Date: 10/25/2003 1:08:00 PM
From Authorid: 13974
I say where you pray makes no difference. "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:5-6  |
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Date: 10/25/2003 1:09:00 PM
From Authorid: 13974
I say it is not too important to be a art of a church but more to have a personal relationship with God.(I am speaking of course from my past experience as a Christian... hehehe) |
Date: 10/25/2003 1:45:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 47162
dog picture guy I'm really starting to think along those lines. I think I just need to find a place where I can serve God and serve others without all the church politics and wrangling that goes on. Church itself really isn't as important as I think it is. It's not the center of the world. It's just a building where people meet once or twice a week. Maybe the fact it only lasts four hours at most per week should be a hint that it isn't sooo soo important.  |
Date: 10/25/2003 1:56:00 PM
From Authorid: 36704
Church is extremely important in perpetuating the myth of Satan and Hell, aside from that they're pretty good and teaching the exact opposite of the Bible also.  |
Date: 10/25/2003 2:03:00 PM
From Authorid: 30742
I totally know where your coming from, so much disapointment these days with " church leaders" it makes you want to throw in the towel. But church is not a building, its a community of people, who love, encourage and support one another. Right now a moive about the life of Martin Luther, I think it would inspire you, to see how he stood up agaisnt the roman catholic church and he started the protestant reformation. Check it out, I plan to see it as well, because I am in the same place you are, my relationship with God is the most important, and I want relationships with others who are part of my family, but I am finding it hard to Find those people in the " Church". You know Jesus warned that the love of many would grow cold and would begin to follow teachings of demons. What should we do? Stand on the word of God, and fight, for we are in a war thats not made up of flesh and blood, but against wicked spirits and princes of the air.. 1 Tim 4. Matt 24, and Eph 6. God Bless U..see the movie trailer @www.lutherthemovie.com  |
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Date: 10/25/2003 5:58:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 47162
Ms. Morality maybe it's good we have the internet now! I mean it's possible for people to get solid teaching and preaching right online. This helps meet the need of getting fed as we call it. Also it's possible to meet online with fellow believers without all the hassle and wrangling a church has to deal with. I'm seriously thinking of just getting my preaching and stuff from my fav pastor right online, and ministering online to people. I'm just so sick of all the stuff involved with "church"! The need to actually belong to an organization and say you commit to every detail of the organization in order to minister or whatever. Oh well I just need to step back and ponder things. |
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Date: 10/25/2003 6:00:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 47162
Maybe having an actual centralized place of worship isn't that important now with the technology we have. They had to have it in bible times but heck now you can do so much electronically. The outcomes could be the same and there really isn't anything sacred about meeting in a centralized location all the time. |
Date: 10/25/2003 6:35:00 PM
From Authorid: 34487
Yes, "the meal" is what you focus on. I know many Christians that do not attend church on a regular basis and still maintain strong relationships with God. Churches are no different than people as to their vulnerability to suggestion an error. If a person doesn't agree with something a church supports, they should leave THAT church. There are many churches out there and finding one that supports the issues and beliefs you do can be difficult. It's also hard to find one that is comfortable. Work on strengthening your relationship with God, since we all need to. Realize that you did nothing wrong and you will find the right church for you if you trust in God to lead you there. Church is a wonderful place for sharing beliefs and worshiping God. Church is a good tool for a believer which can strengthen their faith and offer support. Being around others that worship as you do is always helpful but it's not not always easy to find. Don't give up on your search and stay strong. Good luck to you.  |
Date: 10/25/2003 8:15:00 PM
From Authorid: 62367
Since this obviously mean so much to you, you shouls start looking for a new church that will cause you less spiritual distress. There are many denominations out there that are more conservative in their teachings.  |
Date: 10/26/2003 5:45:00 AM
From Authorid: 53054
since you are pondering really means that you really dont want to leave....i think you should however look for another church or a place where you feel that it is comfortable for you to be in...i believe that a church is a place where people meet once or twice a week to socialise with each other and get to know a lot of new people, which is really good in a way! I really think thtat you shoudl start looking around...me myself i pray in my room when i need...i know i should more but i dont lolz...i go to church sometimes, but that is only because i really havent been to a church which i like, and i dont have time lolz...hehe! *hugz* do what you fefll is right within your self, within your heart and good luck *hugz*  |
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Date: 10/26/2003 8:27:00 PM
From Authorid: 30742
R1, Jesus got away and spent time alone with the Father in prayer often, and He had a few close friends that He would share close prayer and fellowship with... you might just need some time alone, the internet it a wonderufl place to meet other christians and minister to others, it also is not enough, we need physical contact with one another, the fellowship that Jesus and the disciples shared, it is getting harder to find in our churches, but we must fight to find it. I believe God is going to give you your answer. Just imagine what Luther must have felt when he came agaisnt the politics of the Roman Catholic Church. The moive is perfect in timing. Much reformation needs to be done in our churches. So much is happening. The church is being influeneced by the world, instead of being an influence to the world. It must break God's heart to see what is happening in the body of believers. God understands your anguish and disappointment, lift your voice up to Him in prayer, let God lead you to a place of restoration of your heart that has been broken. More than any one else He understands. There are good churches out there that you can be a part of to serve God and have fellowship with other believers,. The internet is full of some strange people, who hold very unbiblical beliefs. The fellowship Bible churches have home groups, this is much closer to the biblical account of true fellowship. The worship services in these churches are contemerary. There are so many good sound preachers, but above all the word of God should feed us.. I pray that you find peace and blessings, as I know God will lead you through this ...God Bless |
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Date: 10/27/2003 11:44:00 AM
From Authorid: 13974
R1, as always, I am sure you will do what is best, you are pretty good at that. I was trying to remmeber another scripture from Jesus talking about how got dwelt not just in the church, but was everywhere.When I was making my decision on how to worship God, I know I recieved a lot from Jesus' sermon on the mount in the book of Matthew. Beyond that, the question is what do you expect from your relationship with God, and what do YOU feel God expects from you? |
