Are Public Church Services Necessary?

     We had a first at church on Sabbath when our electricity was out.  Seems it had gone out the night before and the power company had been unable to repair the service in time for morning services.  It was good that we were able to meet with New Albany for worship instead, and it was good to see their church packed as both churches met together.   I have to admit the thought did cross my mind that it would be nice to just stay home for a change.  However, what does God say?  He tells us very plainly in His Word that on the Sabbath there is to be "an holy convocation". (Leviticus 23:3)  A convocation is a "calling together", in a  "public meeting".  And because God knows how our minds work, He repeats His command in plainer language.  In the New Testament, in Hebrews 10:25, He plainly says: "do NOT forsake the assembling of ourselves together".  Please notice, as I just did, God doesn't say "yourselves", but "ourselves". That is, God is identifying with us and telling us that we are meeting together not just with one another as a group of humans, but we are meeting together in a divine and human group.  So it is written in Hebrews 2 that Jesus identifies Himself as our Brother in worship before God the Father. 
     How can we then stay away from Sabbath School and Church on Sabbath?  We can't if we are following God's word.  Of course I understand there are times when illness or other emergency or unavoidable events make it impossible to attend the public meetings.  But having said that, hear the word of the Lord.  It is becoming popular among some to think that they can stay away from public worship whenever they choose to do something else.  There is the thought that "I can worship God just as well, or even better by myself".  There is the idea that "God meets with me no matter where I am".  Sometimes the idea might be that "I can meet with God in nature and be more rested than by going to church."  However, God's Word is:  "No you cannot".  Our loving Father does not tell us to do something, and then tell us it is alright to do something else. God will never give His blessing to purposeful disobedience.   He made us and He knows best what we need.  It is only by strict obedience to His directions that we can receive His blessing.
     It is even more imperative now, in these last days, because Jesus plainly says: "and so much more as you see the day (of Christ's appearing) approaching." (Hebrews 10:25)  Dear friends, when we meet together there might occur situations that distract us from worship.  Perhaps someone "rubs us the wrong way".  But that should only lead us to become more loving and unselfish.  We need the rough edges of our characters knocked off.  We need to be polished.  None of us are so holy that we would be welcomed among the pure holy beings in heaven right now.  God knows what is best for us, and because He loves us and wants us to be with him forever, He tells us what we need to do to be ready for eternity.  Trying to worship by ourselves will only lead to selfishness.  Worshiping together with Jesus will lead us to unselfishness and love for one another if we worship "in Spirit and in Truth".  (John 4:24)