Why Do You Go/or not go to Church?

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Pearl

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The Christian life indeed revolves round prayer and the Scriptures.
As well as the housegroups each week once a month the church met Wednesday evenings for a time of prayer together for guidance etc. And sometimes we had visiting preachers/teachers who joined us on Wednesday nights to bring further teachings on a variety of subjects, sometimes a course would run over a number of weeks. And of course the Alpha Course once a year for seekers and new Christians.
 

farouk

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As well as the housegroups each week once a month the church met Wednesday evenings for a time of prayer together for guidance etc. And sometimes we had visiting preachers/teachers who joined us on Wednesday nights to bring further teachings on a variety of subjects, sometimes a course would run over a number of weeks. And of course the Alpha Course once a year for seekers and new Christians.
Just goes to show that there should always be plenty of scope for prayer and Scripture activity. :)
 

historyb

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perhaps you can elaborate....make what you are trying to say clearer

Those who heard could not take what Christ was saying, they did not want to partake of the true Eucharist but walked away and in modern terms evangelicals made communion just a mere remembrance. Both groups walked away in their own way
 

Soverign Grace

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I have been going through a searching series called "Have You Forgotten the Why?" Basically why we go to church. I have been a bit torn lately and unsure if Ive made the best decision just going to this new church for now.

His teaching has been that we go to church for the Word of God/to renew our minds, so that we can stand strong against the enemy. I completely agree with this. And they are amazing teachers.

But I realize, like they don't have Sunday night service. And though I studied at home, still have felt a bit down. I guess it is because I've never missed. But I am just going to one for now.

So I am wondering if church is for more then just the Word. Otherwise, why go. Here are thoughts on top of my head.

We go to church for:

1. Accountability to remain walking in the Spirit

2. I want to say music, the Word of God is also sharing through the Worship and I am drawn more to hymns/Gospel type with some contemporary like my current church home rather then the band/newer songs I don't really know at the new church.

3. Doctrine- I think my main question in my mind is on the gifts of the Spirit and how important it is to go to a church that teaches and practices tongues as a prayer language, prophecy, words of wisdom/knowledge.

4. The church body-fellowship among believers/etc. It is hard to measure this after years at the my current one right now.

5. Where I can best serve God.

So why do you go to church? Is there a wrong answer if the church believes God's Word.

I go to church (when I can, which isn't always possible) to hear the Word preached and to be among a body of believers. I study the Bible on my own but God gives some the gift of teaching.

I like the old-time hymns much better than contemporary music also. I actually don't like a lot of music - I find it annoying when we're told to stand, to sit etc. I'm lucky I make it and I'd rather spend time hearing the Word.
 

Mayflower

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I go to church (when I can, which isn't always possible) to hear the Word preached and to be among a body of believers. I study the Bible on my own but God gives some the gift of teaching.

I like the old-time hymns much better than contemporary music also. I actually don't like a lot of music - I find it annoying when we're told to stand, to sit etc. I'm lucky I make it and I'd rather spend time hearing the Word.

The Word is heard a lot through music also. When the right music is played. :)
 
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quietthinker

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The Word is heard a lot through music also. When the right music is played. :)
Songs that have you at the centre but make out they are praising God is another sleight of hand the enemy uses for men to glorify themselves. I have found the larger majority of modern christian songs come into this category along with the rock'nroll type bands that play it....even in the Church.

Consider the modern lyrics against 'A mighty fortress is our God' and I'll just about bet that those who prefer the former have come for entertainment which they call worship.
 
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Heart2Soul

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Hi Mayflower!...I have a hard time going to church these days...they seem so dried up and withered....no power....and I need a church where I can be fed....not milk but MEAT of His Word. I want to be promoted in my spiritual walk not demoted or remain in the same spot forever. I keep finding myself having difficulty with whether or not I can sense the spirit of Love in a church...it amazes me how unloving some churches are especially to a new member. But I am like you...I love, love, love the Praise and Worship part of the service.
 

Pearl

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Songs that have you at the centre but make out they are praising God is another sleight of hand the enemy uses for men to glorify themselves. I have found the larger majority of modern christian songs come into this category along with the rock'nroll type bands that play it....even in the Church.

Consider the modern lyrics against 'A mighty fortress is our God' and I'll just about bet that those who prefer the former have come for entertainment which they call worship.
I've been saying this for a long time after reading a book called, 'The Power of Praise and Worship'.
 

farouk

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Hi Mayflower!...I have a hard time going to church these days...they seem so dried up and withered....no power....and I need a church where I can be fed....not milk but MEAT of His Word. I want to be promoted in my spiritual walk not demoted or remain in the same spot forever. I keep finding myself having difficulty with whether or not I can sense the spirit of Love in a church...it amazes me how unloving some churches are especially to a new member. But I am like you...I love, love, love the Praise and Worship part of the service.
Acts 2.42 is a good local church pattern to look for! :)
 

farouk

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I tried to be a part of two churches , sadly it didn't work - but not because of what I was doing. It was more a case of not following the rules - churches don't always like sharing members with other churches. Many view it as being committed to one group of people , rather than being part of the body of Christ and serving where you can.
It may be different where you are, but in my experience churches become territorial !
Rita
PS: It's good to have the activities of Acts 2.41-42 as an ideal that is attainable:
...........
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
............
 

Pearl

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I really miss what my church was like when I first joined. So full of vision and enthusiasm.
 
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DoveSpirit05

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Most churches these day's are religious caves, or just buildings where people congregate and sin. not going 2 mention all the perverse things iv herd. In my experience not so good, if u can find a real anointed church that's preaching the real message, their healing the sick, casting out demons, yes dats right, speaking in tongues and delivering souls den good but the real church is the body of Christ, where ever the gospel's being preached, it can be in a church building (per say) on the streets, on the rooftops or on a mountain. Jesus said where ever there's 2 people who mention my name dats where I will be.
 
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shnarkle

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[QUOTE

So why do you go to church? Is there a wrong answer if the church believes God's Word.[/QUOTE]

Going to church is like the huddle. We see what the plan is, and then we leave to execute it. It's for fellowship, edification, and planning how to be of service in the community. That's the primary focus of church. I get that from one of the nearby Presbyterian (PCA)churches. Then there's the word which is awe inspiring as well as incredibly motivational, like a pep talk at half time. The music is always contemporary, and popular with the younger crowd, but I find it to be something more like a dirge so I also attend another local church which is all black gospel revival. The preaching is quite good and the music is incredibly stirring. I find it almost impossible to hold back the tears when the choir gets really fired up. I also like the way everyone dresses up. Unfortunately I stick out like a sore thumb in my somewhat old dated threads. It's the same story out in the parking lot as well. In a huge lot full of Cadillacs, Mercedes, and BMW's, there's that lone economy import looking like it broke down and was abandoned.

Then there's the Baptist church which is a bit farther away, but nonetheless they put on something that rivals a Vegas show. The lights, the electrified orchestra, the stadium seating and big screen reminds me of the concerts I used to go to when I was young. So I go to their services mostly for the entertainment value. I even feel guilty sometimes as if I snuck in without paying. Sometimes I even "make change" when they pass the basket.

The local SDA church has some great bible studies as well as a luncheon every Sabbath. The fellowship is excellent, although more than half the congregation is older than I am. They have a lot of wisdom and many are quite old, well into their 80's and 90's With a few exceptions, everyone is incredibly healthy. I've learned a lot about diet as well as many other aspects of living a healthy lifestyle.

The Catholic church has confessions every Saturday night which is a great way to unload or vent, although it would probably be better to have it on Sunday morning after a night of sin.

So I guess what I'm saying is that it's probably better to simply look at what they offer and see if that's something you can get into regardless of what you're expectations for church may be.
 
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Pearl

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Well, Acts 2.41-42 is a perennial standard to aim for... :)
Yes that what it was once like. It's still good but I just feel like they're just going through the time-honoured motions and I want more than that. There once was a time I was so expectant and so looked forward to going and didn't want to miss out on anything God might say to us.
 
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farouk

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Yes that what it was once like. It's still good but I just feel like they're just going through the time-honoured motions and I want more than that. There once was a time I was so expectant and so looked forward to going and didn't want to miss out on anything God might say to us.
I always think prayer and Scriptures at home first of all greatly strengthen our appreciation of what we subsequently hear when believers meet. (Going through the motions only, is of course not right.)
 

Pearl

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I always think prayer and Scriptures at home first of all greatly strengthen our appreciation of what we subsequently hear when believers meet. (Going through the motions only, is of course not right.)
They used to have such vision, nothing was impossible. But I think a lot of people got a bit discouraged when we had a lot of people dying in the 1980s even after fervent prayer. People lost heart I think, because these weren't old people but younger men with families. Then the church seemed to lose its way a bit and has never been the same.
 
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DoveSpirit05

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Also are many churches are not fasting!! very important. " this kind go out not but by prayer and fasting"