There are numerous Christian Church “dominations” that are “supposed” to Build upon Christ Jesus IS the Rock of His “INTERNAL” Church.
The differences in “dominations”...
1) Individual Church “rules” / “protocol”....location, service, times, rituals, appointment of head Cleric, dress requirement, money accounting, record keeping, entertainment, water baptism scheduling, local or national members of Organizations of other Like Churches, (use SAME doctrines & rituals) etc.
and
2) Church established “doctrines”...basic mission statements of Broad Belief, more detailed oral, often written, may include scripture and “their counsels” interpretations.
The whole IDEA, is FILL the pews by any imaginable EFFORT.
* Commitments...by individual or Parents promise regarding their children.
* Simply speaking the Word of God...to eager listeners.
* Pacify and Speak what People Want to Hear...
* Elaborate repetitive rituals...
* Elaborate decor...paintings, crystal, stained glass, statues, garments, etc.
* Entertainment...
* Business deals opportunity...
* Texting, napping, listening to ball game...presence seen.
* A gathering of friends to make Dining and Entertainment Plans.
* Separations of male/female...children by ages...teaching classes.
* Did I mention Entertainment?
* Did I mention a Clerics Encouragement to the congregation to READ Scripture and VERIFY what they heard?
* Did I mention getting your understanding of Gods Word from a book?
Matt 21:
[13] And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
2 Tim 2:
[7] Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
People routinely Church “hop”... knowing what they Do not like, but some have not expressly settled on the Basics of what they Are looking for....as well, some have not established a sense of their own Effort, (should go beyond a couple of hours one day a week).
The Church “hopping” is exhausting and disappointing, IMO, because, Churches are Businesses, and the bottom line of all Businesses is Cash flow.
Sort of rolls back into the circle, Jesus called a den of thieves, making Gods House of Prayer dependent upon money.
Glory to God,
Taken