irvinehomeowner
Well-known member
I'd like to visit where IC goes to church some day. 
God?
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Keeping social distances at home is almost impossible unless you live in like 10,000 sqft house.
Do I know anyone meeting up regardless of the current order? Yeah, everyone is doing that. That doesn't mean I should do it too, right?
I guess I've been following the rules better than you guys after all. ;D
IC and eyephone should recommend some good churches nearby. Not that I'm looking to change from mine, but so that others would know also. I myself can check them out online as well. I've asked for this several times, but no answer yet.
There are no "restrictions" for individuals...just recommendations. Restrictions are for businesses and entities. No one is coming out with a measuring tape at your home to check if you are 6 ft away.
Everyone should find the church that they like and are comfortable with. No church is better or worse as they are meant to be guides...the ultimate church is with God and through Jesus. I have a home church but I listen to sermons and teaching from various sources. While I like the teachings at my home, I like my home church more for its support system as well as the focus on helping spreading the word of God.
Only thing I suggest is God does not require you to follow Him blindly or to shut down your brain/logic. He gave us those gifts for a reason as well as to provide us with the Bible. Do not let any individual, pastor, church, or group of people dictate to you what is "right" or "wrong". There are plenty of ways to know when someone is leading you astray spiritually...just need to cognizant and aware.
Ultimately, Jesus should be your model and guide...it is pretty corny but the "What would Jesus Do?" motto is probably the best one. That and
Going to our original discussion...how is defying COVID-19 guidelines and suing the state because you want to go to church "loving your neighbor"?
Preaching/teaching is one part of leading but not the only or most important. Jesus taught but He also led by example in helping people in need, calling out injustices, and serving as the perfect model for others to follow with respect to love, compassion, kindness, empathy, humbleness, and generosity.
Obviously, actions and words need to be Biblically sound and based upon God but there are plenty of sources of teaching available now. You do not need your pastor to do that.
Pastors are supposed to be shepherds...shepherds not only feed the flock, they looks out for their wellbeing (i.e. sick), protect them from danger, and goes to look for the ones who are lost. Those are the roles of a pastor.
Go check out what Jesus did when He was on Earth...He protected the non-believers from the religious authority. As Christians, we are supposed to "sit and eat" with non-believers and defend them from the abuses of those who claim to be religious.
I definitely do not view you as a non-believer and thus I am obligated to speak to you as a brother/sister in Christ regarding your representation of God and His teachings that I believe to be inaccurate. You are welcome to challenge my beliefs but do so based upon the Bible, not your human perceptions and POV. Who did Jesus speak most strongly to and challenged the most? The religious leaders/authority.
What did Paul consistently do in his letters? Correct (but also encourage) the various congregations regarding certain issues/wrongs Paul saw. Paul was the one who called out some of the early church for being elitists and excluding non-Jews from becoming Christians. He also repeatedly warned them from becoming elitist and setting up barriers and rules to limit those who want to join the church.
One of the biggest issue I have with predetermination is that elitism that it creates and fosters. One is a Christian because I was chosen and those who are not Christians are not chosen. This mindset creates a world in which most of the people are fallen and not worthy of being saved. Who cares about those people, they're not chosen.
I ascribed to the belief that all individuals can be saved and thus every non-Christian should be treated as a son or daughter of God. If I take actions that offends or pushes away a person from being saved, I am not doing my job as a Christian to spread the Word of God.
Jesus did not ostracize non-believers for their beliefs, their background, or what they thought God was or wasn't. He just accepted them as they were without pre-conditions.
So why not share those sermons and teachings from various sources you listen to? If you think they're good sources, I think it's good to spread to more people even in a small forum like this.
For all those law suits, the state sued Grace Church for having an indoor meeting initially. They just had to take an action (simply suing back) only to carry the indoor worship service every week legally which is prevailing as of now so far by the judge. There are some churches who sued the government and some I don't agree with them at all theologically so I'm strictly talking about the case of Grace Church here. I don't agree with some careless pastors you gave links about in previous page either. They seem like either a charismatic or a prosperity gospel style teachers which I personally don't see as genuine Christian pastors as I said a long time ago debating with you last time.
We should follow COVID guidelines. But if parts of the guidelines go against God's commandment, then we need to make a choice. So for these churches or their leaderships, they're loving their flocks in care of spiritual needs over the physical regardless of possible persecutions on themselves. You don't see any conflicts from the guideline for your Christian walk so it's easy for you to say what you say, but those who do, it's their choice to follow God's order over the state's. Are you 100% sure your view is the correct one?
I agree mostly here except for the first sentence. I believe pastors or any Christian leaders should look out for other's spiritual well-beings. Everyone in this world is looking out for the body no matter the races or religions. Christian teachers are to be different in a way to teach about the soul first and foremost, about the spirit. That's what shepherds do. That is what Jesus was commanding Peter to do so(John 21). Shepherds are to protect their flocks from wolves who teach and try to bring about all sorts of wrong doctrines and false fears associated with physical needs.
BTW, if one feels sick or thinks he should stay home for worship, he can do that no problem. He can listen to the doctors who don't teach the Bible. No one is forcing him to come to church.
Are you sure those were non-believers? I believe they were actually real believers over the religious leaders at the time. They were real believers because they recognized their sin while religious leaders didn't. Jesus was just letting them know they were forgiven. Who the Father has given to the Son were these (John 6, 10, 17). This is also one of the pre-destination arguments I can talk about.
It's funny because that's exactly what I'm doing with you here.
I agree with you 100%. Are you saying you're seeing me as some self elitist?
That's your personal view of how you're seeing predetermination theology. We are all fallen. No one deserves to be saved by God's standard. You're right up to there, but you're into your own interpretation when you start saying things like "Who cares about those people, they're not chosen." God does want everyone to be saved (Ezekiel 18:23), but it's the unwillingness to repent that holds them from being saved. Jesus accepts you as long as you repent. But that repenting heart is also from God. It's the Holy Spirit who does that good work. Think of it this way. It's not some kind of elitists mindset. It's that we can't do any good works, but God chooses to good works through us (Romans8). The focus is on God with His love, grace, sovereignty and all good things instead of us. The focus should not be on "who's not saved?" There also are plenty of verses to back this theology and it makes more sense with clear understanding once you have this mindset when you read the Bible.
I am so confused by this argument. Whether you agree with the pastor theologically has nothing to do with whether the state has the right to restrict indoor service. Nor does it have anything to do with whether the orders go against God's orders or not.
The point was that there were churches have been materially affected by COVID-19 as a result of their refusal to adhere to COVID restrictions, including the one in Maine that have resulted in 3 deaths and 144 COVID cases.
Are we going back to the the "true churches" will be saved by God defense?
I don't make up persecution where there is not. Just because some Christians want to feel special does not make the orders against God's orders. Equality does not mean persecution.
Again, what about those churches that defy the orders and then exposed the attendees to COVID-19?
You still have not articulated where the COVID order violated God's orders. There is nothing in the Bible that requires individuals to physically gather to worship within a building...or state that meeting over Zoom is somehow less spiritual. To me, it's actually a sign of the lack of faith that God that a congregation has to meet in person and within a building for "true worship" to occur.
Yes...Jesus told Peter to feed the flock but He also preached to them to model and to help. Jesus himself modeled this for all to see. Shepherds are to protect their flock both spiritually and physically.
I do not know why adhering to medical protocols is somehow anti-Biblical....if you are good with people not coming to church based upon medical concerns...why is there a requirement that anyone goes to church physically?
I mean, should a person with COVID go to church anyways? I mean he and the rest of the church would be protected anyways right?
He literally called them sinners and the ones who are lost and that He came to lead them to repentence.
I have no idea how those are predestination arguments.
I am not into my own interpretation...it is literally why the Pilgrims came to this country...they believed that they were the chosen few and were commanded by God to leave the old and corrupt world. Pilgrim then kicked out anyone who challenged the concept of predestination.
http://mayflowerhistory.com/religion#:~:text=Predestination.,grace, and would have faith.
https://www.ushistory.org/us/3e.asp
Of course it is some sort of elitist argument...why did God choose some over others? Those who are chosen are by definition elite.
If all fall short of the glory of God, why do some get saved and others do not?
Why not? It is why Jesus came. To look for the one lost sheep...
"What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? Matthew 18:2
Why else would God keep believers here if not to spread the word of God and to bring as many into the Kingdom of Heave as possible?
You keep saying this but I see the opposite. Please elaborate.
I was simply answering your questions, but I guess you are so determined to condemn all churches meeting up in person. Please read again if you really want to get out of your confusion. I can explain again if you still don't get it.
Also you seem to think that if one gets COVID and dies, that means God doesn't love that person. I don't think that although you might be confused to think I do.
First, you didn't answer my questions. But I'll answer yours. I never said or even thought Christians must meet in a building or indoors. Meeting outdoors or even a small gathering in one's home all can be worship as well. Zoom and streaming are all creative ways we can worship as well. I felt like I said this over and over. I don't remember saying anything about less spiritual or anything by the different forms of gatherings. I really hope you get it by now.
As for meeting indoors, I told you I thought we could not meet indoors at all. But you told me otherwise and I really hope you're right. So that argument should have been finished by now. Unless the law changes or you were wrong all along, I'm glad to know we can actually go to someone's home. We've been careful and meeting outdoors only so far if you were really concerned. Understood so far?
Now to get into physical gatherings, I think that's where you're neglecting the importance. You can choose your own style if you think that's more efficient. I'm not saying what is better over the other. I'm saying this has been spoken in the Bible. First, it was commanded by God. Yes, to Israel, but the same spirit is for Christians as well. Remember, this has never been a requirement for salvation. This is something God commanded for His people to do and better it is when we obey. The main reason is to hear the Word of God. To hear it and learn to fear God. Israelite's Assembly was to do that and now Church is to do that. Also like I said before, it is a proclamation of our faith that we gather physically. God wants us to show the world that we gather in such way in response to tell the world we hear and fear the Lord our God. Here are some verses.
Assemble the people, men, women, and little ones, and the sojourner within your towns, that they may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God, and be careful to do all the words of this law, and that their children, who have not known it, may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God, as long as you live in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess. - Deuteronomy 31:12-13
For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I (Jesus) among them. - Matthew 18:20
And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. - Acts 2:42-47
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. - Hebrews 10:24-25
You might say we can do all those hearing and fearing God at home with Internet now. Yes, by all means use those technology and tools to worship God. We can do Zoom and video meetings no problem. God also leads us to be alone sometimes. But just in general, for the believers, we are to gather and love physically. How big or how small don't matter. Jesus said all we need is two or three. But we should be gathered in His Name. We are different parts of Christ's body. Better to be together than separate. It's a symbolic expression, but you get the idea.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. - Colossians 3:16
Being restricted on public gatherings and singing together are all banned now (hopefully temporarily). The government might be saying they're doing that to protect our health and maybe they really are, but let's see how long this goes and how everything turns out. Seems like you are with the state's call to sue those churches.
So if Irvinecommuter and irvinehomeowner are correct, we can actually visit friends' homes and have our own private worship together. I really thought this was not allowed so we kept meeting up outside instead of someone's home inside. Interestingly, all our friends thought the same so this is something new to us and I really hope IC and IHO are correct on this.
irvinehomeowner
Well-known member
As long as you observe safety protocols, social distancing, masks, etc... I think small private inside gatherings with people you know (family, close friends) are allowed. I'm too lazy to look it up... but I recall something about groups of 10 or less.
People have been doing this for months... even during stay at home time period.
Do you not know anyone who has been having small get togethers/parties?
But... it's good that you have been only doing that outside, it's safer. So driveway, backyard, whatever... just observe safety protocols.
People have been doing this for months... even during stay at home time period.
Do you not know anyone who has been having small get togethers/parties?
But... it's good that you have been only doing that outside, it's safer. So driveway, backyard, whatever... just observe safety protocols.
irvinehomeowner said:
Keeping social distances at home is almost impossible unless you live in like 10,000 sqft house.
Do I know anyone meeting up regardless of the current order? Yeah, everyone is doing that. That doesn't mean I should do it too, right?
I guess I've been following the rules better than you guys after all. ;D
irvinehomeowner said:I'd like to visit where IC goes to church some day.
IC and eyephone should recommend some good churches nearby. Not that I'm looking to change from mine, but so that others would know also. I myself can check them out online as well. I've asked for this several times, but no answer yet.
Irvinecommuter
New member
Mety said:
There are no "restrictions" for individuals...just recommendations. Restrictions are for businesses and entities. No one is coming out with a measuring tape at your home to check if you are 6 ft away.
Irvinecommuter
New member
Mety said:irvinehomeowner said:I'd like to visit where IC goes to church some day.
IC and eyephone should recommend some good churches nearby. Not that I'm looking to change from mine, but so that others would know also. I myself can check them out online as well. I've asked for this several times, but no answer yet.
Everyone should find the church that they like and are comfortable with. No church is better or worse as they are meant to be guides...the ultimate church is with God and through Jesus. I have a home church but I listen to sermons and teaching from various sources. While I like the teachings at my home, I like my home church more for its support system as well as the focus on helping spreading the word of God.
Only thing I suggest is God does not require you to follow Him blindly or to shut down your brain/logic. He gave us those gifts for a reason as well as to provide us with the Bible. Do not let any individual, pastor, church, or group of people dictate to you what is "right" or "wrong". There are plenty of ways to know when someone is leading you astray spiritually...just need to cognizant and aware.
Ultimately, Jesus should be your model and guide...it is pretty corny but the "What would Jesus Do?" motto is probably the best one. That and
Going to our original discussion...how is defying COVID-19 guidelines and suing the state because you want to go to church "loving your neighbor"?
Irvinecommuter
New member
Mety said:
Preaching/teaching is one part of leading but not the only or most important. Jesus taught but He also led by example in helping people in need, calling out injustices, and serving as the perfect model for others to follow with respect to love, compassion, kindness, empathy, humbleness, and generosity.
Obviously, actions and words need to be Biblically sound and based upon God but there are plenty of sources of teaching available now. You do not need your pastor to do that.
Pastors are supposed to be shepherds...shepherds not only feed the flock, they looks out for their wellbeing (i.e. sick), protect them from danger, and goes to look for the ones who are lost. Those are the roles of a pastor.
Irvinecommuter
New member
Mety said:Just check your heart, man. Are you really expressing love through this discussion? To me, it seems like you're just after me to prove I'm wrong and some old white pastor because I mentioned of him. You also seem to be protecting many non-believers while trying to crush me. Maybe you think of me as a non-believer? Of course IHO will think you're so lovely.
Go check out what Jesus did when He was on Earth...He protected the non-believers from the religious authority. As Christians, we are supposed to "sit and eat" with non-believers and defend them from the abuses of those who claim to be religious.
I definitely do not view you as a non-believer and thus I am obligated to speak to you as a brother/sister in Christ regarding your representation of God and His teachings that I believe to be inaccurate. You are welcome to challenge my beliefs but do so based upon the Bible, not your human perceptions and POV. Who did Jesus speak most strongly to and challenged the most? The religious leaders/authority.
What did Paul consistently do in his letters? Correct (but also encourage) the various congregations regarding certain issues/wrongs Paul saw. Paul was the one who called out some of the early church for being elitists and excluding non-Jews from becoming Christians. He also repeatedly warned them from becoming elitist and setting up barriers and rules to limit those who want to join the church.
One of the biggest issue I have with predetermination is that elitism that it creates and fosters. One is a Christian because I was chosen and those who are not Christians are not chosen. This mindset creates a world in which most of the people are fallen and not worthy of being saved. Who cares about those people, they're not chosen.
I ascribed to the belief that all individuals can be saved and thus every non-Christian should be treated as a son or daughter of God. If I take actions that offends or pushes away a person from being saved, I am not doing my job as a Christian to spread the Word of God.
Jesus did not ostracize non-believers for their beliefs, their background, or what they thought God was or wasn't. He just accepted them as they were without pre-conditions.
Irvinecommuter said:Mety said:irvinehomeowner said:I'd like to visit where IC goes to church some day.
IC and eyephone should recommend some good churches nearby. Not that I'm looking to change from mine, but so that others would know also. I myself can check them out online as well. I've asked for this several times, but no answer yet.
Everyone should find the church that they like and are comfortable with. No church is better or worse as they are meant to be guides...the ultimate church is with God and through Jesus. I have a home church but I listen to sermons and teaching from various sources. While I like the teachings at my home, I like my home church more for its support system as well as the focus on helping spreading the word of God.
Only thing I suggest is God does not require you to follow Him blindly or to shut down your brain/logic. He gave us those gifts for a reason as well as to provide us with the Bible. Do not let any individual, pastor, church, or group of people dictate to you what is "right" or "wrong". There are plenty of ways to know when someone is leading you astray spiritually...just need to cognizant and aware.
Ultimately, Jesus should be your model and guide...it is pretty corny but the "What would Jesus Do?" motto is probably the best one. That and
Going to our original discussion...how is defying COVID-19 guidelines and suing the state because you want to go to church "loving your neighbor"?
So why not share those sermons and teachings from various sources you listen to? If you think they're good sources, I think it's good to spread to more people even in a small forum like this.
For all those law suits, the state sued Grace Church for having an indoor meeting initially. They just had to take an action (simply suing back) only to carry the indoor worship service every week legally which is prevailing as of now so far by the judge. There are some churches who sued the government and some I don't agree with them at all theologically so I'm strictly talking about the case of Grace Church here. I don't agree with some careless pastors you gave links about in previous page either. They seem like either a charismatic or a prosperity gospel style teachers which I personally don't see as genuine Christian pastors as I said a long time ago debating with you last time.
We should follow COVID guidelines. But if parts of the guidelines go against God's commandment, then we need to make a choice. So for these churches or their leaderships, they're loving their flocks in care of spiritual needs over the physical regardless of possible persecutions on themselves. You don't see any conflicts from the guideline for your Christian walk so it's easy for you to say what you say, but those who do, it's their choice to follow God's order over the state's. Are you 100% sure your view is the correct one?
Irvinecommuter said:
I agree mostly here except for the first sentence. I believe pastors or any Christian leaders should look out for other's spiritual well-beings. Everyone in this world is looking out for the body no matter the races or religions. Christian teachers are to be different in a way to teach about the soul first and foremost, about the spirit. That's what shepherds do. That is what Jesus was commanding Peter to do so(John 21). Shepherds are to protect their flocks from wolves who teach and try to bring about all sorts of wrong doctrines and false fears associated with physical needs.
BTW, if one feels sick or thinks he should stay home for worship, he can do that no problem. He can listen to the doctors who don't teach the Bible. No one is forcing him to come to church.
Irvinecommuter said:Mety said:Just check your heart, man. Are you really expressing love through this discussion? To me, it seems like you're just after me to prove I'm wrong and some old white pastor because I mentioned of him. You also seem to be protecting many non-believers while trying to crush me. Maybe you think of me as a non-believer? Of course IHO will think you're so lovely.
Go check out what Jesus did when He was on Earth...He protected the non-believers from the religious authority. As Christians, we are supposed to "sit and eat" with non-believers and defend them from the abuses of those who claim to be religious.
Are you sure those were non-believers? I believe they were actually real believers over the religious leaders at the time. They were real believers because they recognized their sin while religious leaders didn't. Jesus was just letting them know they were forgiven. Who the Father has given to the Son were these (John 6, 10, 17). This is also one of the pre-destination arguments I can talk about.
Irvinecommuter said:
It's funny because that's exactly what I'm doing with you here.
Irvinecommuter said:
I agree with you 100%. Are you saying you're seeing me as some self elitist?
Irvinecommuter said:
That's your personal view of how you're seeing predetermination theology. We are all fallen. No one deserves to be saved by God's standard. You're right up to there, but you're into your own interpretation when you start saying things like "Who cares about those people, they're not chosen." God does want everyone to be saved (Ezekiel 18:23), but it's the unwillingness to repent that holds them from being saved. Jesus accepts you as long as you repent. But that repenting heart is also from God. It's the Holy Spirit who does that good work. Think of it this way. It's not some kind of elitists mindset. It's that we can't do any good works, but God chooses to good works through us (Romans8). The focus is on God with His love, grace, sovereignty and all good things instead of us. The focus should not be on "who's not saved?" There also are plenty of verses to back this theology and it makes more sense with clear understanding once you have this mindset when you read the Bible.
Irvinecommuter
New member
Mety said:
I am so confused by this argument. Whether you agree with the pastor theologically has nothing to do with whether the state has the right to restrict indoor service. Nor does it have anything to do with whether the orders go against God's orders or not.
The point was that there were churches have been materially affected by COVID-19 as a result of their refusal to adhere to COVID restrictions, including the one in Maine that have resulted in 3 deaths and 144 COVID cases.
Are we going back to the the "true churches" will be saved by God defense?
I don't make up persecution where there is not. Just because some Christians want to feel special does not make the orders against God's orders. Equality does not mean persecution.
Again, what about those churches that defy the orders and then exposed the attendees to COVID-19?
You still have not articulated where the COVID order violated God's orders. There is nothing in the Bible that requires individuals to physically gather to worship within a building...or state that meeting over Zoom is somehow less spiritual. To me, it's actually a sign of the lack of faith that God that a congregation has to meet in person and within a building for "true worship" to occur.
Irvinecommuter
New member
Mety said:
Yes...Jesus told Peter to feed the flock but He also preached to them to model and to help. Jesus himself modeled this for all to see. Shepherds are to protect their flock both spiritually and physically.
I do not know why adhering to medical protocols is somehow anti-Biblical....if you are good with people not coming to church based upon medical concerns...why is there a requirement that anyone goes to church physically?
I mean, should a person with COVID go to church anyways? I mean he and the rest of the church would be protected anyways right?
Irvinecommuter
New member
He literally called them sinners and the ones who are lost and that He came to lead them to repentence.
I have no idea how those are predestination arguments.
I am not into my own interpretation...it is literally why the Pilgrims came to this country...they believed that they were the chosen few and were commanded by God to leave the old and corrupt world. Pilgrim then kicked out anyone who challenged the concept of predestination.
http://mayflowerhistory.com/religion#:~:text=Predestination.,grace, and would have faith.
https://www.ushistory.org/us/3e.asp
Of course it is some sort of elitist argument...why did God choose some over others? Those who are chosen are by definition elite.
If all fall short of the glory of God, why do some get saved and others do not?
Why not? It is why Jesus came. To look for the one lost sheep...
"What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? Matthew 18:2
Why else would God keep believers here if not to spread the word of God and to bring as many into the Kingdom of Heave as possible?
You keep saying this but I see the opposite. Please elaborate.
Irvinecommuter said:
I was simply answering your questions, but I guess you are so determined to condemn all churches meeting up in person. Please read again if you really want to get out of your confusion. I can explain again if you still don't get it.
Also you seem to think that if one gets COVID and dies, that means God doesn't love that person. I don't think that although you might be confused to think I do.
Irvinecommuter said:
First, you didn't answer my questions. But I'll answer yours. I never said or even thought Christians must meet in a building or indoors. Meeting outdoors or even a small gathering in one's home all can be worship as well. Zoom and streaming are all creative ways we can worship as well. I felt like I said this over and over. I don't remember saying anything about less spiritual or anything by the different forms of gatherings. I really hope you get it by now.
As for meeting indoors, I told you I thought we could not meet indoors at all. But you told me otherwise and I really hope you're right. So that argument should have been finished by now. Unless the law changes or you were wrong all along, I'm glad to know we can actually go to someone's home. We've been careful and meeting outdoors only so far if you were really concerned. Understood so far?
Now to get into physical gatherings, I think that's where you're neglecting the importance. You can choose your own style if you think that's more efficient. I'm not saying what is better over the other. I'm saying this has been spoken in the Bible. First, it was commanded by God. Yes, to Israel, but the same spirit is for Christians as well. Remember, this has never been a requirement for salvation. This is something God commanded for His people to do and better it is when we obey. The main reason is to hear the Word of God. To hear it and learn to fear God. Israelite's Assembly was to do that and now Church is to do that. Also like I said before, it is a proclamation of our faith that we gather physically. God wants us to show the world that we gather in such way in response to tell the world we hear and fear the Lord our God. Here are some verses.
Assemble the people, men, women, and little ones, and the sojourner within your towns, that they may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God, and be careful to do all the words of this law, and that their children, who have not known it, may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God, as long as you live in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess. - Deuteronomy 31:12-13
For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I (Jesus) among them. - Matthew 18:20
And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. - Acts 2:42-47
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. - Hebrews 10:24-25
You might say we can do all those hearing and fearing God at home with Internet now. Yes, by all means use those technology and tools to worship God. We can do Zoom and video meetings no problem. God also leads us to be alone sometimes. But just in general, for the believers, we are to gather and love physically. How big or how small don't matter. Jesus said all we need is two or three. But we should be gathered in His Name. We are different parts of Christ's body. Better to be together than separate. It's a symbolic expression, but you get the idea.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. - Colossians 3:16
Being restricted on public gatherings and singing together are all banned now (hopefully temporarily). The government might be saying they're doing that to protect our health and maybe they really are, but let's see how long this goes and how everything turns out. Seems like you are with the state's call to sue those churches.