get you out of the Word, he can get you out of church.
If the devil can get you out of church, he can get you out of the Word.
Pastor John Rasicci is the founder and Pastor of Word of His Grace Church in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, where we are building people who are building the Church. Pastor's ministry mission is to help people discover God's dream for their Life, the Local Church, and the Last Days' Harvest. With a strong emphasis on the grace of God and with a prophetic voice, Pastor John preaches and teaches in churches, conferences, and crusades both locally and throughout the world. He has produced books, tapes, and other teaching materials to empower, enable, and equip Believers with the Word of God. Pastor John is married to his wife Candy who with their three children, Krista, Joanna, John Anthony, and two son-in-laws, Matt and Doug, serve together in the ministry. After graduating from Kent State University, Pastor John pursued a career in professional baseball before accepting the call to the ministry. He and his wife, Candy, received their ministry training from Rhema Bible Training Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
John Rasicci 
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