Why do we need the local church?

[Floatingaxe]

Why Do We Need The Local Church?

1. It is good for people not to be alone,

Genesis 2:18

Then the Lord God said,

[Shad]

The problem is the kind of Church you just described is almost non existent in today's time.

Most churches today are run by people who are there for the power not the glory and the members are there because it's the popular thing to do so they can say they are christians but generally snub their noses at any stranger that walks through the door looking for a place to worship. Churches are broken down into cliques instead of it being one big family where everyone fits in no matter what your status in the community is. Most people these days go to church because it's a token symbol of being a christian they don't go because they are hungry for the word they go so they can socialize and gossip. I'm sorry but church is not meant to be an extension of the M-F work place.

The huge Mega Churches you see on TV are a prime example of this and there is at least 1 in most cases several of these type Mega Churches in every city in the U.S. even if they all don't have tv deals. You know the ones that are so big they have to have several services.

Here where I live we have a Church like that it's one of the more predominant Baptist churches in the area they are already so big they have to hold 2 sermons on Sunday Mornings and this is not a small church it holds 1200 people with a balcony area above the main seating area and both services are always packed to the brim. The little churches like you talk about in the area can't compete with something like this and in the last couple of years this huge church has swallowed up and merged with at least a half dozen smaller churches in the area.

I'm sorry but I don't want to be a part of something like that.

[OneLight]

Floatingaxe, what a beautiful description of what a church should be like, but as Shad mentioned, I have not found one like that in my area. I truly wish there was one, but those who are close, do not accept the gifts of the Spirit, feeling like they were done away with after the first century. Unfortunately, most of the false teachings are coming from todays churches. Then there are the mega churches that seem to be in it for the money. I have no problem giving to Gods work, as long as it goes there.

Not wanting to be so depressing, I agree with you. This is what the church is to be like, looking out for each other. Loving your God with all you have and your neighbor as yourself. Being there for the other person more then yourself. Have you found such a church? If I could, I would also have one here. I am willing to try to help a church become this way, but the question lies, are they willing to change?

Yes, there is no perfect church. Sorry for the rant.

Your Brother In Christ,

OneLight

[stacey c]

What's sad is that many christians don't even love each other, but they think they have the right to preach to the lost. I was in a church like this for a long time, and it wasn't a mega church, just a small non-denominational church with a pastor with serious control issues. The people there were sssooooo judgemental and unloving towards anyone outside their little cliques, although it was preached against from the pulpit, although he did it too. But Shad is right, so many churches today are in it for the power, glory and money it's sinful. I need a church that loves everyone and non-judgemental although teaches the undulterated word of God, and knows that all glory and power belongs to Him.

[glorywatch]

Floatingaxe, I love your name...one of my favorite stories in the Bible!

I too enjoyed what you posted about what our local churches should be. I don't think we should confuse local churches with those we see on TBN or the God Channel. A lot of local churches have some real God fearing individuals who are truly seeking the Lord. I know that is the exception and not the norm, but they are out there. I live in really small town and it still took us a while to find a church that was only interestd in teaching "hath God said", ministry to those in need and saving souls. Praise God we are so blessed to have found this church. I do have friends in other areas that seem to have only those 'false churches' to choose from and are resorting to what the early Christians did, they are meeting in homes.

We as the body of Christ are the church. Scripture says were two are more are gathered, I will be in there (paraphrased).