| Church or ??
Posted: 1/14/2006 6:41:21 AM | I love that I live my life for what I believe in. Every day I study, I talk to Jesus , referring to Him about everything, and yet I hate going to church.
I first became a believer when I was living in the interior of BC and I had two good friends with whom I studied. The one friend is now a reverend, former prostitute. I was taught to only use the bible as reference and any argument not based on that wasn`t authentic. This is how I was taught, our study each week was bring in a topic turned argument or proof of something that interested me that week and use only the bible and concordence for reference. I thought that`s how it`s done.
When I go to church, I feel like I`m forced to listen to one person`s philosophy without saying anything and then expected to say thanks for the crap, after.
I`ve heard some very good preachers but it seems to me that these have such weird traditions with them that I just shake my head. I wasn`t taught any traditions and had studied for ten years before going to church so I can spot them a mile off.
Of course all the people I know in the Christian community here, which are mostly very "hi-ups" that I sometimes study with, feel very justified in laying all kinds of labels on me because I`m not a regular church attender.
What does a person do? I have a great 1/2 hr program I listen to everyday, studies are no problem, but I feel left out and alone and don`t know what to do about it.
Any suggestions? | |
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| Church or ??
Posted: 1/14/2006 7:46:06 AM | | I just thought of something ,, if I study at home and hang out with all you spiritual people then I never have to leave my computer. My life is fulfilled. | |
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| Church or ??
Posted: 1/14/2006 9:26:34 AM | | Let me ask you this. The Bible states that all believers are part of "the Body". We all have a function. Maybe it is to build someone up with words of encouragement. Perhaps it is to serve on a soup line or clean the Church. One thing is clear, we are expected to be a part of the Body. A limb cannot live on it's own. How are you filling your function in the Body? I have tried the "Lone Ranger, I don't need Church" thing. When I became part of a community I realized how much I was missing. Although I thought that I was doing fine, it became apparent that I was not doing as good as I thought. Those boring people at Church had alot to teach me in the way they conducted their lives. God does deal with us as individuals, but He also deals with Christians in a corporate sense. Many things in the New Testament are addressed to "the Church" as a whole. You are missing out and not filling your function if you are going it alone. Not trying to offend you. That is just the way I see it. | |
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| Church or ??
Posted: 1/14/2006 9:46:22 AM | That is exactly, almost word for word, of what I heard, and I don`t refute it. There is of course not much substantiatong evidence of church attendence other than " neglect not assembling together " and my understanding of proof is that there must be three clear indications of this to make it a fact. I haven`t found that.
The body of Christ covers the earth and when the Spirit is lifted the church will go with Him.
I generally cleaned the church, a job no one else was eager to replace when I left, partly because I had more time than money for tythe, but felt I owed more. I loved the people but felt I had a persecution complex while there. | |
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| Church or ??
Posted: 1/14/2006 10:18:38 AM |
Let me ask you this. The Bible states that all believers are part of "the Body". We all have a function. Maybe it is to build someone up with words of encouragement. Perhaps it is to serve on a soup line or clean the Church. One thing is clear, we are expected to be a part of the Body. A limb cannot live on it's own. How are you filling your function in the Body? I have tried the "Lone Ranger, I don't need Church" thing. When I became part of a community I realized how much I was missing. Although I thought that I was doing fine, it became apparent that I was not doing as good as I thought. Those boring people at Church had alot to teach me in the way they conducted their lives. God does deal with us as individuals, but He also deals with Christians in a corporate sense. Many things in the New Testament are addressed to "the Church" as a whole. You are missing out and not filling your function if you are going it alone. Not trying to offend you. That is just the way I see it.
Very well said , Iv'e been there, and done that | |
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Posted: 1/14/2006 11:06:52 AM | Could one or both of you back this with enough scripture to solidify you philosophy?
I would go one step further. Let's say a Native American who was preached to of the Gospel and then saw the men who preached to him rob and rape his land and people, decided that he wanted no part of Christianity. I would not be surprised if God may use a differing "measuring stick" in such cases. God is tough, but He is not blind.
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You just said it for me. | |
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| Church or ??
Posted: 1/14/2006 11:29:33 AM | Why should people be forced to chose a church of low standards because no high standard churches are nearby? In a forum people are held accountable, In a church a person has to sit and eat whatever is put in front of them.
I`m a gourmet cook. I would never use an inferior recipe to serve my guests when I have the best available. If I did I wouldn`t expect any returning visaters. The lyrics to the music could generally be sang at any JW function. Naeseating to sing as well as being sacriligeous. Why wouldn`t someone serve the best when it`s there ?
Makes no sense. Don`t tell me I must be a part of that sloppy religion.
Or is my money you don`t want to lose? Or the janitor?
Gotta make sure the servants come.... | |
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| Church or ??
Posted: 1/14/2006 2:49:44 PM | It is good to fellowship with others. That being said....some folks are not physically able to attend church, they have God ,Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to converse with. I personally think a bible study is more a celebration of God then churches that have a bunch of man made rules. Church is suppose to be about learning God's word....not the man made set up it is today. Talk to God...he knows your heart. Ask him about what you feel. He will answer if you are sincere. If you are seeking him, and trying to learn his word, I can't see that being wrong. Different strokes for different folks.  | |
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Posted: 1/14/2006 6:52:49 PM | People that are housebound don`t have the opportunity to get to church and need to have Christ with them where they are. They can`t go to church. So they are not "good christians"
not being a part of the body?
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You said:
Let me ask you this. The Bible states that all believers are part of "the Body". We all have a function. Maybe it is to build someone up with words of encouragement. Perhaps it is to serve on a soup line or clean the Church. One thing is clear, we are expected to be a part of the Body. A limb cannot live on it's own. How are you filling your function in the Body? I have tried the "Lone Ranger, I don't need Church" thing. When I became part of a community I realized how much I was missing. Although I thought that I was doing fine, it became apparent that I was not doing as good as I thought. Those boring people at Church had alot to teach me in the way they conducted their lives. God does deal with us as individuals, but He also deals with Christians in a corporate sense. Many things in the New Testament are addressed to "the Church" as a whole. You are missing out and not filling your function if you are going it alone. Not trying to offend you. That is just the way I see it.
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Is that limb condemned to die an unholy Christian death because said person can`t get to church. I guess that`s why there called invalids.
I still haven`t heard one good explaination???? | |
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| Church or ??
Posted: 1/14/2006 8:33:28 PM | Jimmy, no banana for you,
My cat licks in tongues, and as you know that a cats tongue is sand paper rough, great for them "itching" ears  | |
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Posted: 1/14/2006 8:37:52 PM | Ah Jimmy. A person for my needs.
make sure it isn't a bunch of rebellouse discontents just out to comlain about the
churches they once attended.
Remember that you will be drawn to like,
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Rebellious discontents are who I pray for every nite.
The internet isn't really spirit to spirit interaction, even though I have emailed some and they felt the anointing of the Holy Spirit even to the point of tears
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You`ve been reading my e-mail!
Personal fellowship and accoutability by the Spirit of God and not the Law happens in communion and unity with other believers.
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Your so smart. That`s true. Jimmy you had me fooled.
pray until God leads you to the right assembly
**********************************************************************Amen to that.
Eccl 4:9-13
two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor.
10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.
11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;
But how can one be warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
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| Church or ??
Posted: 1/14/2006 8:50:45 PM | | As a person who has recently returned to the church scene, I have to say, if you truly believe all you say about your relationship with Jesus, then you should know why you belong in church. I fought it for years (and grew up in the church) but just hadn't been going to the right place or not at all. I found my church a little over a year ago and knew the first time I was there that I was supposed to be there. Don't look in the yellow pages - you know where to find the answer - just ask. | |
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| Church or ??
Posted: 1/14/2006 8:59:53 PM | You want scripture to back up what I said? Just read any of Paul's Epistles. They all talk about our conduct and helping one another. Let me ask you a question. As you are "going it alone", how often do you worship God? How do you worship God? Do you know that the very act of Church going is worshipping God?
You don't want to attend a Church, ok, start a little group get together in your house. Invite some people over and have a Bible study and pray for one another. There are lots of possibilities. | |
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Posted: 1/14/2006 9:02:22 PM | Santorini ^^^^ Good for you. I have attended various churches over the years. All different but ok in there own way. The main problem I have with Pastorism is having to sit through a lecture to the saved. I always wanna get up and say "hang on minute" and dispute the guy. Which of course you cannot do. I refuse to be a captive audience. But if that suits poeple, all the power too them. I don't feel convicted to attend an assembly, but the offer of lunch afterwards does tend to sway me...wheres the meat?? 
And just for Jimmy here's a  for you maybe it will stop those tongues for a while  | |
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| Church or ??
Posted: 1/14/2006 9:03:09 PM | found my church a little over a year ago and knew the first time I was there that I was supposed to be there
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You don`t say how long you`ve been aChristian. I would like to go to church and often do | |
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| Church or ??
Posted: 1/14/2006 9:05:04 PM | You don't want to attend a Church, ok, start a little group get together in your house. Invite some people over and have a Bible study and pray for one another. There are lots of possibilities.
**********************************************************************That`s the only decent thing you`ve said and your attitade ia why I don`t like going. | |
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Posted: 1/14/2006 9:09:08 PM | | What's wrong with my attitude? I gave an opinion. If you wanted someone to coddle you and tell you not to go to Church, maybe you shouldn't have asked. | |
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Posted: 1/14/2006 9:12:21 PM | | RD, who are you aiming that question at?? oops ok I seee | |
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Posted: 1/14/2006 9:14:03 PM | have attended various churches over the years. All different but ok in there own way. The main problem I have with Pastorism is having to sit through a lecture to the saved. I always wanna get up and say "hang on minute" and dispute the guy. Which of course you cannot do. I refuse to be a captive audience. But if that suits poeple, all the power too them
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Ya that`s exactly how I feel . A captive audience is one thing but to also by subject to whatever is being handed out is something I find hard to take. Ya the lunch sounds great.
That last guy really has me still shaken . What nerve.
I should go back and ...#
Oh ya and he still hasn`t given me any scripture,. You need to be accountable not me..
Not you. where am I? | |
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| Church or ??
Posted: 1/14/2006 9:20:05 PM | I think I understand where you’re coming from, Strange Fiction, but I truly believe you just haven’t found the right church. I don’t know if this is any more helpful to you than anything already said, but I like to use the example of a fire. If you take just 1 coal out of the fire and set it aside, it goes out. That became so real to me when the church I had been attending for 8 years closed. After a couple of months of not having a church I called home, I could see the changes in me, and I didn’t like it one bit. After lots of prayer and asking God to clearly show me the right church for me, he did. Like Santorini, I knew it was right the first day I went there. I couldn’t have ever asked for a better church to belong to. One thing you have to remember—the pastors and the congregations are still human, and they’re not perfect, either. They make mistakes. If it’s only one or two people in a church that are a problem, it doesn’t mean the whole church is bad. And if you don’t agree with the pastor or understand the traditions, talk to him about it—with gentleness and respect. If he’s not willing to answer questions or explain why he believes as he does, then he’s not a very good pastor. My pastor and I disagree on a few things and we debate about them. But we both respect each other and are willing to discuss our differences in a way that shows that respect. I never thought I could go to a church where I didn’t agree with the pastor. But my own personal Bible study time has gone to a whole new level because of our discussions. Now I dig a lot deeper for the truth.
I don’t know what to tell you about people who are home-bound. Ideally, they at one time attended a healthy church that is still reaching out to them thru phone calls and visits. There are a couple of elderly people who live near my church. I don’t honestly know if they were regular church-goers in the past—my church has only been open for 3 years. But we reach out to these people and make them a part of our family, even if they are unable to come to our services. Unfortunately, a lot of churches aren’t doing their jobs . . .
RDtoo’s suggestion of starting a group in your own home is a great idea.
At any rate, pray about it. Pray hard, and be persistent. God will show you where he wants you to be. Just understand that there’s no such thing as a perfect church! | |
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| Church or ??
Posted: 1/14/2006 9:21:54 PM | | As I mentioned, I grew up going to church (full gospel) and had parents who believed, as did I, but went through a long patch of wondering and questioning and criticising that started when I was a teenager. I started searching again in my mid twenties because deep down, I knew there really was something to all this. There was a lot of "religious guilt" to go back to church but I hadn't found it for myself yet - it belonged to my parents. Well like I said, you should just ask because I looked and searched (spiritually) and finally found. And I don't sit in a congregation and listen to a lecture. I sit and take notes and my pastor is not only the real thing but he makes us laugh and we all learn and fellowship together. We're not there to make perfect attendance or to score brownie points with the big guy upstairs. We're there because we need to be there. Yes, it says in the bible that where two or more are gathered and all that stuff but as a Christian, what reason do you have NOT to be there? | |
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Posted: 1/14/2006 9:29:03 PM | | Sorry that last post was for a strange fiction | |
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Posted: 1/14/2006 9:30:05 PM | | Hey, that sounds just like my church! | |
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Posted: 1/14/2006 9:34:39 PM | Just bad experiences. I take notes and participate in church.I`ve taught Sunday School and enjoyed it a lot. I`ve been a Christian for about 25 yrs and my faith is stronger now than ever. Sometimes I walk out of a church so frustrated , maybe I just go to the wrong churches, usually Pentecost , I feel like I`ve been sitting in there being used as spear bait in a bucket of fish. That may sound dramatic but holy rolers are often like that. Conviction you know.
I find me and God do great alone.The old testement folks did fine | |
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| Church or ??
Posted: 1/14/2006 9:39:47 PM | | Why do people lose credibility as Christians if they don`t attend church? | |
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