When the Jews were permitted to return to Jerusalem after the captivity in Babylonia (605-536 BCE) the Sabbath day became more central for them. Sabbath and synogogue became closely associated; by the time Jesus was born, they were the normative marks of Judaism.
Sabbath and synagoue tended to make religion a matter of 'do's and don't's; on the other hand they established a system of regular weekly worship for the whole community. Without this provision, religion may become a private affair that a person may practice as he or she wishes. Nehemiah and his associates recognized the weakness of "religion when I feel like it."
What benefits come from regular church attendance?
What is the difference between going to church and being the church?
PRAYER: O God, our creator and redeemer, help us to realize that we do not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from you. - AMEN!