Why I perfer this forum Vs. church attendance

[bfloydo]

sevenseas I appreciate your words. If I have Judged, I know I stand self-condemned and will seek God's forgiveness and ask also for yours. I see how Jesus avoided judgment thru asking questions and parables so that those he spoke with or to, could judge themselves... Judgment always comes in the form of statements. I know I am not perfect, I will strive to improve and review carefully my writing to see if I judged or simply expressed my opinion. I have said " I do go to church(100's) and enjoy fellowship and Bible study". I do give to charities, needy, and churches I attend. I agree with you about things are going to get much harder.... maybe people will learn as they are humbled and learn to appreciate God for simple things like food, water, shelter, air they breath, or the ground they stand on. I believe God has prepared me to help in trying times, if it is his will(Old Army Ranger)  One of my favorite sayings comes from a non-canonized book and is attributed to Jesus "Because man follows flesh and the world he is frenzied, and a cruel enemy of himself, striving to live more arrogantly and lavishly than one another."

  Blessings

[GoldenEagle]

                      ** Sorry for the title typo should be this not is... cannot edit I reckon**

<snip>

 

    These are some of the reasons I thank God for you all and this forum....

I have fixed the title for you.

We are thankful for God's mercy, grace, and love. We are thankful for you.

 

God bless,

GE

[Fez]

Relax!

 

God knows your heart and that is what matters, no?

[bfloydo]

Hi Bfloydo, I do understand your feelings; it's hard to find somewhere to call home sometimes.  My prayer is that you can find at least one person that you can be with face to face who you can go to with questions, allow feedback from and grow in faith.  It's hard to find someone who can love as unconditionally, especially as Christ does!  And I'm afraid even here, because we don't have to deal with faces, you can find people are much more comfortable enjoying the fact that they'd rather be right at all costs despite others' feelings, rather than gracious and understanding, and bearing the fruits of love.

 

But by this they will know that we are Christ's disciples - that we love each other!  Don't forget: however hard others may make it, show Christ to them, and a good example of love. 

 

Find someone you can be with face to face.  This is a lonely walk if we walk it alone, and human beings were never meant to be alone.  We have the Holy Spirit in us - yes!  But He wants us to share Him with others.  Face to face.

 

Be blessed!

Z

  Ty for the kind words, I do go to church from time to time and I have fellowship inside and outside of churches(including this site that I am grateful for). I even go to churches from time to time that I disagree with there doctrine,  my cancer ridden amputee friend ask if I could help and attend this church with her. it was a blessing to help her.  Blessings B

[bfloydo]

Relax!

 

God knows your heart and that is what matters, no?

 

 No doubt he knows all our hearts, better than us.

[missmuffet]

                      ** Sorry for the title typo should be this not is... cannot edit I reckon**

 

   With all the back and forth concerning church, I thought I would give pause to thank God and those that participate and maintain this site. I want to share some of the reasons for my preferring this vs. the average church in hope you will know my thanks is sincere and appreciated:

1.) I cant be judged by appearance --- only my words

2.) I can come here anytime, any day

3.) I can seek or say what I want, when I want

4.) No one will put an offering plate before me nay, the only thing offered here is a gathering of seekers, helpers, and words for all to discern for themselves --- a non-tainted purity I enjoy

5.) No one will tell me this is what We believe, so if you want to be a part of this church so should you believe or do

6.) I don't have to fake sing, as I sound like Herman Munster and wouldn't want to offend any that God has blessed with a good singing voice

7.) Its easier to keep my tongue in check, as I more carefully weigh the words I write ( Its no coincidence to me that a very large part of the NT is letters to others ) I bet those that wrote those letters could not have imagined there future impact...maybe some of the words shared by us here will have impact beyond what we imagine!!

8.) I don't have to listen to a long winded sermon, that I cannot even raise my hand and ask a question if I have one, or feel bad for the poor fellow who has fallen asleep in front of me

9.) I don't have to feel guilt in knowing most of the money I give does not go to the needy --- I don't know when or how this changed but, I believe the money Jesus collected during his ministry mostly went directly to the poor, or needy (except what Judas stole)

10.) No one will compel me to pray,,,>>for me if its not heart felt,sincere and even off by ourselves in our own closet... it is deceitful and not heard .

 I know my repentance or prayers have been accepted when they are accompanied with my tears(more goodness comes upon me than my flesh can handle... and God overflows my cup for the cleansing, comforting, and joy of my soul.

    I think best and most powerful verse in the Bible is also the shortest "Jesus wept"

11.) I don't have to worry about getting caught up in any gossip, which seems to be a common practice in many congregations

 

    These are some of the reasons I thank God for you all and this forum....

Yes,many of these are good.Their are some people who have very,very serious social phobias.They struggle to go outside of their home.And many do not.This is a mental illness.These people could never go to a Church.God knows our hearts and what we struggle with.

[Sevenseas]

 

 I appreciate your words. If I have Judged, I know I stand self-condemned and will seek God's forgiveness and ask also for yours. I see how Jesus avoided judgment thru asking questions and parables so that those he spoke with or to, could judge themselves... Judgment always comes in the form of statements. I know I am not perfect, I will strive to improve and review carefully my writing to see if I judged or simply expressed my opinion. I have said " I do go to church(100's) and enjoy fellowship and Bible study". I do give to charities, needy, and churches I attend. I agree with you about things are going to get much harder.... maybe people will learn as they are humbled and learn to appreciate God for simple things like food, water, shelter, air they breath, or the ground they stand on. I believe God has prepared me to help in trying times, if it is his will(Old Army Ranger)  One of my favorite sayings comes from a non-canonized book and is attributed to Jesus "Because man follows flesh and the world he is frenzied, and a cruel enemy of himself, striving to live more arrogantly and lavishly than one another."

  Blessings

 

bfloydo This isn't about any one of us being perfect.  It is not about judging a person's heart...that is not our place.  

 

 

 

 Ouch, this post was meant to say thank you and why I enjoy this as opposed to the 100's of different churches I have visited and from time to time still go for fellowship and bible study. I don't know why your words are so harsh or angry... I'll hold back any response save to say... I know who my Judge is, my words where sincere, honest, and passed no judgment except about me and my feelings... I never said any should believe me, I often say "don't believe what I say, believe the Truth God has written on your heart and soul, follow only him and the path he has laid before you"    If I am that offensive, it is my hope that others will also come forward and I will gladly move on...... Peace

 

 

I can understand that you like posting here and have found people who really agree with you.  I questionned why, while saying how much you like it here, you posted many negative things about

church.   I have no doubt some have misunderstood my post and believe I am trying to be right and thinking you are wrong but that is really not the case.

 

I think we should relax on this church issue because it may yet be something we miss...like the Chinese who cannot meet in public.  There is that expression:  "you don't know what you have

until it is gone."  

 

IMO, it isn't good to reflect on everything a person does not like about church...it is better to remember why we have church and do what we can.   The church is made up of people....

just like the people here.  There are always some people we will like better and some will rub us the wrong way.  That does not mean the person is not a Christian.  God loves each

of us and I think we would do better to think on that.

 

Perhaps reflecting on how Christians can show the world they are one in Christ's love (as He prayed) would help.  Don't you think so?  

[missmuffet]

Relax!

 

 

God knows your heart and that is what matters, no?

 

That is what is a way more important than attending Church.The problem is that many Christians do not recognize this and deny it.

[bfloydo]

 

                      ** Sorry for the title typo should be this not is... cannot edit I reckon**

 

   With all the back and forth concerning church, I thought I would give pause to thank God and those that participate and maintain this site. I want to share some of the reasons for my preferring this vs. the average church in hope you will know my thanks is sincere and appreciated:

1.) I cant be judged by appearance --- only my words

2.) I can come here anytime, any day

3.) I can seek or say what I want, when I want

4.) No one will put an offering plate before me nay, the only thing offered here is a gathering of seekers, helpers, and words for all to discern for themselves --- a non-tainted purity I enjoy

5.) No one will tell me this is what We believe, so if you want to be a part of this church so should you believe or do

6.) I don't have to fake sing, as I sound like Herman Munster and wouldn't want to offend any that God has blessed with a good singing voice

7.) Its easier to keep my tongue in check, as I more carefully weigh the words I write ( Its no coincidence to me that a very large part of the NT is letters to others ) I bet those that wrote those letters could not have imagined there future impact...maybe some of the words shared by us here will have impact beyond what we imagine!!

8.) I don't have to listen to a long winded sermon, that I cannot even raise my hand and ask a question if I have one, or feel bad for the poor fellow who has fallen asleep in front of me

9.) I don't have to feel guilt in knowing most of the money I give does not go to the needy --- I don't know when or how this changed but, I believe the money Jesus collected during his ministry mostly went directly to the poor, or needy (except what Judas stole)

10.) No one will compel me to pray,,,>>for me if its not heart felt,sincere and even off by ourselves in our own closet... it is deceitful and not heard .

 I know my repentance or prayers have been accepted when they are accompanied with my tears(more goodness comes upon me than my flesh can handle... and God overflows my cup for the cleansing, comforting, and joy of my soul.

    I think best and most powerful verse in the Bible is also the shortest "Jesus wept"

11.) I don't have to worry about getting caught up in any gossip, which seems to be a common practice in many congregations

 

    These are some of the reasons I thank God for you all and this forum....

Yes,many of these are good.Their are some people who have very,very serious social phobias.They struggle to go outside of their home.And many do not.This is a mental illness.These people could never go to a Church.God knows our hearts and what we struggle with.

 

 Truly you are right, and I now confess I have been judged by doctors to be 100% disabled in part for my struggles with suicidal/ clinical depression... I hate this world with a passion but myself even more so..... Thru Gods strength I do get out to give to those in need, to go and have fellowship and Bible study from time to time( as my courage permits).... when I go to a church I hate most of all being given special treatment(even though I know it is from mercy and compassion).... for though many may see me as weak, pitiful, or without strength .... I know that true strength comes from within and God has given me thick skin to endure and hold tight to the end....not for self but, for others to see the snares they set for themselves in judgment of others.

[bfloydo]

 

 

 I appreciate your words. If I have Judged, I know I stand self-condemned and will seek God's forgiveness and ask also for yours. I see how Jesus avoided judgment thru asking questions and parables so that those he spoke with or to, could judge themselves... Judgment always comes in the form of statements. I know I am not perfect, I will strive to improve and review carefully my writing to see if I judged or simply expressed my opinion. I have said " I do go to church(100's) and enjoy fellowship and Bible study". I do give to charities, needy, and churches I attend. I agree with you about things are going to get much harder.... maybe people will learn as they are humbled and learn to appreciate God for simple things like food, water, shelter, air they breath, or the ground they stand on. I believe God has prepared me to help in trying times, if it is his will(Old Army Ranger)  One of my favorite sayings comes from a non-canonized book and is attributed to Jesus "Because man follows flesh and the world he is frenzied, and a cruel enemy of himself, striving to live more arrogantly and lavishly than one another."

  Blessings

 

bfloydo This isn't about any one of us being perfect.  It is not about judging a person's heart...that is not our place.  

 

 

 

 Ouch, this post was meant to say thank you and why I enjoy this as opposed to the 100's of different churches I have visited and from time to time still go for fellowship and bible study. I don't know why your words are so harsh or angry... I'll hold back any response save to say... I know who my Judge is, my words where sincere, honest, and passed no judgment except about me and my feelings... I never said any should believe me, I often say "don't believe what I say, believe the Truth God has written on your heart and soul, follow only him and the path he has laid before you"    If I am that offensive, it is my hope that others will also come forward and I will gladly move on...... Peace

 

 

I can understand that you like posting here and have found people who really agree with you.  I questionned why, while saying how much you like it here, you posted many negative things about

church.   I have no doubt some have misunderstood my post and believe I am trying to be right and thinking you are wrong but that is really not the case.

 

I think we should relax on this church issue because it may yet be something we miss...like the Chinese who cannot meet in public.  There is that expression:  "you don't know what you have

until it is gone."  

 

IMO, it isn't good to reflect on everything a person does not like about church...it is better to remember why we have church and do what we can.   The church is made up of people....

just like the people here.  There are always some people we will like better and some will rub us the wrong way.  That does not mean the person is not a Christian.  God loves each

of us and I think we would do better to think on that.

 

Perhaps reflecting on how Christians can show the world they are one in Christ's love (as He prayed) would help.  Don't you think so?  ringing

 

 Absolutely, and I wish to thank you for all you postings, Salt was a part of what you posted and kind of stuck in my mind, I prayed and ask the Lord to calm me and do his will.... my flesh said to Leash out and justify my foolish self but, God showed me some of the truth in your words, and reminded me of a short story I wrote(with his guidance) long ago.... he told me post this and be in peace, to thank you for bringing it to my remembrance(it has been posted with you in mind) .... It is the post "Garden of Eden" I hope you will understand those words come not from me but, from he who we should all choose to follow.. the greatest love is " laying down your life" as Jesus did.... I agree we should all be ready and willing to do the same for all our brothers and sisters... forgetting race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, or any number of other factors....perhaps those that we consider the least in this world should we uphold as 1st to make a stand and put our lives on the line " That, that you do to the least of my brethren, so do you unto me"    Love--->> you don't know me but, I am your brother   =)