I am discussing/debating with some folks I agree with on many things. I like these folks. I want to back up and state my position on this before it gets lost.
In this day there are countless Churches and denominations. They each have their own slant on the Bible. I am against denominations. Not because they are a denomination, but because I have yet to find one who sticks strictly with the Bible. It's not because they have their own traditions. I don't mind a tradition as long as it doesn't contradict the Bible or add to it. Yet... That is the case most of the time.
The overwhelming violence to what God said has led many to swear off the whole notion of "church". Here, I mean the assembling of believers under leadership.
I fully acknowledge that the Church is God's collective body of believers in all places on Earth and in all generations. I have never heard Paul or Peter preach live, nor a real preacher preach live who may be preaching the truth in India, for example. But Peter, Paul that guy in India and myself are "his Church".
Getting past that, despite the fact that so much globally is done wrong with the concept of Church... It is still God's plan. I am upset not with the outcying against what is wrong, but the refusal to believe that some have it right. That's is not to say anything Church has everything right and complete. But it is the path they are on.
So if you despise an assembly of believers under leadership, I ask that you don't do so for that alone. Question the doctrine. It it's at fault, let it correct itself. If it doesn't, reject it. Question it's love and sincerity. If it's lacking, let it grow. If it doesn't, reject it.
Eventually, these types of conversations lead people to start talking about "a brick building". Ok... The brick building is not the Church. I agree with that. But it may just be where the Saints gather. Is there something wrong with respecting the gathering g place?
If God's children are there and God is there, and the Holy Spirit is at work there... It's at least temporarily Holy ground. And if it has a history of temporarily being holy ground... It's well... A historical site!
Before you poo poo that idea, let me ask you how many would or have visited Isael for a religious experience? I would like to. But if God really did visit a body of believers in a small or big building, is it really any different?
My point is that if you have visited or wanted to visit Israel because Jesus was there, you are a hypocrite if you believe the Holy Spirit visited other places.
No. The building is not the Church. But it is where the Church meets. I see nothing wrong with treating that place with respect.
One day God may proclaim it Icabod. But for the time being...
Let me talk about the flip side. If you don't believe we need Church as I am defending it, what are you doing? You are relying on the Holy Spirit to personally teach you.
I emphatically believe he can show you things. But it's going to be nuggets. Exciting stuff but not the full revelation. And it will come better under a teacher who teaches you how to learn. But I am moving away from my point.
Try the spirits. That's Bible. We don't have scripture that says try the Word. But if the HS is teaching you directly, you are in elite company and are given that to teach others.
He gave it to Noah, Samuel, Moses, Isaiah, Malachi, John, Jesus, Paul and Peter and told them to teach others. But he's going to give it to you for you alone?
Well, that has happened too. Judges 21:25. There was no king in Israel but every man did that which was right in his own eyes. Not good times.
So if the HS is dealing directly with you, history proves it's because he wants you in the ministry.
Bottom line: I understand that there is a lot wrong with Churches and their doctrines and their govt. That doesn't change the fact that it is God's plan. God wants us to assemble on Earth and have leadership.