Where in the Bible does it say that I have to go to church?

[Smalcald]

The point doesn't seem to be getting through, so I'll try to say it concisely.

It is NOT about being hurt.

It is NOT about personality conflicts.

It is NOT about ego.

It is NOT about unwillingness to fellowship.

It IS about following "Caesar" (Constantine's 'church' model) instead of the NT model.

It IS about clubs and memberships that are never condoned in the NT.

It IS about sloppy exegesis and a careless attitude toward the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.

It IS about putting culture and tradition over the Bible.

No one here said anything about there being no good bodies of believers in existance. No one here advocates isolationism. No one here is condemning people who don't know any better than to continue with Constantine's model for outward religious practice.

What we're trying to say is that the NT model and teachings make no mention or even hint about special buildings, class distinctions, or all the other trappings of a human institution. So a "church" with a building and furnishings has already demonstrated either ignorance of the NT or disobedience to it. While this is not a salvation issue, it is a matter of conviction. Those of us who follow the NT model would be sinning to be involved in such human institutions as Constantine's churchianity model. We do not condemn those of you who have not yet been so convicted, we just know it's our responsibility to follow the Bible over tradition.

I hope this helps clear things up. There is no need to accuse us of lying or any other such personal attacks. We just want to stay true to the Bible.

Well the true and literal NT model church would include communal living and common ownership of property with other believers. There are groups which do this, chiefly the Huderites(sp?) who farm and live communally in the upper Midwest and Canada. Now if your heart is convicting you to follow exactly how the NT church is described in Acts you would be living in that way.

But if we can't get along with people or find people who are willing to even meet with us a couple of times a week, it is doubtful we would be able to get along well enough or love people enough to really share in all material things as a Christian body.

I don't know whenever I hear this stuff I try not to be cynical, but I can't help it, it usually just comes down to people who can't get along with other Christians, they are always storming out over some conflict, and they reject all authority. The bible clearly states we are to have leaders and overseers guide us. So it is not biblical to reject all human fellowship and accept leadership that is grounded in the bible, the entire New Testament assumes a membership in a Christian body of believers, a group experience, one that includes leaders who have authority.

[Smalcald]

"Well, I tried. Time to shake the dust off my feet and move on."

Ah, storming out I see. How many times have you done that in the real world? It is always easier to be alone instead of attempting true fellowship, I hope you find a place I really do.

[TEXASGRANDMA]

I go to Church, because I love God.

betty

[MrSealedEternal]

I go to Church, because I love God.

betty

Church isn't a place. We tend to think of it as a building, an institution, a denomination, or a worship service. None of these accurately capture the true meaning of the Greek word

[RGR]

Denominations did not exist in the First Century Church, and most of he people in these denominations today, are not part of Christ

[Iryssa]

The point doesn't seem to be getting through, so I'll try to say it concisely.

It is NOT about being hurt.

It is NOT about personality conflicts.

It is NOT about ego.

It is NOT about unwillingness to fellowship.

It IS about following "Caesar" (Constantine's 'church' model) instead of the NT model.

It IS about clubs and memberships that are never condoned in the NT.

It IS about sloppy exegesis and a careless attitude toward the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.

It IS about putting culture and tradition over the Bible.

No one here said anything about there being no good bodies of believers in existance. No one here advocates isolationism. No one here is condemning people who don't know any better than to continue with Constantine's model for outward religious practice.

What we're trying to say is that the NT model and teachings make no mention or even hint about special buildings, class distinctions, or all the other trappings of a human institution. So a "church" with a building and furnishings has already demonstrated either ignorance of the NT or disobedience to it. While this is not a salvation issue, it is a matter of conviction. Those of us who follow the NT model would be sinning to be involved in such human institutions as Constantine's churchianity model. We do not condemn those of you who have not yet been so convicted, we just know it's our responsibility to follow the Bible over tradition.

I hope this helps clear things up. There is no need to accuse us of lying or any other such personal attacks. We just want to stay true to the Bible.

Okay, evidently you didn't read my note.

<<<<Note>>>>

In this post, I will be using the word "church" quite a bit. Be aware that I generally use it in the sense of an organized group of believers which meets regularly for prayer, teaching, and overall worship of God, be it in song, service, or whathaveyou. I do NOT use the word "church" to indicate the building in which a congregation is housed, or the type of group that requires that type of building, unless otherwise specified.

<<<<<<end note>>>>>>

I do not believe that a building and the chairs and microphones or whathaveyou are what makes up a church. I thought that was pretty clear So basically, if you still believe that the fellowship of other believers, etc. etc. etc. is good, then I was not addressing you.