Going To Church.

[nebula]

the minister said that if you didn't go to church than you were not a Christian.

OK, where's that in the Bible?!

Last time I checked, it's all about Jesus!

But seriously, if you think about what goes on in a church service - worship, teaching, fellowship (sometimes) - you can get these in other places, outside of the church walls. Like, you can get fellowship and Bible-learning here on these Christian boards. The advantage of the Boards over church is you get different views, and you are thus more likely to search out the Scriptures yourself for better understanding. Oh, and there's also the 9pm prayer meeting in the chat room section of this Board. Worship - with all the praise and worship CD's out there, it's easy to spend time in worship.

Get the idea?

[Adstar]

I'm going to go out on a limb here and will probably offend some but, here goes....

The "church" we know, attend, make a mental picture of today, is nothing resembling the "Church" 2000 years ago that is still described to this day in God's Word. Today, the American Church is not considered a "church" by majority of Christians unless it has a sanctuary with pews and a pulpit built by men's hands. Jesus Himself said (and was accused at His trial) that the only temple built by man's hands and was ordained to be done so by God, would be destroyed. He preached that God does not come into wooded walled buildings nor "whited sepulchres" but..., into the heart...the soul of man/woman.(Luke 17:20-21)

No, I am not ditzing churches as a whole but, most have become "Corporate Businesses" and suck True Life rather than give it. While it is true we should not forsake gathering with other saints, that can be fulfilled easily without attending a "501c whore" as some call them. In my short time as an evangelist, I do not see a "church" that will be able to "endure unto the end" when great Tribulation comes. At least not in the models we have today. The New Testament Church met in private homes in the midst of persecution. It wasn't until the Sun God Worshipper, Constantine came along that they became a tool of political and spiritual dominion over people's lives. The "Reformation" did not do what many claim it did and Luther did not separate himself from that church. All he did was spread her likeness in structure and organization into what we call protestant churches today.

In short, those who can and do walk daily in Jesus Christ regardless whether they can attend a physical structure to worship in or not, have their "house built upon the rock". Those who cannot exist or even imagine their Christian Walk being anything without their precious corner building existing, are on "shifting sand" and in a precariously dangerous place.

:il:

I'm with you out on that limb

Temples of God

We are the Church

God's holy people

We need no doors

Or fancy steeples

For we are the Temple

Where He wishes to stay

Which He bought with His blood

And willingly paid

So open your hearts

And let Jesus come in

And lay aside each weight

And besetting sin

Then run the race

That is set before you

Only trusting in Jesus

And never what you do

For He'll fill you with joy

His love and His peace

And you as His bride

He will lovingly keep

All Praise The Ancient Of Days

[endure4salvation]

Now, this next statement - some of you may wonder what's wrong, but if you know that we are Baptist, then you'll understand. We've been attending here for a while now, the preacher seems to be right on, but one of the Sun. School classes we've been in, they were talking about losing your salvation. (OK, endure4salvation. I know... ),

HHMMMMMM...........

You stated: "we are Baptist"

To which I say: "Why are you not a Christian BEFORE you are a "Baptist"?

When you stand before God, are you going to claim entrance into heaven because you were a Baptist? Or will it be because you were dedicated to Jesus and His resurrection?

And I have NEVER said that you can lose your salvation. My point is that the Scriptures clearly declare the conditional nature of our security. Faith and repentance are required to initiate salvation (and these aren't works), but somehow after that we can abandon the faith and still remain saved? Just how is it that after the initial salvation experience faith and repentance become works then? :x: But it is admirable to be choosy when picking out what you will listen to.

Anyway, back to on topic:

I say check your motives. If you are using this as an excuse to not go to church, then I would suggest you find out through seeking God and asking Him to reveal to you if this is the case. God doesn't want your excuses, He wants your obedience.

[Guest Calamity]

endure: "HHMMMMMM...........

You stated: "we are Baptist"

To which I say: "Why are you not a Christian BEFORE you are a "Baptist"?"

Ahem..... We are Christians, but we are convicted that the Baptist teachings are closer to the Bible than others we have heard, and desire that denomination for a Church home.

endure: "When you stand before God, are you going to claim entrance into heaven because you were a Baptist? Or will it be because you were dedicated to Jesus and His resurrection?"

See above.

I don't know what denomination - if any, that your beliefs are closest to, but if a Pentacostal went to a Pentacostal Church only to find out that they did NOT believe in speaking in tongues, I think they'd be a little surprised and let down. That's all I meant by what they were saying in the Baptist S. School.

[Catsmeow]

Endure: Relax. You aren't a Mom. You're clearly a man and I'd wager many men here do understand - where you seem not to.

The poor woman is a mother...(like me)...and we Moms understand "separation anxiety" toddlers often experience.

Church is great...IF you don't have a small toddler with separation anxiety...otherwise, the stress of being called back to the nursery every five minutes ruins any chance of meaningful fellowship.

I really think most men understand this. I wish you'd lighten up on the dear lady and stop making "church" the end all of worship.

Worship is a "lifestyle" lived all day long...not JUST in a church building on Sunday....if the poor woman has a small child who's afraid of separation, she'll have to work that out over time...

Forcing the child into a frightening experience just so she meets some legalist's expectations that you must be in attendance is so silly.

I love going to my church and regularly attend...but I don't have a two year old either. BIG DIFFERENCE, brother. Some toddlers don't handle nursery very well...I know, I've had to deal with screaming babies in the nursery at church and it's way too agonizing for both parent and child.

Let's not be so legalistic we have no compassion for the problems parents face...let's show some reason. JMO

[Catsmeow]

I say check your motives.  If you are using this as an excuse to not go to church, then I would suggest you find out through seeking God and asking Him to reveal to you if this is the case.  God doesn't want your excuses, He wants your obedience.

Are you for real? You really think being a church-goer is the road to obedience?

I can't believe people actually think this way....you use guilt to coerce someone?

Look, it's so obvious you're not a woman, much less a mother...and probably never had to change a diaper.

I AM a mother and been there...done that. And I still care for children in the nursery at church...

No excuses...you just simply have a hard attitude and it is you who needs to stop being a brute when people don't measure up to some standard you set. It's between this mother and the Lord.

Fortunately, our loving Heavenly Father knows what this poor little mother is going through with her tiny child and He sees her heart...not you.

Judgemental people just make my blood pressure soar. Prideful, legalistic, and rigid attitudes which take no account of anything else but "measuring up" just really get to me.

[refugepsa91]

I agree cats....I would never never walk away from my child as they were crying in fear....and I don't think that Jesus would want me to either.

Church is not the only place to worship....I talk with Jesus while I am doing dishes, while I am in the laundry room etc..etc..and I have to say to get most of my learning I come here...

Don't eat me now, but I dont think you have to attend a church, or be a specific denomination to be secure with the Lord.

Just my opinion though

Love and Blessings

Angel H.

[Catsmeow]

No, I am not ditzing churches as a whole but, most have become "Corporate Businesses" and suck True Life rather than give it.

[Catsmeow]

I agree cats....I would never never walk away from my child as they were crying in fear....and I don't think that Jesus would want me to either.

Church is not the only place to worship....I talk with Jesus while I am doing dishes, while I am in the laundry room etc..etc..and I have to say to get most of my learning I come here...

Don't eat me now, but I dont think you have to attend a church, or be a specific denomination to be secure with the Lord.

[refugepsa91]

Amen cats....it is hard I have two one (firstborn) mellow mellow mellow....sometimes I feel like I may have to take a pulse just kidding...and the second one is an emotional rollercoaster wakes up talking and goes to sleep doing the same...I haven't had a complete thought in years....ah but I sure love them and wouldn't have it any other way...my hubby got the picture when I started back to work two days a week...10 hour days but he has to watch them for 4 hours before I get home...usually when I get here his hair is standing on end...I think all men should do that...experience is a eye opener at least for my hubby. By the way my oldest does get his blood pumping fast with his little sister....but hey its good for him....

I hope kball wasn't hurt by any remarks here...she is doing what she knows is right...and no one else can make assumptions until you've walked in her shoes....

Love and Blessings

Angel H.