I am a firm believer in Jesus but I do not go to a church now. I have went off and on all my life but it wasn't until I quit going that I became much closer to the Lord. I am not saying people should not go to church. It just doesn't seem to be for me. I think the churches I went to were not delivering the message the right way (at least not for me). Many times I felt I was farther from God after going. The last church I went to, I enjoyed the sermons, but for me there was too much other things. I guess one of the main problems was they would make anyone feel awful low if they did not attend every week. Now just a little while ago I heard a radio sermon in which the preacher said something about one of the reasons a christian should go to church is to show others how much you care about God and to help THEM. I think for myself (from past experience)it is not going to be as beneficial to me to go to church as it would to stay at home and read the Bible. The question is should I go any way? Or should I try to help people in some other way? I don't want people to think I just dont want to take the time for God to go to church. I know I spend much more time studying God's word and praying then do the majority of church goers. If I go to church I feel that it will bring me down spiritually but it would be worth it if it would really help someone else.
Need to go to a church?
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Well, this might work for you for a season. But there is nothing like Corprate Worship with other believers, that you can't get at home, unless your having hme bible studies with other believers!Also,You have a gift inside of you that needs to be given to other believers.We really do need one another, whether we like that are not!The best thing to do is to keep trying different churches until you find one that you know that God has called you too.The Word does tell us not to forsake assembling together with other believers. They did'nt do it in the early church and we should'nt do it now!I truly hope that You find God's place for you in the body of Christ!
Jon-Marc
New Member
Because of the way I was raised I am a loner and not a people person. I was always home alone as a child as young as 5 and rarely had friends and got into a lot of mischief because of it. I prefer being alone and don't enjoy anyone's company as much as I do my own. Why? Because I can have the temperature in my home where I want it. I can watch what TV shows I want. I can spend as much time online as I want. I can sleep what hours I want or stay up as late as I want. There's no one to argue with me, criticize me, ridicule me, to complain about anything, and I don't have to put up with someone smoking, cussing, being drunk and obnoxious. It took me two failed marriages and having friends and relatives living with me to learn that I can't tolerate people for very long. They irritate me with their pettiness. I also can't tolerate animals for very long. They're stinky, destructive, and noisy. After two hours with my grandkids I was always ready to leave and go home. The constant bickering, fighting, screaming, whining and crying was too much for me. My son-in-law asked me if I would like to babysit them. I told him that I preferred to come there and then go home and leave the kids there. Besides, their grandma loves to babysit. She has the patience I lack. She must have since she put up with me for over 5 years. I find Christians just as impossible to get along with as anyone else. I'm considering quitting going myself. I just don't enjoy it as I once did.
(Jon-Marc;12297)
Because of the way I was raised I am a loner and not a people person. I was always home alone as a child as young as 5 and rarely had friends and got into a lot of mischief because of it. I prefer being alone and don't enjoy anyone's company as much as I do my own. Why? Because I can have the temperature in my home where I want it. I can watch what TV shows I want. I can spend as much time online as I want. I can sleep what hours I want or stay up as late as I want. There's no one to argue with me, criticize me, ridicule me, to complain about anything, and I don't have to put up with someone smoking, cussing, being drunk and obnoxious. It took me two failed marriages and having friends and relatives living with me to learn that I can't tolerate people for very long. They irritate me with their pettiness. I also can't tolerate animals for very long. They're stinky, destructive, and noisy. After two hours with my grandkids I was always ready to leave and go home. The constant bickering, fighting, screaming, whining and crying was too much for me. My son-in-law asked me if I would like to babysit them. I told him that I preferred to come there and then go home and leave the kids there. Besides, their grandma loves to babysit. She has the patience I lack. She must have since she put up with me for over 5 years. I find Christians just as impossible to get along with as anyone else. I'm considering quitting going myself. I just don't enjoy it as I once did.
Dang! I bet that halo on top of your head is heavy!
Because of the way I was raised I am a loner and not a people person. I was always home alone as a child as young as 5 and rarely had friends and got into a lot of mischief because of it. I prefer being alone and don't enjoy anyone's company as much as I do my own. Why? Because I can have the temperature in my home where I want it. I can watch what TV shows I want. I can spend as much time online as I want. I can sleep what hours I want or stay up as late as I want. There's no one to argue with me, criticize me, ridicule me, to complain about anything, and I don't have to put up with someone smoking, cussing, being drunk and obnoxious. It took me two failed marriages and having friends and relatives living with me to learn that I can't tolerate people for very long. They irritate me with their pettiness. I also can't tolerate animals for very long. They're stinky, destructive, and noisy. After two hours with my grandkids I was always ready to leave and go home. The constant bickering, fighting, screaming, whining and crying was too much for me. My son-in-law asked me if I would like to babysit them. I told him that I preferred to come there and then go home and leave the kids there. Besides, their grandma loves to babysit. She has the patience I lack. She must have since she put up with me for over 5 years. I find Christians just as impossible to get along with as anyone else. I'm considering quitting going myself. I just don't enjoy it as I once did.
Dang! I bet that halo on top of your head is heavy!
(jodycour;12279)
Well, this might work for you for a season. But there is nothing like Corprate Worship with other believers, that you can't get at home, unless your having hme bible studies with other believers!Also,You have a gift inside of you that needs to be given to other believers.We really do need one another, whether we like that are not!The best thing to do is to keep trying different churches until you find one that you know that God has called you too.The Word does tell us not to forsake assembling together with other believers. They did'nt do it in the early church and we should'nt do it now!I truly hope that You find God's place for you in the body of Christ!
I find that being involved in the church in some fashion has a way of making the experience much more enjoyable and meaningful. Each and everyone of us has particular skill, or ability that can simply wasted if it is not shared with those of like minds and beliefs. We can choose to make church whatever we want it to be. If we want to make it a place where we can involve ourselves in other's business then that's what church will become. Fortunately, I have been involved in prison ministries and public relations within my church and it's a great feeling to be apart of these important aspects of church life.If one just wants to sit on a pew and hear a sermon and leave, hey anyone can do that. Get involved and lead a Bible study class or head a sabbath outing or field trip, now that's what makes being part of a congregation all the more worth while because you are working for His goals....and not yours!
Well, this might work for you for a season. But there is nothing like Corprate Worship with other believers, that you can't get at home, unless your having hme bible studies with other believers!Also,You have a gift inside of you that needs to be given to other believers.We really do need one another, whether we like that are not!The best thing to do is to keep trying different churches until you find one that you know that God has called you too.The Word does tell us not to forsake assembling together with other believers. They did'nt do it in the early church and we should'nt do it now!I truly hope that You find God's place for you in the body of Christ!
I find that being involved in the church in some fashion has a way of making the experience much more enjoyable and meaningful. Each and everyone of us has particular skill, or ability that can simply wasted if it is not shared with those of like minds and beliefs. We can choose to make church whatever we want it to be. If we want to make it a place where we can involve ourselves in other's business then that's what church will become. Fortunately, I have been involved in prison ministries and public relations within my church and it's a great feeling to be apart of these important aspects of church life.If one just wants to sit on a pew and hear a sermon and leave, hey anyone can do that. Get involved and lead a Bible study class or head a sabbath outing or field trip, now that's what makes being part of a congregation all the more worth while because you are working for His goals....and not yours!
I can tell you that I have been strongly encouraged some days by seeing the same people in the pew next to me that are there every week. The community around me helps me when I weaken in some way. I do rather agree with that fellow you mention. I consider it one of my responsibilities to be welcoming to new members and to be part of creating a place for children to grow up in a Christian community. I value that I was raised with some connection to a community. That is not possible if adults don’t make it possible. This includes single adults. A youngish man might be very helpful in the youth ministry (ministry to teens).Have you ever gathered in a smaller group, like one that meets in a house? Some people like that quite well. I feel I do best if I find a smaller group within the larger group. Like the choir or the group that helps the poor in the community or a prayer group or a committee.
(David323;12275)
I am a firm believer in Jesus but I do not go to a church now. I have went off and on all my life but it wasn't until I quit going that I became much closer to the Lord. I am not saying people should not go to church. It just doesn't seem to be for me. I think the churches I went to were not delivering the message the right way (at least not for me). Many times I felt I was farther from God after going. The last church I went to, I enjoyed the sermons, but for me there was too much other things. I guess one of the main problems was they would make anyone feel awful low if they did not attend every week. Now just a little while ago I heard a radio sermon in which the preacher said something about one of the reasons a christian should go to church is to show others how much you care about God and to help THEM. I think for myself (from past experience)it is not going to be as beneficial to me to go to church as it would to stay at home and read the Bible. The question is should I go any way? Or should I try to help people in some other way? I don't want people to think I just dont want to take the time for God to go to church. I know I spend much more time studying God's word and praying then do the majority of church goers. If I go to church I feel that it will bring me down spiritually but it would be worth it if it would really help someone else.
It is very complicated issue whether we should be attending the church or not. the Bible is encouraging us to gather together to worship. the bible also says do it with like-minded people and not to have anything to do with fruitless deeds. we cannot find perfect church but we can find truthful church. We have to remember that imperfection and hypocrisy are completely different.
I am a firm believer in Jesus but I do not go to a church now. I have went off and on all my life but it wasn't until I quit going that I became much closer to the Lord. I am not saying people should not go to church. It just doesn't seem to be for me. I think the churches I went to were not delivering the message the right way (at least not for me). Many times I felt I was farther from God after going. The last church I went to, I enjoyed the sermons, but for me there was too much other things. I guess one of the main problems was they would make anyone feel awful low if they did not attend every week. Now just a little while ago I heard a radio sermon in which the preacher said something about one of the reasons a christian should go to church is to show others how much you care about God and to help THEM. I think for myself (from past experience)it is not going to be as beneficial to me to go to church as it would to stay at home and read the Bible. The question is should I go any way? Or should I try to help people in some other way? I don't want people to think I just dont want to take the time for God to go to church. I know I spend much more time studying God's word and praying then do the majority of church goers. If I go to church I feel that it will bring me down spiritually but it would be worth it if it would really help someone else.
It is very complicated issue whether we should be attending the church or not. the Bible is encouraging us to gather together to worship. the bible also says do it with like-minded people and not to have anything to do with fruitless deeds. we cannot find perfect church but we can find truthful church. We have to remember that imperfection and hypocrisy are completely different.
I think the Bible is pretty clear on gathering together in that it encourages finding the right church and sharing with other believers:Colossians 3:16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.However, the Church is the body of Christ and you certainly don't need membership in an earthly congregation. There simply is no verse in the Bible that qualifies any single denomination or any verse that requires one to attend church. This is contrary to what a lot of churches and a lot of people will tell you, but this has become one of the poorest traditions of men.It goes to the Parable of the Fig Tree in many regards. If the fruit is wanting, don't sacrifice your beliefs simply to say I attend church. I'm always reminded of these verses:Matthew 7:15-23Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.I separated the verses myself there, because I think it marks the gulf in between two thoughts.Keep in mind that only 2/7 churches made the cut in the first part of Revelation. That's not to say individuals won't, but beware of what you're listening to and what you're being taught.Finding the right church is a wonderful thing, don't get me wrong. There is no requirement, though.
What I understand is that the Church the Bible is speaking of is not the building; it is the people who worship God.I apologize for my poor wording.
I'm the kind of person that felt like I never belonged anywhere. When I was in my teenage years and I fell away from my faith, I was blasphemous and irreverant. The church I went to, instead of them reaching out for me and praying for me, they pushed me away, which hurt me more. And when I wanted to come back to the Lord and get into church, they acted like they didn't want me there.I have nothing against church at all. I just feel my relationship with God is between He and I. As I like to look at God as a Father figure for me, since those who are saved are a child of God. I accepted Christ as my savior when I was 10, I'm still weak, since I recently came back to God. I trust in Him and know in my heart that He loves me and wont cast me out, because I accepted what His Son did. I feel my faith is a love bond between God and me. When asked about Him, I gladly tell.But I'm a loner myself. So, I don't go to church, I don't feel touched when I go. I feel more touching when I pray to Him and when I feel His presence in me. It's the most awesome feeling.But like I said, I have nothing against church. Church is a great way to help show the word of God. But I feel more at ease when it's just me and God. Very personal experience and I love it.Eventhough others judge me for my past mistakes and don't accept me, I know God loves me and forgave me because I asked Him to forgive me and I am one of His children. So that's all that matters to me, I know God loves me.
Eventhough others judge me for my past mistakes and don't accept me, I know God loves me and forgave me because I asked Him to forgive me and I am one of His children. So that's all that matters to me, I know God loves me.
Keep reading the Bible and strive to follow everything you are learning, then you have nothing to worry about.
Keep reading the Bible and strive to follow everything you are learning, then you have nothing to worry about.
(David323;12275)
I am a firm believer in Jesus but I do not go to a church now. I have went off and on all my life but it wasn't until I quit going that I became much closer to the Lord. I am not saying people should not go to church. It just doesn't seem to be for me. I think the churches I went to were not delivering the message the right way (at least not for me). Many times I felt I was farther from God after going. The last church I went to, I enjoyed the sermons, but for me there was too much other things. I guess one of the main problems was they would make anyone feel awful low if they did not attend every week. Now just a little while ago I heard a radio sermon in which the preacher said something about one of the reasons a christian should go to church is to show others how much you care about God and to help THEM.
Now that just sounds absurd considering the fact Jesus said not to do your acts of righteousness before men.I would think going to church just to be seen by others would fall under that category too. Matthew 61"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.5"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.Matthew 616"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
I am a firm believer in Jesus but I do not go to a church now. I have went off and on all my life but it wasn't until I quit going that I became much closer to the Lord. I am not saying people should not go to church. It just doesn't seem to be for me. I think the churches I went to were not delivering the message the right way (at least not for me). Many times I felt I was farther from God after going. The last church I went to, I enjoyed the sermons, but for me there was too much other things. I guess one of the main problems was they would make anyone feel awful low if they did not attend every week. Now just a little while ago I heard a radio sermon in which the preacher said something about one of the reasons a christian should go to church is to show others how much you care about God and to help THEM.
Now that just sounds absurd considering the fact Jesus said not to do your acts of righteousness before men.I would think going to church just to be seen by others would fall under that category too. Matthew 61"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.5"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.Matthew 616"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
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