Why does it have to be difficult to find a good church?

[Praise him]

It seems most stay away from the meat of the word and it is just one big social gathering. I feel more of the world than anything in the church these days. I brought up the error that one pastor preached and he wanted to invite me over for desserts. It's funny how they operate these days. They just want to be friends so they can get your money. I've been to churches ran by businessmen. They had pastors who did not know much more than what I do. This troubles me how people use God to make a dollar. I've been watching Charles Stanley and not going to church lately.

[countmeworthy]

I think God is separating the wheat from the tares now. There are a lot of TARES out there. God hates the work of the Nicolaitons and the more we seek HIM FIRST, follow HIM and not man, the more God is opening our eyes to the Clergy-laity system and all its' deceptive tactics...

Keep looking to Jesus, the author and perfector of our Faith. He's coming soon!! :-) Praise GOD-JESUS is coming SOON!!

[RiverRose]

It seems most stay away from the meat of the word and it is just one big social gathering. I feel more of the world than anything in the church these days. I brought up the error that one pastor preached and he wanted to invite me over for desserts. It's funny how they operate these days. They just want to be friends so they can get your money. I've been to churches ran by businessmen. They had pastors who did not know much more than what I do. This troubles me how people use God to make a dollar. I've been watching Charles Stanley and not going to church lately.
Those that do this will be judged harshly according to scripture. Maybe this is where the passage Jesus spoke about; "Flee from me I knew you not". Where is their heart vs their motive? Only God truly knows that answer. I've stayed away from churches for the sole reasons you have stated. I don't get fed the Bible when I go, its more of what we are to do with our money. Give me 10% or more and God will bless you tenfold. Hmmmm, don't think that is what the passage is about.

Its going to get even harder to find a God fearing church these days and in the days to come. Christianity is being scrutinized now, more so then past decades. Only going to get worse! Think we will see more and more Bible studies being conducted in living rooms across the land.

[Praise him]

This frustrates and hurts me deeply. I can not even begin to explain the bondage in which the Lord has freed me from. I love him so much. It really troubles me how I can't find one church that will actually preach his word the way it is supposed to be preached. The last time I went to church the pastor actually preached about mailmen. I'm not kidding. I can't remember the scripture he used to do it but I thought to myself what a waste of time.

[Praise him]

Those that do this will be judged harshly according to scripture. Maybe this is where the passage Jesus spoke about; "Flee from me I knew you not". Where is their heart vs their motive? Only God truly knows that answer. I've stayed away from churches for the sole reasons you have stated. I don't get fed the Bible when I go, its more of what we are to do with our money. Give me 10% or more and God will bless you tenfold. Hmmmm, don't think that is what the passage is about.

Its going to get even harder to find a God fearing church these days and in the days to come. Christianity is being scrutinized now, more so then past decades. Only going to get worse! Think we will see more and more Bible studies being conducted in living rooms across the land.

The tithe is replacement theology. They believe the U.S. has replaced Israel and the church has replaced the temples. It doesn't work that way. I do believe generous giving can bring blessings. You have to want to give, however. I know very few people who can afford to give in the manner which the church desires. This should not even be pushed as much or in the manner which it is.

Acts 20:33 (King James Version)
King James Version (KJV)
Public Domain

33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

[kgreen20]

I am SOOO blessed that God has led me to the church I belong to now! When we moved back to Oklahoma from South Carolina, I was apprehensive that there would be no good church in the town we moved to. We, lo and behold, the church I decided to try out first turned out to be just the one I needed. (It's a Southern Baptist church, BTW.)

I wish there was at least one such church in every city and town, for every Christian's sake.

[Cloud Watcher]

I tried a new place today. I wasn't particularly thrilled with the song choices, and the pastor's way of preaching would have been more suited for teaching a Sunday School class, but at least he did read out of the bible. I thought his summary statement didn't quite fit, but I might give the place one more try. The people were friendly, and they didn't blast the amphlifers to a painful level.

Church shopping is frustrating. The Lord spoiled me when I was a baby Christian, and put me in a fantastic place, when I lived in California. Nothing else has ever measured up to it since then.

[Gods Trombone]

I like this thread!

I have been "leaving churches" all my life and it is because of one thing: The Bible.

When one learns that the truths of the Bible are neglected or
opposed in a church, how can one stay? Of course one may find
a church that is so noncommittal on doctrine that the question doesn't come up, but is that what one wants?

I have heard Friends, and even knowledgeable ones, say things like "I don't care when or how the church really started I just want to live it " or some similar excuse for not getting at the truth.

Unless the Lord leads me to a bunch of "Berean-like" believers some day, I will attend a very small church, i.e., me alone.(Plus the Lord.}

[PlentyGroovy]

Have you tried Calvary Chapel? Is there one in your area?

[Praise him]

Have you tried Calvary Chapel? Is there one in your area?

There are none close by.

[PlentyGroovy]

There are none close by.

You should move! :): :laugh

[Akeo]

I haven't been inside a church in 6-7 months now (excluding a children's Christmas play). I feel like I get fed daily on the internet doing Bible studies, by listening to online sermons, and by watching some tv preaching. I feel that I'm getting fed ok, I think the only thing missing is fellowshipping.

[Praise him]

I haven't been inside a church in 6-7 months now (excluding a children's Christmas play). I feel like I get fed daily on the internet doing Bible studies, by listening to online sermons, and by watching some tv preaching. I feel that I'm getting fed ok, I think the only thing missing is fellowshipping.

Same here. It has been about six weeks for me.

[Flossie]

I have to confess that I've tried out both churches in my little town, and the one is an "old people's" Scottish Presbyterian church (congregation about 20, all about to pass on...:freaked) with a tentative little minister who spoke (to this day I can't remember what about).

The other is a United church, with a much larger congregation of all ages with a very busy Sunday School (not that I need it), but I can't get past the fact that the minister is a woman. I'm sorry. She may be a terrific minister, but to me, she shouldn't be teaching the men. Maybe I'm wrong. It's just the way I feel.

I had afternoon tea with two of the Presbyterian ladies one afternoon (one of them just turned 95!), and I mentioned in passing the rapture, and could literally FEEL the confusion and noticed the polite avoidance of my comments. :hysterical I wanted to laugh, but hey.....

I too, would like fellowship, but I've never had it in a church, as my parents were Easter Sunday only Christians, and I was very remiss about looking for a church in my adults years. I just didn't do it. So here I am, an armchair Christian, studying the Word, praying and loving Him, and doing ALL my fellowshiping here on this website. Something wrong about that, isn't there?

But what else can I do? Do you think I should attend the United Church with the lady minister?

:noidea

[Psalm 107]

I am SOOO blessed that God has led me to the church I belong to now!

AMEN and ditto to that! :thumb The Holy Spirit led me to a Calvary Chapel a few years ago and I never looked back. We go verse by verse through the Bible and our pastor is a great guy who isn't afraid to ride your hiney if he thinks you are getting out of Gods will. We need more pastors like him in our churches.

[kgreen20]

You said it!

Just to give you an example, I'm going to repost a message I posted on a thread on the Rapture Ready Message Board. My pastor started a series on the Sermon on the Mount today--a series that will last months, unless the Rapture comes first.

Today, he preached a whole sermon on the verse, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven." He went on to explain that to be blessed meant to have the approval of God, and to have that approval, you had to be poor in spirit. After explaining what being poor in spirit is not--being shy, acting humble, having low self-esteem--he explained that it means being a beggar before God. Recognizing how much you need Him, realizing that without Him, you can do nothing, etc., and begging Him for Himself, His grace, etc. (I hope I've explained that adequately.) He also said that if you've never been poor in spirit, then you've never been born again.

BTW, he also believes in a pre-Tribulation Rapture, and that we're in the end times.

I just wish that everyone could be so blessed as to find such a church.

[Diane 1611]

But what else can I do? Do you think I should attend the United Church with the lady minister?

:noidea

Is it a United Church of Christ church, Flossie? Then I would say run, run away. The UCC is a very liberal, gay friendly, pro choice, against Israel denomination. No way would you want to go to one of those, even if you get past the woman pastor issue.

[Flossie]

Is it a United Church of Christ church, Flossie? Then I would say run, run away. The UCC is a very liberal, gay friendly, pro choice, against Israel denomination. No way would you want to go to one of those, even if you get past the woman pastor issue.

Nope....just your standard United Church. I live in a small, very WASP, village (everyone is of Scottish (original settlers) or Dutch (later settlers) background). I didn't even realize this when we moved here. I find it funny and sad at the same time.

The churches teach your "standard" sermons, to a "standard" congregation .... they teach the "standard" fluff. No revival goin' on here! :hysterical As I stated, the Rapture obviously is never mentioned here. I guess it's not the "Scottish" thing you know....:lol

[BHiles]

The tithe is replacement theology. They believe the U.S. has replaced Israel and the church has replaced the temples. It doesn't work that way. I do believe generous giving can bring blessings. You have to want to give, however. I know very few people who can afford to give in the manner which the church desires. This should not even be pushed as much or in the manner which it is.

Acts 20:33 (King James Version)
King James Version (KJV)
Public Domain

33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
Whoa there. This is a huge leap in doctrinal logic to believe that those who tithe are adherents Replacement Theology. This is simply not true.

[PlentyGroovy]

Nope....just your standard United Church. I live in a small, very WASP, village (everyone is of Scottish (original settlers) or Dutch (later settlers) background). I didn't even realize this when we moved here. I find it funny and sad at the same time.

The churches teach your "standard" sermons, to a "standard" congregation .... they teach the "standard" fluff. No revival goin' on here! :hysterical As I stated, the Rapture obviously is never mentioned here. I guess it's not the "Scottish" thing you know....:lol

But, but, ... I'm a Scot (of origin). We just pinch pennies a lot. I LOVE talking about the rapture!! :joy

[TruthGiver]

Whoa there. This is a huge leap in doctrinal logic to believe that those who tithe are adherents Replacement Theology. This is simply not true.

Agreed BHiles! I suppose I don't understand so many here who have posted saying that you don't go to Church. What about this:

Hebrews 10:25
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

or this:

Proverbs 27:17
27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

I don't go to church for what I can get out of it so much as I go because it is the act of giving that time out of my week to physically get off my couch and go and give praise and worship to the Lord and to thank him for all he does for me daily!

[PlentyGroovy]

Agreed BHiles! I suppose I don't understand so many here who have posted saying that you don't go to Church. What about this:

Hebrews 10:25
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

or this:

Proverbs 27:17
27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

I don't go to church for what I can get out of it so much as I go because it is the act of giving that time out of my week to physically get off my couch and go and give praise and worship to the Lord and to thank him for all he does for me daily!

I think the problem is finding iron sharpening churches. :sad

[4everHis]

Interesting topic.
Church Shopping 101. Perhaps someone should write a book about this topic or maybe they already have.

I think if we find the church that we feel 100 percent comfortable in and agree with everything that is said and done, perhaps we are in the wrong church. Shouldn't a church challenge us to grow and improve and be involved?

[Praise him]

Isn't it funny that the tithe is the only Torah law that pastors push today? I wonder why? I'm not saying it is a sin and I believe you can receive blessings if you do but you have to want to. Also, people are not going to church because of the way it has started to become worldly. All this new age stuff and constantly begging for money. It gets old real fast.

[Flossie]

I don't go to church for what I can get out of it so much as I go because it is the act of giving that time out of my week to physically get off my couch and go and give praise and worship to the Lord and to thank him for all he does for me daily!Well then I don't need to go to church, except for the fellowship, because I spend time every single day of the week thanking Him and worshipping Him for all he does for me.

So yes, I only really need a church for fellowship (what I can get out of it).

[kgreen20]

If you want to listen to some iron-sharpening sermons, I can provide some. My church has a Web site that includes my pastor's sermons on audio. Just roll your cursor over "info/sermons," and a list will come up. When it does, click on "Audio Sermons," and a list of them will come up. (It's not as good as listening to some hard-hitting sermons in your own church, I know, but it'll give you a chance to hear some online, at least.)

Here's the URL to the Web site:

http://www.fbcidabel.org/



Kathy G.

[BHiles]

Isn't it funny that the tithe is the only Torah law that pastors push today? I wonder why? I'm not saying it is a sin and I believe you can receive blessings if you do but you have to want to. Also, people are not going to church because of the way it has started to become worldly. All this new age stuff and constantly begging for money. It gets old real fast.

You have yet to study the tithe thourough enough to state such.

[Praise him]

You have yet to study the tithe thourough enough to state such.

I'm tired of going to church to get a watered down version of scripture and then being asked for money over and over again.

[sracer]

There are none close by.
If there is no Calvary Chapel nearby, perhaps there is a Harvest Bible Chapel. They too teach straight out of God's Word and their theology is practically a perfect match for Calvary Chapel's.

[jjkn]

I highly recommend Calvary Chapel also, even if it takes 30 minutes to get there.:nod We are so blessed that God led us to our Calvary Chapel. Even though we agree with the theology, our Pastor challenges us and our Lord stretches us.
Often you can go to the website of the closest Calvary and finds links there to smaller Calvarys that may be closer to you. For instance, in my area there is only one Calvary in Houston, but at our website are links to 3 other, newer churches in this area.

[Booklover]

I have found a great church in Prattville Alabama. It is called Fountain of Grace Christian and Missionary Alliance church. Our pastors are great teachers, and I love the people! I grew up in a Christian and Missionary Alliance church, and my home church in Pennsylvania is a blessing to me too.
If you don't have a church home, do some internet searching, and then try some churches to find a place you are comfortable with. Having fellow believers to pray with you and to call on if you need help is such a blessing. My home church in Pennsylvania helped so much when I was moving my Mom into an Assisted Living home. God answered my prayers not with bells and whistles and Holy Spirit tingles, but with smoothing out details, and with encouraging words and encounters, and with people who offered practical help just when I needed it. I came out of that experience feeling loved by the body of Christ.
If people don't reach out to you in the church you go to, God may be asking you to reach out to them. There is always the risk of giving and then feeling taken advantage of. We live in a fallen world. Christians will disappoint us. Don't be weary in well doing though! I think God is wanting to bless us when we do something for someone as an act of worship to Him. He wants to make us into a loving, giving, peculiar people. Let's try to be obedient and look for some other believers to encourage and love (I am saying this to myself as well as to you, my internet friends.)