Is going to church necessary?

[jds22]

This is Angela, Jerry's wife. I am wondering if it is absolutely necessary to go to church every Sunday. I grew up going to church every time the doors were open, which I do not have a problem with. I couldn't have had a better up-bringing. As I have grown older and now have children of my own, and more responsibilities I am wondering if it is really necessary to go to church if we continue to have Bible study in our home. I appreciate your thoughts on this matter.

Angela

[hagar]

HI angela I think we are sapossed to go to chuch and fellowship with other christians but I have to admit that I have been to lasey sometimes to wake up on sunday morning and go to church after staying up late on saturday night :D: :P: .

[CrossLightMin]

Angela,


The Word tells us not to forsake the gathering of ourselves together with other believers... thus.. do not forsake this.

But, follow the example of Jesus, He did nothing without first knowing what our Heavenly Father was doing and then obeying. It could be our Heavenly Father would have you go..

Or it might be that He would have you not go.. you have to seek Him on the matter and follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit who is here to help you understand what our Father wishes.

Once you know.. then obey. Then you will have peace.


If it helps, I know of some who are held out of the church on sundays and wed for a season. One of the tests I would suggest is if you are losing ground with Him by staying home.. or are you gaining a deeper relationship with Him. He has been known to call some out in order to free them from man's influence while He teaches them...


IMo


His servant,
stacie

[Mrs. Hoppes]

I guess the question here is why are you looking to NOT go to church?
Is it because you don't believe as they do?
It there false teaching?
Do you not like getting up early?
Do you not want to be around other believers?
Are you looking to shield your kids from the world?
Do you not want to deal with the hassle of getting the kids ready?
Is there a hat and dress requirement you disagree with?

Unless there is a false teaching issue and no other churches near by, I don't really see a reason for disobeying God's Word unless God is telling you to not go. :confused

Sorry to be so blunt....

[Willo]

Have a read of Hebrews 10:25 :):

[faith4ever]

Angela, I don't go to church. I do not feel led to go either. When I do, it is not what I think church should be. Church is when 2 or more people are gathered reading and discussing God's word, If you are doing that, I wouldn't worry. If you and a family member or a friend, decide to go in the country and study the Bible, then you are in church.

If you are having Bible study in your home, then you are at church. ;):

[RJs here]

agree w/faith4ever here:


Church is when 2 or more people are gathered reading and discussing God's word, If you are doing that, I wouldn't worry. If you and a family member or a friend, decide to go in the country and study the Bible, then you are in church.

If you are having Bible study in your home, then you are at church.



:thumb

[CrossLightMin]

:wave

Agreed too with faith4ever






His servant
stacie

[Mercy4Me]

Originally posted by faith4ever
Angela, I don't go to church. I do not feel led to go either. When I do, it is not what I think church should be. Church is when 2 or more people are gathered reading and discussing God's word, If you are doing that, I wouldn't worry. If you and a family member or a friend, decide to go in the country and study the Bible, then you are in church.

If you are having Bible study in your home, then you are at church. ;):



Very well said :nod

Since I do not attend church I will add my two cents in as well. :P:

Going to church does not a Christian make. The only thing "required" is salvation.

There is no sin in missing church, or not going to church period.
The gathering togather can be Christian family, or friends.

We need to remember that the believers are the church, not the building they meet in.

I consider this board a place to have fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ. So we do not forsake the gathering togather. We discuss Jesus, the Bible, prophecy etc.

Just to toss something in here, what do you think John did when he was exiled on the isle of Patmos.

Look at how God used him, He gave John a glimpse into the future. Doesnt sound like God was criticizing John for not being in church.

[AnotherOldGuy]

Church is when 2 or more people are gathered reading and discussing God's word

If that's all you're doing, then that's not really 'church' - that's just Bible study.

'Church' is much more involved. As the Body of Christ, the church is to make Christ's presence here known. Christ didn't just sit under a tree talking scripture with the disciples. He made His presence known, He helped people, He scolded those followers who needed it.

That doesn't mean you have to go to a special building. A home church is fine, if it's functioning as a part of Christ's body. Are the participants accountable to each other? Are there outlets for them to utilize their Christ-assigned functions?

[AnotherOldGuy]

Just to toss something in here, what do you think John did when he was exiled on the isle of Patmos.

Look at how God used him, He gave John a glimpse into the future. Doesnt sound like God was criticizing John for not being in church.

That is an excuse for someone now not going to church? I don't think anyone on this board is forcibly exiled or isolated.


There is no sin in missing church, or not going to church period.

You sure about that?



We need to remember that the believers are the church, not the building they meet in.

And - using Paul's example - if you are a toe or an ear, how are you participating in Christ's body if you've amputated yourself?

[Mercy4Me]

Originally posted by AnotherOldGuy
That is an excuse for someone now not going to church? I don't think anyone on this board is forcibly exiled or isolated.

Never said anyone was, I was using him as an example.






You sure about that?



Yes, as a matter of fact I am.



And - using Paul's example - if you are a toe or an ear, how are you participating in Christ's body if you've amputated yourself?


There is no amputation. We are all the church. We are each witnesses for Jesus in our daily lives, with the people we encounter.

I would say the world sees us as good as they see those sitting in a building every week. ;):

Just because a person doesnt go to church, doesnt mean they are of no use to God.

There are a lot of Christians, who are as saved as any of us, who cannot or do not go to church.

Church attendance is NOT a requirement for salvation.
Church attendance does NOT keep you saved.
Lack of church attendance will NOT send you to hell.

[Elizabeth_S]

Originally posted by hagar
HI angela I think we are sapossed to go to chuch and fellowship with other christians but I have to admit that I have been to lasey sometimes to wake up on sunday morning and go to church after staying up late on saturday night :D: :P: .

The bible says not to forsake the gathering together of believers. No Sunday morning sitting in pews for hours is mentioned in the bible that I have seen.

We should keep constant fellowship with other believers. We keep each other strong in Faith and help each other to stay on the straight and narrow. To support and pray for each other.

But the stuff we see in modern churches are not specifically mentioned and I think that a lot of modern churches bypass fellowship. Cause everyone is busy being bored in pews and what kind of fellowshipping is that? And why are we worshipping with non-believers?

We are to go OUT and make disciples of all nations. Not confuse them with woship servies that make no sense to non-believers. I belive that modern churches have led to lukewarm and pew warmers from lack of personal support of each other.

How can you fellowship with 10,000 people at once?

[Elizabeth_S]

Originally posted by Mercy4Me
Never said anyone was, I was using him as an example.






Yes, as a matter of fact I am.





There is no amputation. We are all the church. We are each witnesses for Jesus in our daily lives, with the people we encounter.

I would say the world sees us as good as they see those sitting in a building every week. ;):

Just because a person doesnt go to church, doesnt mean they are of no use to God.

There are a lot of Christians, who are as saved as any of us, who cannot or do not go to church.

Church attendance is NOT a requirement for salvation.
Church attendance does NOT keep you saved.
Lack of church attendance will NOT send you to hell.

Yes, we are all the church.

I go to services on a regular basis, but no where can we find it is a sin to not fellowship in a building with someone who preaches from a pulpit.

Where there are 2 or more. So 2 people could be a gathering together and fellowshipping and serving God.

[David Mark]

In these days, while on this current Earth, I like to see the faces of those whom I think have eternal life. It matters not where they are in their walk of faith or what they might be struggling with in the flesh. It is my privilege to converse with those that are The Children of God. A cool cup of water from my hands to theirs awaits them.

I have hope that I will put off this flesh and gain immortality. It is a thought that consumes my mind and seems to steer may feet.

If I can endure all the offenses and let love have it's perfect work, then I think I can find those who are blessed and when I assemble with them, I can think to myself: These are folks who are going to be kings and priests soon. Possibly tomorrow morning.

It's a worthy investment for me to think highly of them now and give them much respect now. For one day as kings and priests of the Almighty they will rule and judge as ones who are perfect, understanding all knowledge and mysteries, blameless, righteous, holy and immortal.

It is going to happen. It is a good thing to assemble with brothers and sisters now. Overlook their struggles in the flesh and consider what they will possibly be in the "twinkling of an eye" and at the last trump.

There are so many heavenly investment opportunities now, take them when you can and wait patiently for the return.

Therefore I consider it a privilege to assemble with future kings and priests. And you will be kings and priests very soon.

Dave.

[savedandhappy1]

I have a few questions.
If we don't have to attend a church, then why are there descriptions of and qualifications for deacons and bishops in the bible. Doesn't that indicate that there is to be an organized church group with different job requirements for leaders of the church.
Also why was there a temple built, and carried with the Jews as they traveled through the dessert, and why is the temple going to be rebuilt, if not for a place to worship?
I do believe you can have church in homes, but there has to be leaders from the way I understand the bible.
Please tell me if you have scriptures against this thinking. I don't want to misunderstand the way I am reading things.

Thanks for all your help.


Love in Christ,
Kathy

[CamelPower]

Some sort of organized assembly is in view in the NT. There are folks designated as the leaders and their qualifications are well-defined. The leadership of the assembly I attend knows me and can minister to me. Face to face. The ordinances are administered at our assembly. I can't think of a time where folks were water baptized or partook of the Lord's Table in a discussion forum online.

We are not saved so just "me and Jesus" can go out and chill. we are indeed part of a greater Body.

That text in Matthew about "2 or more" gathered together as being the Church is taken out of context. In the proper context, that text refers to church discipline, which every time I've heard it applied is not very pleasant.

Angela, yes, you need to fellowship at some local church. This forum is NOT a local church.

[GloryBound]

I agree that an organized fellowship of believers is necessary. And not just sitting in a pew on Sunday morning and listening to others. A large church should have smaller groups to become involved in. In my small church people who are not involved are the ones who have said "no" repeatedly. Then there are house churches.

But "me and Jesus" is not scriptural.

[CrossLightMin]

Hey



It was said,

"Me and Jesus is not scriptural"


I comment:

I agree to the exent that is not a me and Jesus for a prolonged time period.

Pulling out and shutting the door to all established voices to hear only the voice of our Father is something the Holy Spirit leds several to do. It is a time to learn to hear Him, to minister to Him. It gets us out of the busy "do do do" for the Lord and puts the Lord back on the Throne of our life.

When we attend a church regularly, we can easily become "head nodders" without intending on it. We can become so much a part of it's structure that we might not notice when the pastor has picked up an err in his teaching.

We need to hear the Voice of our Lord tell us what to do and then obey. It will be different for each of us. We have different calls and different gifts for the body of Christ. Bottom line, hear God and obey.

His servant
stacie

[hopemail]

I've found being in church among fellow believers has strengthened my walk,... being away weakens it...

I'll add:
Jesus went to synagogue. He used a synagogue setting for His 'coming out'...
He went to the Temple,... He taught in the Temple...
The Holy Spirit's (Jesus') words through Paul were for the edification and correction of the corporate 'Church'...

[TxChildOfGod]

I have bible study with my parents every Saturday and do get a lot more of the Word when doing this....I do go to church every Sunday (unless sick or my child is sick) I really enjoy being in an environment that makes me feel closer to God. It's nice to be around people that love to talk about the Word and not about negative things in life...very uplifting experience for me.:angel

[cindyw]

Originally posted by Elizabeth_S
And why are we worshipping with non-believers?

We are to go OUT and make disciples of all nations. Not confuse them with woship servies that make no sense to non-believers. I belive that modern churches have led to lukewarm and pew warmers from lack of personal support of each other.


EXACTLY!!! I personally do believe in an "organized fellowship"----not just bible studies, get togethers. What I don't believe in is Church as most are conducted today------with your example above being the prime reason. The gathering of the saints should be EXACTLY that-----gathering of BELIEVERS to worship, learn, fellowship and partake in communion together. NOWHERE will you see represented in scripture the gathering of saints on Sunday (or Saturday if you believe) consisting of the professed unsaved/the curious. The truth is: HOW can an unbeliever worship one he does not yet believe in? Also, concerning the "organized fellowship".......I believe in the biblical model of elders and deacons. If one is just meeting with other Christians with no authority/leadership type of system, I don't believe it is a biblical makeup.

Believe me, after leaving our last church early last year due to leadership and doctrinal issues, my husband and I had and still have struggles with "finding our place". We view the "church" in a whole new light than we did a year ago. With this new view, it's VERY hard to find a church and settle in. I almost feel like "going it alone" and just meeting with our Christian friends, but the "leadership" model presented in scripture is there for a reason......and that I cannot ignore, in spite of the present day Church's condition. We can't take the scripture about not forsaking the assembling, apply it to "getting together" with other Christians and just ignore all the scriptures having to do with the leadership makeup in the Church. All scripture must be considered and none rejected in favor of following the one's we "like"........JMHO. Blessings in Jesus, Cindy

[CrossLightMin]

Cindy,

You made some very good points... thank you.


I still believe that the Holy Spirit pulls some out of church for a season, but then, maybe it is to teach them the things you have just shared...




His servant
stacie

[GloryBound]

I agree that pew warming is not fulfilling the admonition to assemble ourselves. The last church I went to before I moved was large. The pastor had organized it so well that if you didn't have a small fellowship group or friends or a ministry that it was entirely your own fault. Because the opportunities were abundant. There were still many pew warmers there who would probably blame the current state of the church today for their own lack of obedience.

And there were many competing for certain positions who all said God was "leading them" to do the same thing, when they probably needed to get out and find a smaller church that needed someone to fill that position. You'd be surprised at how many pew warmers don't do anything at all because they aren't allowed to take over the song leader position or are offended because they were asked to sing their solo on Wednesday night instead of Sunday morning or were asked to join the choir if they wanted to do solos at all. And it's always "the churches fault" not their own. There are WAY to many prima donnas at churches who want to do things their own way instead of being part of the Body of Christ as a servant working together for everybody's good.

There are way too many "mega churches" here in the Atlanta area that attract the pew warmers. People drive a great distance to sit in a pew and hear a "great preacher", passing up many wonderful churches on the way.

OK, I've ranted long enough.

[faith4ever]

If that's all you're doing, then that's not really 'church' - that's just Bible study.


What is Church? What exactly is the meaning of "Church"? Studying God's Word, and fellowship, and helping your fellow man?

If you study the Bible at home with friends and loved ones, and in your every day activities, help your fellow man, what is the difference? I believe you are still attending "Church".

Where in the Bible can you quote Jesus as saying "Go to Church"? I can not find anywhere, where He condemns you for not attending church in a formal building. Did He attend church? Didn't He sit on a hill, in the country and teach? Or on the temple steps? Outside? He did not have any certain place where He taught. I would say listening to Jesus teach would have been the ultimate "Church", yet He didn't have any specific place where He taught.

If you feel led to attend Church, that is fine. But, if you don't, that is fine too. I do not condemn either. As long as we study God's word, and have fellowship and help one another, that is Church to me.

Peace :angel

[Rom831]

I think what you are asking is is it necessary to go to that building with the steeple down the street on sunday mornings. The answer is definately no. "Church" in the Bible is a very different thing. It is a gathering and often took place in a person's house with only a few people.

Having said that, I believe going to church is vital. You can not go and still be saved, but it will get difficult. Fellowship with other Christians is how we not only grow, but stay strong. without it, how does one maintain and how does one learn. If you isolate yourself away from fellowship, how do you learn your errors in doctrine? How do you learn things you don't yet know? How do you see how scripture effects the everyday world?

I see it like this. You start a fire and add log after log to it. Soon it is blazing brightley and giving off a great heat. You look into the fire and pull out the brighest, strongest ember and carefully set it aside. What happens? Does it continue to glow brightly and radiate heat? No, it withers anddims. Eventually going out while the bonfire grows with each new log. The only way for it to glow again is to add it back into the fire.

Or anther way of saying it:

Matthew 5
12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Salt and Light

Matthew 5:13"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. "

Bless...ArtS

[cameron222]

Jesus also preached in the Temple.....

Church attendance forges a stronger relationship with your brothers and sisters in Christ and better equips you to serve in the Lord's service.

The devil loves nothing better than to divide the bretheren and if he can convince people that church attendance is no big deal, then he can stunt their growth.

I bet there are other reasons thjat you don't like church.....maybe self esteem issues, anger at someone that has hurt you at church, poor social interaction skills, or a desire to do other stuff during that time.

What ya gonna do when you get to heaven and have to mingle with all of the "church folks" from Earth??? :confused

[KrispyKritter]

Frankly, the reason we are to meet together is for the encouragement and building up of the saints. To many here it is believed that would take place in a building down the street where we all come together on Sunday morning, evening, and on Wed evening. We sing songs... listen to a sermon... pay our tithes, and head home.

Honestly tho, thats not how it was in the 1st century. Churches met in homes. These churches, it is believed, were connected to each other thru out the city. They did have elders. They had deacons. One lone pastor running the show? No... you wont find that in the NT. Pastor is a word that is used once, and it is interchangeable with the word elder.

They didnt have someone leading songs... because Paul made it clear that "someone" (non-specific) would bring a teachings, someone else (again... non-specific) would have a song. What this allowed was the free flow of the Holy Spirit.

They did not have a building, and there was a specific reason for that. It wasnt because of persecution, as some on here will say. Scripture makes it clear that in many areas the church had favor with all that lived in the city. They met in homes, and not buildings, because the Spirit of God no longer resides in temples of buildings made of stone... rather... He lives in US!

Yes, we are to meet together. But we can choose to meet unconventionally in homes around a meal with other believers on Tuesday night if we wish. Paul said one man considers one day holy, another man another day... and still one man may consider everyday holy.

[Sojourner]

Posted by Mercy4Me
There is no sin in missing church, or not going to church period.
While agree that not going to church in and of itself would not be considered a sin, I do believe that the motivation lying behind that action could be a sin. God knows the heart, only He knows the motivation behind our actions. My mom hasn't been able to attend church for quite awhile. She is unable to do so for physical reasons. If she could attend, she would attend. Instead, she attends church on Sunday morning by watching a service on television.

An illustration on why we need to be involved with a fellowship of believers:

Believers are described by Scripture as "sheep". We are sheep who need a shepherd. When the sheep stay together in a flock, the shepherd can protect them from harm. When one sheep strays away from the flock, what happens? That one sheep is more vulnerable to harm, they are more accesible to the wolf.

[cameron222]

Once we reach the point where we view church attendance as being about worshipping God rather than what "we can get out of it", church attendance will no longer be a problem.

We should be just as loving about meeting with a couple of hundred (or thousand) brothers and sisters in christ in a nice sanctuary across town as we are about gathering in someone's house with just a few folks.

For those of you who meet in someone's house rather than a traditional church, what do you do about tithes, offerings, baptisims, weddings, etc.?

[cameron222]

I would also assume that "church" as we know it today was formed for the following reasons:

1. The large increase in believers required a large facility for everyone to be able to gather at the same time. (The home was simply outgrown.)

2. A place was needed to conduct weddings, funerals, baptisms, fellowships, etc.

3. A place was needed to show the community that worship was a top priority. If the town had a bar room, why not a church?

4. A place was needed to bring talents like singing and playing musical instruments into a greater dimension for worship and praise.

Etc.

True, church attendance will not save you, but it speaks volumes about your committment and how you relate to (all) of God's children.

There are no perfect churches because there are no perfect people.

[Mercy4Me]

Originally posted by cameron222
Once we reach the point where we view church attendance as being about worshipping God rather than what "we can get out of it", church attendance will no longer be a problem.




That is not the particular problem I face with church attendance.

I attended church from the time I was 7 years old until I was in my early to mid 20's.

Now as I approach 30 I find that a lot of the churches have changed, and I am not willing to "settle" for a church that has allowed cultic teachings, heresy, and uncaring to enter in.

They are so focused on getting more people to have more money to build a bigger building etc that they forget what is important.

To preach the gospel, build up BELIEVERS, worship God, help the community, and the congregation.

When a church has more sinners than believers something is wrong IMO. Church is not for sinners, it is for believers, yet so many have become nothing short of entertainment nights to bring in everyone they can.

This would be more palatable, if they would at least preach the gospel, not telling them "hey we wont preach to you about your sin...we will just love you in.."

That does not work. Never has, never will. Yet so many churches are willing to be PC and follow every other book besides the Bible that they have all gotten away from their first love, which should be Jesus.

While I agree there are no perfect churches, just as there are no perfect Christians, there should at least be some who are willing to preach the word of God, and tell things like they are. Ones that seek God's approval, not mans.

I have searched for the past 5 years for a church like that, but have found none. I have looked outside of my denomination, which is Pentecostal, and still there are none around here. And before it's suggested, driving 50 miles to find a church is not an option for my family.

Yes indeed, I am very disenchanted, if you will, with church going. In all the years I went, I never really got to know anyone. Sure I was involved in youth group, sunday school. I loved to help with Missionettes, the nursery, clothing closet. Anything I would be allowed to do I did. Because I love helping people.

Yet never was there any lasting relationships formed. You knew the people in church, while you were there you were a family. But they wouldnt recognize you on the street. It was a "Sunday only" type of relationship.

I have prayed about this issue several times, and have come to a peace about not attending. I will even go as far as to say that I have no desire to attend.

For the longest time I missed the worship services, because I love to sing and praise God. But I found that I could have just as blessed worship service in my own home, where I sing and dance before the Lord.

As far as Bible study goes, I have done more digging into the word of God since I joined this message board, than I ever did in a formal church setting.

There is not a day that goes by that my family does not discuss certain things in the Bible, what Jesus did, etc.

If we see someone in need we help them in any way we can. Our lives are our witnesses of Jesus. We have witnessed to neighbors, etc, etc.

So you see everything that some say you need a church building to do, we do without one.

I struggle in some areas, but guess what, every Christian on the face of the earth struggles with one or more things. We all will until we either die or are Raptured.

I agree that God sees what is inside the heart, and He judges each person accordingly. I do not fear God's judgement to me about not attending church. He knows my reasons, He knows my heart, and there is no condemnation.

[John Tyson]

Grace and peace to you all.

I truly feel sorry for those who are missing the blessings of belonging to a local Christian church. I've been in very small churches and very large churches, but regardless of the size I have always been blessed by being a part of them. So sad to hear of Christians who do not attend at all. So sad.

God bless,
John

[faith4ever]

See, I just do not understand people when they say this: So sad to hear of Christians who do not attend at all. So sad.


Are you more richeous than I am, because you go to church, and I don't? Why does that deserve your sadness? Because the Lord does not lead me to attend a local church here, does not mean I merit your sadness. I have all the fellowship I need, with this board, and with my family and friends. I can learn more of God's word this way, than listening to a preacher talk at me. I have not been impressed with the sermons I have heard in the past. Right now, God is not leading me to attend church.

Do not feel sad for those who are led not to attend the church building. Save that for the ones who physically can't make it and want to attend. I have fellowship with other Christians now, and with my studies, it is what I am supposed to be doing right now.

[faline]

I have not attended church regularly for a few years, not because I wouldn't like to be in regular attendance, but because I have found one of two scenarios:

(1) a gathering of a mixed body of people, some of whom know the Lord, most of whom do not, and a lot of pot luck dinners. (2) a body of such strict, rigid believers that the joy of knowing the Lord is tossed out as the law comes in.

I have found great fellowship here on this board and other Christian boards. That having been said, it's quite easy for me to "SLIP" when I'm not PERSONALLY with other Christians, (Oy vey, let me tell you about my week this week...or maybe not!).

[John Tyson]

I still feel sad for you. I truly do. You are missing many blessings and that is why I feel sad for you.

[faline]

You're being very condescending. If you're receiving blessing, rejoice! It's wrong of you to condescend to those who find blessings with Christians in other types of gatherings...and quite honestly makes you seem holier than thou.

[savedandhappy1]

John, I too feel sorry for those that don't attend church regularly, but I believe like I think you feel, that I receive a blessing and strength from going. I am not more rightoues, but just feel uplifted, like my tank has been filled for another week to help strength me in my walk and witness.

I guess I just can't imagine myself, being able to stay strong in the Lord if I don't get that.

I also think we need someone to answer to sometimes. Yes, I know that we answer to GOD, but I mean, Well has anyone started to do something that if you really thought about it you wouldn't, because God wouldn't want you to, and look up and maybe see the preacher or a member from your church. Your spirit is quickly moved, and you say oh Lord forgive me for thinking about doing that, and thank you for putting so in so there to make me take pause. You are so Great Lord.

Just my thoughts.

Love in Christ,
Kathy

[faline]

The people you're feeling sorry for have been church members (in the 'go to a building' sense) and didn't find the edification they needed or wanted. If you've found that for yourself, thank GOD! Truly. But don't condescend, folks, to those who feel differently about it. To say you feel sad for them is to say they simply don't know what they're talking about, poor little dears.

[John Tyson]

Originally posted by faline
You're being very condescending. If you're receiving blessing, rejoice! It's wrong of you to condescend to those who find blessings with Christians in other types of gatherings...and quite honestly makes you seem holier than thou.

I'm not condensending or holier or more righteous. No need for hostility. I've said nothing but that I'm sad for those, feel sorry for those who are missing the blessings. That's all.

[faline]

I'm not trying to be hostile, John, honest. How do you know what blessings they're missing, I guess is all I'm saying. They're obviously NOT being blessed in church or they'd be there, right? Don't presume.

I'm really glad you've found a wonderful church gathering, though, I really am.

[John Tyson]

Grace and peace to you all.

Let me say, I'm 57 years old, retired from the US Army, and as a result I have been a member of many (>20) churches. I have received blessings from them all. That is my personal experience and I feel sad for those who don't find blessings in belonging to a local Christian church.

God bless,
John

[faith4ever]

I guess you have a right to feel and say anything you want to John. I am just saying that your sadness towards ones who do not attend church, and who are born again Christians could be a little misguided.

I feel extremely blessed. The Lord takes care of me, and I try to do His will as He wants me to do. The churches I have been to, have been full of hypocrites, and false believers, and "Christians" who are clichey and do not fellowship with you anyway. I have found the people I am to be around, for now.

This is not saying that I will never feel led to attend a church regularly. I can not see the future. God's will may some day lead me to that. But, for now, I am doing what I feel God is leading me to do.

I am very happy for you, to be so blessed with a good church. :):

[faline]

Agreed Faith4ever. That's what I meant to say in my less than tactful way!

Sorry, brothers and sister, causing offense was not my intention. Just wanted to mention that your sadness might be misguided. The Lord may, indeed, be directing his people into smaller gatherings, or getting them apart for personal ministration, whatever. If you're blessed, hallelujah! But don't feel sad for those who aren't in churches like yours. The Lord has a way of taking care of his own and making sure they find sustenance.

[BHiles]

The church is God's institution, for which Christ died. He purchased it to be His body. It is that body to whom He has given the responsibility to take the blessed Book and spread His message to a lost and dying world. That is the way to get the job done by being a part of the local body, called the church, for which He died.

Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.


Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

[faline]

Well, maybe we can agree to disagree on this issue.

[BHiles]

Originally posted by KrispyKritter
Honestly tho, thats not how it was in the 1st century. Churches met in homes. These churches, it is believed, were connected to each other thru out the city. They did have elders. They had deacons. One lone pastor running the show? No... you wont find that in the NT. Pastor is a word that is used once, and it is interchangeable with the word elder.



So How did the church at Jerusalem find a big enough house to meet together? :heh :wave ;):

[Bondservant]

neccesary for what? Salvation ? No. Neccesary to be obedient to God's call, neccesary to be used in the Body as He places you, to support your brothers and sisters and receive support from them, that the gifts may be used, yes. There are no "lone ranger" Christians. Unless of course you are " the internet church" :wacko

[faith4ever]

The church is God's institution, for which Christ died. He purchased it to be His body. It is that body to whom He has given the responsibility to take the blessed Book and spread His message to a lost and dying world. That is the way to get the job done by being a part of the local body, called the church, for which He died.


So, are you saying, if you consider yourself a born again Christian, and have accepted Jesus as your savior, and love Him with all your heart, that is null and void if you don't get up on Sunday morning and attend a "Church" building? Jesus won't consider you a part of His church, His body, if you don't head down to the local church every Sunday? :laugh

Anyone who believes in Him, and knows He died for them and tries to do His will as best they can is His Church. That is Church, not the building. God moves our spirit to do His will, and if it is other than attending a building once or twice a week, then who is anyone to say we are wrong, if it is God's will? Some people go to Church and others don't. But, Jesus's Church is scattered all over the world. Where ever we are, we are the Church of Jesus, and not the building. We are not "Lone Ranger" Christians. I do not isolate myself from anyone. Like I said though, two or more people, together, worshiping the Lord, is Church.

[faith4ever]

How do you know what blessings they're missing, I guess is all I'm saying. They're obviously NOT being blessed in church or they'd be there, right?


Good point Faline. :): If there was a church near me, that I felt blessed when I went, I would be attending that church.

[BHiles]

Originally posted by faith4ever
So, are you saying, if you consider yourself a born again Christian, and have accepted Jesus as your savior, and love Him with all your heart, that is null and void if you don't get up on Sunday morning and attend a "Church" building? Jesus won't consider you a part of His church, His body, if you don't head down to the local church every Sunday? :laugh

Anyone who believes in Him, and knows He died for them and tries to do His will as best they can is His Church. That is Church, not the building. God moves our spirit to do His will, and if it is other than attending a building once or twice a week, then who is anyone to say we are wrong, if it is God's will? Some people go to Church and others don't. But, Jesus's Church is scattered all over the world. Where ever we are, we are the Church of Jesus, and not the building. We are not "Lone Ranger" Christians. I do not isolate myself from anyone. Like I said though, two or more people, together, worshiping the Lord, is Church.

No but if you don't go to church the body of believer's will be missing one of their parts(members). This hurts the local church body as a whole. Have you ever considered that the other members of the local church may need you more than you need them. You should not deprive them of the Spiritual gifts that you have been given to minister to them. Nobody has been given the spiritual gifts you have been given quite like you have. You are unique and there is a plan for you to minister within the body but if you defraud others in the body your gifts where are they to be ministered from?

There is only the local body of believer's that is the church. The ekklesia. The universal church is a catholic idea.

The Church of all believers does not exist until we are a called out assembly at the rapture. In order to be an Eklesia you must be a called out assembly that was called out from another group. In the case of the church we are a church when and only when we are an assembly called out from the world.

Nobody was talking about buildings. And going to church has nothing to do with whether or not you will be in an eklesia at the rapture. Jesus Christ established churches. Seven were established quite quickly. We were to obey and not forsake that assembly. And worship was not the main reason for the eklessia. Worship is only a small part. Personal worship is to be the main thrust of our worship.

[John Tyson]

Grace and peace to you all.

If you find many of the church members distasteful, is that reason enough to not attend?

Thirty years ago (1973), I was a member of a church in New York City that had some very willful women in it. The church was almost spiritually dead. I went to the pastor and told him I was going to leave the church because of the situation and so many of the member's attitudes. After all, even the pastor's wife did not attend because the way some women in the church treated her. After the pastor listened to all I had to say, he asked me one simple question: "John, have you loved them in spite of themselves?" Ouch! No, I hadn't. The blessings I received from that church were the youth that I taught bible to. And a pastor that loved me, even unloving me.

God bless,
John

[humbleone]

I am someone who is quite uncomfortable in any social setting, so this also includes church. I have a pretty severe anxiety disorder, however I have gone to church for periods of time before. Unfortunately, my discomfort in being out in public really seemed to take away from whatever I could have gotten out of the services. I have prayed about this, to be delivered from my problem, taken medication, had a friend come with me, etc., but still I have a large problem with being around others in a group (my home church is very small). I am still seeking the Lord on what He would have me do, but for now, I have been meeting with another Christian friend and together we read the Word aloud and pray together. I have gotten more out of this than most of the church services I went to. I also pray a lot more often now, all the time, 24/7 pretty much, and spend much more time studying and reading the Word. Alone.

For me, this just is better for me. I'm not saying I will never go to church again. In fact, I plan to attend this Thursday night at the praise and worship service, even though I'm still very uncomfortable with it. I figure life is not all about being comfortable, so I must force myself to do some things. It won't harm me and in all likelihood, will end up blessing me I would hope. My opinion is like that of BHiles, that we are indeed one body, many parts, and unless God has called u not to do so - for a season or for much longer - that belonging to a Church is the right thing to do.
Just my thoughts.


God bless,


humbleone

[BarbT]

I consider this board a place to have fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ. So we do not forsake the gathering togather. We discuss Jesus, the Bible, prophecy etc. Mercy4Me said that and I agree with all my heart. :thumb And speaking of fellowship, what a blessing it was to actually meet Dana and many other Rapture Rangers in person at the Prophecy Conference last April. This wonderful board made that possible and I will always be grateful to God for bringing us together.

Today TULSA.....tomorrow ETERNITY!!!!!

:):

[jerbear]

I agree with mercy that we share a fellowship on this board with other Christians. I go to church when the spirit moves me to go and when I am there I am glad I am there, not going cause I feel I must. Then you look at it as drudgery. If you are a member of a church where the Holy Spirit is present, it is FUN to go.:D:

[cindyw]

Just wanted to clarify. I DO attend church weekly and home fellowships/bible study on Wed. nights. However, with what my DH and I have been through over the last 1 1/2, our view of the "organized church" has changed significantly. In the organized church, we now feel unsettled. We are presently in a GREAT fellowship and I esteem the Pastors as men who TRULY seek to know what God's Word means and are WILLING to dialogue. Oh, what a refreshing change from what we have witnessed recently.......even with that said though, I COMPLETELY understand the position that some are in who are not attending church. It is EXTREMELY difficult to find leaders who will not be afraid to teach the FULNESS of God's Word.......no excuses, no holes barred. JMHO. Blessings in Jesus, Cindy:):

[sunshine4jesus]

This thread has obviously caused some dissention, and some misunderstandings of what people are actually trying to say.

Just as I took exception to this:
When a church has more sinners than believers something is wrong IMO. Church is not for sinners, it is for believers

Mercy4me probably meant more unbelievers than believers unless she is of the opinion that believers are sinless? My church has sinners every time the doors open. I am a believer, but still a sinner. Saved by grace, but still a sinner. My spiritual self may be spotless, but this human body is not.

I have a small local church. I have been blessed to serve and be served. Church for me is so much more than attending services.
Which is why I am joining this church formally after attending and being an active non-member for a year and a half.:):

I have been in churches such as have been described as not being what they should be, but still found my soul was fed even in them.

A personal relationship with God is important, and should be a constant in our lives, and when you have the good fortune to also have a local church which is active, caring, and studying then it is about as close to heaven as we are going to get on this earth.

Blessings and peace to all.