What are some of the reasons people don’t like going to church buildings or institutionalized churches?

[Grailhunter]

That works against you as you have been indoctrinated by men according to the wisdom of man based on what men thought God said which is actually them passing on their religious indoctrination to their students.

Every one uses the Bible. You are a man....so your beleifs come from a man, except an uneducated man. You do not have to be a moron to be a Christian. And who cares what the pharisees and sadducees thought, they were Jews.

Because you have no problem sitting under false doctrine which is something the New Testament warns us about.
Those who got their spiritual education from the Lord know better than to sit under doctrines of demons.

How do you know your doctrine is not false. Every one uses a Bible. You get to choose which church to go to.
In end do you think Christ will agree why you did not go to church and worship. Tell Christ that all churches preach false doctrine.

 

[Dash RipRock]

your beleifs come from a man

Actually my beliefs come from the Lord Who was personally involved in telling what the biblical writers wrote.

do you think Christ will agree why you did not go to church and worship

His Word teaches to not sit under false doctrine.

I've belonged to and attended numerous churches over the years and the Lord led me out of each of them due to their teaching things that are in opposition to what He teaches in His Word.

It's not my problem that you have no discernment and are not being led by the Holy Spirit based in God's Word.

You need to get your rear in gear and get with God's program and turn away from satanic deception that is rampant in these last days leading to the coming one world religion and it's false god the anti christ

 

[Grailhunter]

Actually my beliefs come from the Lord Who was personally involved in telling what the biblical writers wrote.

Same here the Holy Spirit was my professor.

've belonged to and attended numerous churches over the years and the Lord led me out of each of them due to their teaching things that are in opposition to what He teaches in His Word.

Maybe God did not want you. Do you think you could have found a church that believed like you?
When you go to a Psychiatrist, never tell them you are not crazy, every one else is.

 

[Stumpmaster]

The metaphor in Ephesians 2:19–22 works not because of the existence of physical materials like stone or brick, but because Scripture often uses earthly terms to explain spiritual truths. Jesus Himself frequently used parables and metaphors to communicate deeper spiritual realities. In this passage, Paul is not grounding the meaning in physical material but in spiritual identity and unity in Christ. The entire context is about believers being made part of God's household, “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,” with “Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.” This clearly parallels 1 Peter 2:5, where believers are called “lively stones,” being “built up a spiritual house.” The presence of real stones doesn’t mean Peter was speaking of a literal structure either. In fact, 1 Corinthians 3:16 plainly states, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” This confirms that the dwelling place of God is in His people, not a building. Paul’s use of construction language is symbolic, not dependent on physical materials existing, but rather pointing to the spiritual reality of the body of Christ being God's true dwelling place.

No metaphor works if its related material or conceptual counterpart doesn't in fact have an analogue, in Scripture or otherwise.

 

[Scott Downey]

Hebrews 10:25 commands believers not to forsake assembling together, but it does not say this must happen in a church building. The focus is on the gathering of believers for mutual encouragement, worship, and exhortation as the return of Christ approaches. In the New Testament, believers often met in homes (Romans 16:5, Acts 2:46, Colossians 4:15, Philemon 1:2) and sometimes in public places (Acts 5:42, Acts 20:20). The “church” in the Bible refers to the people, not a specific building (1 Corinthians 3:16, Ephesians 2:19–22). Nowhere are Christians commanded to build or attend a specific type of structure. What is commanded is that believers gather regularly for the teaching of the Word, breaking of bread, prayer, and fellowship (Acts 2:42). So while assembling is biblical and essential, the idea that it must occur in a designated church building is not found in Scripture.

That is also not a commandment, but an exhortation from Paul
Christians need to experience the faith. We read of the early church, they came together.
But not always in a good way.

1 Corinthians 11:17
Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse.

There is one body, one lord, one faith one baptism
1 Corinthians 12:13
For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.

14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.

 

[Dash RipRock]

Maybe God did not want you.

That's what satan and his demons used to try and get me to believe.

I kicked them out, along with your fake comments that are inspired by satan

The calvinist cult claims God decides who get saved and prevents all others from being saved.

In the end it's the calvinists who are servants of satan who will be going to hell with him.

Do you think you could have found a church that believed like you?

That's not available in my area and the Lord is not leading me to move way off to some other state chasing a church.

When you go to a Psychiatrist, never tell them you are not crazy, every one else is.

I've been healed by the stripes of Jesus, Himself bare my sicknesses and diseases so I would not have to have them.

Consequently I have no use for being a lab rat for medical science to experiment on.

I went to the Source of Life Himself and walk in health and wellness in every area of life courtesy of the Lord Jesus.

It's one of the perks for those that abide in Him believing His Word, you should check it out sometime and get with God's program

 

[Grailhunter]

That's what satan and his demons used to try and get me to believe.

You are saying you cannot find a home with the community of God.

In the end it's the calvinists who are servants of satan who will be going to hell with him.

Agreed.....maybe victims

That's not available in my area and the Lord is not leading me to move way off to some other state chasing a church.

Agreed, your soul is not worth the trouble. In the end Christ might agree.

 

[Dash RipRock]

You are saying you cannot find a home with the community of God.

No, I'm a member of the Body of Christ.

What I'm saying is in my area all the churches teach false doctrine and I'm not going to disobey God's Word by sitting under doctrines of demons.

 

[Grailhunter]

No, I'm a member of the Body of Christ.

What I'm saying is in my area all the churches teach false doctrine and I'm not going to disobey God's Word by sitting under doctrines of demons.

Just too much trouble.
Start your own in your home and see if other Christians agree with what you believe.

 

[Dash RipRock]

Start your own in your home and see if other Christians agree with what you believe.

The Lord is not leading me to do that and you aren't the Lord, so no.

 

[Grailhunter]

The Lord is not leading me to do that and you aren't the Lord, so no.

You need to look up the concept of rebellion and its affect on salvation. Maybe He quit knocking.

 

[bdavidc]

No metaphor works if its related material or conceptual counterpart doesn't in fact have an analogue, in Scripture or otherwise.

Your statement is a philosophical opinion, not a biblical argument. Sola Scriptura means we test everything against the Word of God, not logic structures or abstract reasoning. Scripture frequently uses metaphors, analogies, and parables to communicate spiritual truth, even when every aspect of the comparison doesn’t have a one-to-one counterpart. Jesus did this constantly. In John 10:9, He said, “I am the door,” but He wasn’t saying He is made of wood and hinges. In Matthew 13, He compares the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed, leaven, treasure, and a net. The analogies are not invalid because they lack perfect material or conceptual symmetry, they serve to highlight specific truths.

The Greek word parabolē (παραβολή), used for parables, literally means “a placing beside” or “comparison.” The point is not for every detail of the metaphor to be a direct analogue, but to drive home a specific message, often spiritual in nature. Paul also uses metaphor freely when describing the church as a body (1 Corinthians 12:12–27), or as a building (Ephesians 2:21–22). Those comparisons work because they illustrate the concept being taught, not because they are exact replicas in every aspect.

The Bible, not human standards of metaphor, is our authority. If Scripture uses a metaphor to reveal truth, then it is valid, whether it satisfies modern academic criteria or not. God's Word stands on its own.

 

[Scott Downey]

Just because a person does not go to any church, does not mean they are not a saved believer in Christ, we know we are saved as Jesus most assuredly says,
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John 5

24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. 25 Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, 27 and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. 30 I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.
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Years ago on the Baptist forum, an admin, which I had some run ins with said anyone who does not go to church can't be saved.
That we are commanded to go to church.

He was hard nosed about it too. Posting scriptures will sometimes, maybe oftentimes make no difference to such a person, my opinion is they are hardened. Course you could get into battles over things like this, but to no profit, it then is just arguing over words. I know what I believe, and it may very well be different from what you believe, and we both can point to a scripture and say here read this. I have found it to be fruitless pursuit over many years to do that. If it gets bad enough that I don't want to continue on with hearing them, a forum is nice as they can be put on ignore. In a public place though, there is no ignore button like that. You go there, you will see their face, and people from into small groups one against the other. Paul had to deal with that constantly in various churches, people who are divisive.
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1 Cor 1
10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all [d]speak the same thing, and that there be no [e]divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11 For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Ce’s household, that there are [f]contentions among you. 12 Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name. 16 Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other. 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

Christ the Power and Wisdom of God​

18 For the [g]message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”

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1 Cor 3

2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; 3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and [a]behaving like mere men? 4 For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal?
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1 Cor 11
17 Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse. 18 For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. 19 For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be [b]recognized among you. 20 Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper. 21 For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame [c]those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.

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Divisiveness is a work of the flesh.
'FOR THERE MUST ALSO BE FACTIONS AMONG YOU'
Perhaps to show those who have God's approval, even so at the judgment seat of Christ, if it takes that long

 

[Scott Downey]

I stopped going to a church 20 years ago when I found out the youth pastor was a full preterist and he was teaching all the kids, including my 2 kids that nonsense. A few listened to me, but most shrugged it off claiming it was not a salvation issue. I wrote letters, talked with the pastor and elders, and was simply ignored. Then they told me they were not worried about the youth pastor they were worried about me. Some told me they do not know the truth and they just trusted the youth pastor implicitly.

I had some respected church member tell me he had a check in his spirit about the pastor, the things he taught were not right, but when I got into it more deeply, he backed him up and said I was attacking the Lord's anointed. So you can see then the only thing to do was stop going there, as it was not going to change, and years on nothing did. The only thing I heard later on was the elders told him not to preach those things, the full preterist stuff, and from talking with other church members, they say they never hear any of that. I had a DVD of one of his teachings and gave it to a church's pastor I attended for a little while, and that pastor said he did not have a clue what he was talking about, it was very strange stuff.

One thing the youth pastor taught the kids is they were kings, and when Jesus returned, they could do whatever they wanted.
He taught there was no sudden destruction coming, all the world will be as it is, all the technology, all the wonderful buildings will remain.
The world is getting better and better.
He also said Jesus could not return as the church was lazy, that the church must get everyone saved and the church would hand Christ an entirely converted Christianized world, which is at odds with their being any unsaved left. Not very consistent. It was easy to poke holes in the things he said, but he was not listening. He also said Revelation was completely fulfilled.

Thing was most everyone seriously loved everything about the guy. But until I came out and started exposing things, no one knew what he had been teaching, as he only said these things to the youth group.

 

[Dash RipRock]

You need to look up the concept of rebellion and its affect on salvation. Maybe He quit knocking.

Now if you actually knew the New Testament you'd know we are told to sit under false teachers.

You apparently are a big fan of false teachers and enjoy getting your ears tickled each week.

 

[Stumpmaster]

Those comparisons work because they illustrate the concept being taught, not because they are exact replicas in every aspect.

No argument. I pick up any instances where members go beyond the scope of the metaphor and point their error out to them

Exclaiming that someone is toast for messing up the jigsaw you were working on is an idiom that relies on actual toast being a cooked slice of bread. The metaphor carries the meaning across because of the existence of the material item, and so the guilty party gets grilled.

Used by permission:

 

[Grailhunter]

Now if you actually knew the New Testament you'd know we are told to sit under false teachers.

You apparently are a big fan of false teachers and enjoy getting your ears tickled each week.

I know you meant no to sit under false teachers.....
Since you do not know to go to church.....you are a false teacher.
Either way this conversation is getting boring.

 

[bdavidc]

No argument. I pick up any instances where members go beyond the scope of the metaphor and point their error out to them

Exclaiming that someone is toast for messing up the jigsaw you were working on is an idiom that relies on actual toast being a cooked slice of bread. The metaphor carries the meaning across because of the existence of the material item, and so the guilty party gets grilled.

Used by permission:
View attachment 62400

Your comment relies on a man-made metaphor to justify theological reasoning, but Scripture is not interpreted through clever wordplay or idioms, it is interpreted by Scripture itself. God’s Word warns against leaning on human understanding (Proverbs 3:5), and tells us that “no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20). When it comes to doctrine, especially concerning the church, salvation, or judgment, we are not to build our understanding on metaphors or analogies drawn from common speech, but on the plain teaching of the Bible.

God defines the church as the body of Christ, made up of true believers (Ephesians 1:22–23, 1 Corinthians 12:27), not as a human institution or building. Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36), and He rebuked traditions that nullified God’s Word (Mark 7:13). Using modern metaphors may seem clever, but they can easily obscure truth or soften the seriousness of what God has clearly said. So when someone misrepresents Scripture, the correction should come from the Word of God, not from idiomatic expressions. Truth is not upheld by metaphor, it is upheld by the unchanging Word of God.

 

[Grailhunter]

Your comment relies on a man-made metaphor to justify theological reasoning, but Scripture is not interpreted through clever wordplay or idioms, it is interpreted by Scripture itself. God’s Word warns against leaning on human understanding (Proverbs 3:5), and tells us that “no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20). When it comes to doctrine, especially concerning the church, salvation, or judgment, we are not to build our understanding on metaphors or analogies drawn from common speech, but on the plain teaching of the Bible.

God defines the church as the body of Christ, made up of true believers (Ephesians 1:22–23, 1 Corinthians 12:27), not as a human institution or building. Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36), and He rebuked traditions that nullified God’s Word (Mark 7:13). Using modern metaphors may seem clever, but they can easily obscure truth or soften the seriousness of what God has clearly said. So when someone misrepresents Scripture, the correction should come from the Word of God, not from idiomatic expressions. Truth is not upheld by metaphor, it is upheld by the unchanging Word of God.

God in the Bible defines churches as congregations of true believers that assemble to worship the Lord.