I am not a member of a church

[Trusting Jesus]

You've been given great advice here, and I can't add too much. Baptism isn't a requirement for salvation, but it is very important and I hope that you will be baptized soon.

In my own experience, I was a backslidden Christian married to a man who thought he was a Christian but didn't really know what that meant. I told him I needed to get back to church, he said he would go with me on the first Sunday but not to expect him to go every Sunday. After that first Sunday he went the next, and the next, and the next. That was about 14 years ago and he loves the Lord and now knows what a Christian is. It is amazing what the Lord has done with him, and sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I hadn't said I have to get back to church.

You have children. They need church. You said that you weren't raised in a family that taught much about God. Well, wouldn't it be better if your children were raised knowing Christ? In church we find fellowship with Brothers and Sisters. This Board is wonderful, but real fellowship with real people is better. If your husband doesn't object, then go. If God is calling you to church, obey. Respect your husband, but honor God.

Here are a couple of articles about where we got our Bible. I hope they help:

http://www.gotquestions.org/canon-Bible.html

http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-God-Word.html

http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-inspired.html

I hope this helps

<>< ><>

Nathele

[Guest Biblicist]

Thanks all - it is a relief to hear I am not sinning by not going to church. That said...

Bibs - You know, my husband surprised me by asking a really deep question (deep to me at least) about the Bible. He asked, Who decided what went in the Bible? The weirdest part was that I wondered the same thing and read about it the night before so I was able to give him an answer! Maybe someday he would go with me - who knows?

I do have to say that I have a slight social phobia where I feel sort of nervous with large groups and sometimes even one on one. My husband is a huge support to me in this area and I think part of my issue with becoming a member of church is not having my "rock" with me to help me through the nervousness. I guess at some point I have to just get over it, though, don't I?

Me too! I totally get that! I don't know what I'd do if my husband wasn't committed to attending church with me. Especially a church I had never been to. I do not believe I'd attend church at all if I didn't have my husband and my home church.

There is no need for you to ever "preach" to your husband so he can relax about that. I know this may be the temptation of some wives of unsaved husbands. My mother was married to an unsaved man for 40+ years, she fell into this temptation time and again, but it was her actions he listened to.

1 Peter 3

1 Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives,

2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.

3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes.

4 Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.

5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands,

6 like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

God's richest blessings on you Sister.

Bibs

[artsylady]

I used to attend church by myself for a long time and it was the hardest thing in the world not to get angry with my husband for not attending with me. He would always have an excuse - usually a headache - I could count on that. Most times, I just went on without him. Once when he woke up with headache, I said I expected that and he was not pleased. I said no more. But no matter, what I would always come home and feel renewed love for him again and harbour no resentment.

My situation was different too because my husband was a Christian - just not one who lived by faith.

Everything is all good now though, ptl.

[Searching soul23]

Welcome to Worthyboards!

I do not have many friends my own age. Not even in the church. But I was drawn to church because I thought that would be a good place to meet people. Now I know that my social life is not the issue. It's my spiritual life. I'm glad you're in church. My dad didn't like going to church for a long time. But then for some reason, he started going. My parents wake up early on sunday morning and have coffee in bed for about an hour while they discuss whatever is on their minds. Maybe something my mom said got my dad interested in church again. Keep praying and keep going to church. Maybe your husband will follow you someday. Or Maybe he will find Jesus before he ever goes to church because of something you say to him sometime.

[Mamato3]

You all have such great advice! Thank you for it and I will let you all know what happens!!!

[Kansasdad]

Where two or more are gathered Christ is there among you. It is vital that you put yourself in the presence of God often.

We are not islands. If we choose not to fellowship and worship in the presence of God we will not have any foundation for our faith. God did not make us to be islands. It is important for you to attend church.

1 Tim. 3:15). But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Yes we need to spend time in prayer, yes we need to spend time in scripture, but we also must spend time in the house of God which is the church of the living God. Attending Church is not just a "good idea" It is part of Gods plan for us.

You are very correct in seeking church, This is God calling you to a closer relationship with him

God Bless,

K.D.

[Aleksander]

I dont know, I think its VERY IMPORTANT that you are a member of a church. For couple of reasons.

One, you as a Christian, need to be baptized, and to my understanding when you are baptized you become a member of that chuch, no?

Two, fellowship and mutual benefit. There is likely to be a church where God wants to use you gifts and talents to bless and benefit the congregation, church. But if you hop from one church to another, something I heard people refer to this as being a "bunny believer" , you cant really use you God given talents to benefit the church, congregation. Well, unless you are like a singer or something.

Besides that, our pastors are accountable for us when we are members. Yes, they can still email exange with you and guide you and all that, but their first priority is to the the members of the church, and non-members second.