| Do You Attend Church? |
« View previous topic :: View next topic » |
| Author |
Message
|
Smitty
|
 Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 6:00 am Post subject: |
 |
|
Mr. Winkle
Joined: May 27, 2006
Posts: 128
Location: Bellbrook, Ohio
|
and Jesus said, "Where two or three are gathered so am I"
Sheri, you said, "I found I learn more staying at home and writing my own Bible studies which I also share with Christians In Recovery and often times send to a minister in Africa who has requested my help. "
You do attend church, and lead it! Going to church doesn't always mean going to an extablished structure built for the primary purpose of worshiping. Many people today and most certainly back in the early days of Christianity, people met in their homes or wherever thay found a place to be together to worship God and study His Word.
The Gospel is meant to be shared with each other and to spead the word so that others may come to know Christ. You are doing that.
"No man is an island, no man stands alone.... we need one another..."
John (:-j |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Smitty
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 7:21 am Post subject: do you attend church |
|
|
Mr. Winkle
Joined: May 27, 2006
Posts: 128
Location: Bellbrook, Ohio
|
"For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst." Matthew 18:20
Is what I should have written.
Smitty |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Sheri1969
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 12:00 am Post subject: |
|
|
Women of Faith
Joined: Nov 30, 2005
Posts: 267
Location: Ontario Canada
|
I understood what you meant Smitty.  I enjoy writing (obviously because I am at TW!) and when this minister saw my writings on CIR, hee wrote to me asking me to send him sermons as he was a student over in Africa and had no knowledge of what to write. I am most humbled by it, but it is also a huge .... for lack of a better word, burden to carry, making sure you get the Message right. I am thankful to be used of God in the ways I most enjoy, which are the arts and crafts areas.
And yes, I do worship on my own with the piano, my Christian music - it is constantly on save when I am sleeping  I love God and have learned more about Him by digging in the Word on my own, at my own pace. I love it. No pressure to join a church, become a member, get involved on committees, tithe.... You get the idea. Thanks for the support Smitty. 
God Bless,
Sheri1969
_________________
Sheri Liegh Adams
Jesus Never Fails! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Guest
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 1:53 am Post subject: |
|
|
Joined: Aug 06, 2005
Posts: -555
|
I too support you Sheri1969. The scriptures speak of the church as the people who gathert together, not the building they meet in.
And how can we not support everyone's choice to worship their higher power in the manner in which edifies them as they edify the Creator? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Sheri1969
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2007 1:09 am Post subject: |
|
|
Women of Faith
Joined: Nov 30, 2005
Posts: 267
Location: Ontario Canada
|
April, I like what you said when you wrote that how can we judge anybody for how they decide to worship and even learn of their Higher Power as they know Him to be. That is a very good point as we are taught not to judge. I have as much fellowship with Christians discussing things here as I would in church. And I find the internet method safer. I do not have to go out in threatening weather. I do not have to become a member of a church to enjoy being there. I do not have to be on a committee or in a group in order to be one of the crowd. Here I can be who I am without fear of anything. I try to find churches to go to (buildidngs) but often times find I like what I learn and feel better at home. Good point in not to judge.
Sheri1969
_________________
Sheri Liegh Adams
Jesus Never Fails! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Guest
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 11:10 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Joined: Aug 06, 2005
Posts: -555
|
Hey Sheri,
You are right about the internet being one easier way to worship together. I too feel that freedom to be the inner me on the internet.
Part of that is I cannot see others with my physical vision which encourages me to see others with my other eye, my intuitive eye.
Christ, in the scriptures, says that man looketh on the outward appearance, with the internet we are forced to look more to the hearts of others.
Of course they could always post a picture, se la vie. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Cparker
|
| Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2007 8:42 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Monkey Boy
Joined: Sep 26, 2004
Posts: 588
Location: Portugal/London
|
I have loved all of the posts in this thread, very interesting stuff.
For me, I don't believe that as I am I am capable of being a true Christian. I cannot put into practice what he taught, I can try, but trying does not make me a Christian, Doing makes me that. And until I can Do, I can't say that I am a Christian. I also think that many churches have veered away from what a church really used to be. They used to be groups of people who would gather around and try to learn christs teachings, it was basicaly a school. Yet not churches seem to be so engrossed in rituals and worship that they skip over most of the actual teachings. There is a sect of Buddhism that doesn't worship the buddha, they only study his teachings. And I think this is a very good posture, Jesus does not need worship, he needs us to study what he taught and put it into practice.
So... I do not go to church that often, but have no quarell with anyone who does! I agree too that "church is a loose term, and even this small thread and discussion here amounts to something in the way of that.
_________________
Teal´c : To resist the influence of others, knowledge of oneself is most important. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Smitty
|
| Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 11:23 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Mr. Winkle
Joined: May 27, 2006
Posts: 128
Location: Bellbrook, Ohio
|
I consider myself a Christian, but I never refer to myself as a 'true Christian'. To me that carries a misconception of having to be perfect in every aspect of our lives.I am far from perfect and at times feel unworthy to be called a Christian. Yet, Christ knows who we are and the faults we carry and says, " It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
Each person who has learned of Christ at some point decides whether or not to be baptised in His name and become a follower of Christ Jesus. No one can make that choice for another person. But, I believe anyone is capable of becoming a Christian, no matter what their flaws might be. Jesus never said, "You must be perfect as I am to be a true Christian." What he said was, "Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men."
Churches are going through growing pains, just like any family goes through. Many are closing, which is sad, but many are growing because they do teach, and they get people involved in their communities, their country and internationally. A strong church is very much active in almost every aspect of our lives and are there to offer support, leaders, training, outreach, education, shelter, food, clothing... and so on.
I wish more people unsderstood how great an active church can be in their personal lives, spiritually and socially, if given the chance.
I admire everyone's honesty here and respect on how you worship God. I also know how a bad experience in a church can leave you wanting something different. But, the church is made up of people just like you and me; not perfect, but capable of becoming a followers of Jesus, and in truth, a Christian. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Guest
|
| Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 8:21 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Joined: Aug 06, 2005
Posts: -555
|
Okay Mr. Winkle, you just might make me think a little here.
| Smitty wrote: |
| . . . I never refer to myself as a 'true Christian'. To me that carries a misconception of having to be perfect in every aspect of our lives. I am far from perfect and at times feel unworthy to be called a Christian. |
I may have to dig into this one but if memory serves me correct, as one living in the name of Jesus we are to be as correct (perfect) as we humanly can be. Then the perfection of Christ picks up where we fall short. I have seen too many people get tripped up over that perfection thing. This is one of my reasons for not appreciating organized religions. They tend to pound into the human spychee that we, as humans, are not and never will be good enough. One preacher actually said to his congregation, as he pounded the podium, frightening the children, You are rotten, stinking, hunks of flesh. . . Christ does not speak to His brothers and sisters with such disrespect.
| Quote: |
| Yet, Christ knows who we are and the faults we carry and says, " It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." |
This happens to be one of my favorite scriptures. It validates every cell of my being.
| Quote: |
| Churches are going through growing pains, just like any family goes through. Many are closing, which is sad, |
I think it a sad thing that more churches don't close their doors. Thousands of blind followers of Jim Jones, and their children, would be alive today if his organization had folded. What about the Branch Davidians, and their children too, and the Heaven's Gate? All perfectly good people drawn into the problems of an ego driven religion. As far as I am concerned, organized religion takes too many liberties with people and their lives.
| Quote: |
| but many are growing because they do teach, and they get people involved in their communities, their country and internationally. A strong church is very much active in almost every aspect of our lives and are there to offer support, leaders, training, outreach, education, shelter, food, clothing... and so on. |
I will agree with you that there are churches like this, however, I believe they are few and far between, the exception rather than the rule.
| Quote: |
| I wish more people unsderstood how great an active church can be in their personal lives, spiritually and socially, if given the chance. |
I only wish more organizations were as you believe most of them are.
| Quote: |
| I admire everyone's honesty here and respect on how you worship God. I also know how a bad experience in a church can leave you wanting something different. |
I wish it were as simple as A bad experience, it's more like A Lifetime of bad experiences, with one exception, the Synagogue. I was tempted to convert but I just could not release my belief in my Saviour.
| Quote: |
| But, the church is made up of people just like you and me; not perfect, but capable of becoming a followers of Jesus, and in truth, a Christian. |
True and true.
I rarely allow myself to get into any discussion of religious topics but everyone here seems to be able to stay calm in their response. I too feel no anger or emotional upheaval so if I've stepped on anyone's toes my sincere apologies.
 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Misspink
|
| Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 7:57 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Miss talk a lot
Joined: Sep 29, 2007
Posts: 160
Location: In a house
|
| I attend youth group sometimes when I am not working,at x-country or at school. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
didi768
|
| Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 12:18 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Super Newbie
Joined: Oct 02, 2007
Posts: 2
Location: Tampa
|
Oh man I just wrote you a book and the pc lost connection. Argh.
Now I have to shorten. Go to biblelineministries.org to read Hank's articles on stuff we've been mistold all our lives, such as how angels have wings and sing, how our heart is the door, how asking Jesus into our hearts is not biblical, how repent does not mean be sorry for sin, and tons of other things we've been told but never bothered to study up on ourselves using the word of God.
_________________
Di |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Guest
|
| Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2007 3:33 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Joined: Aug 06, 2005
Posts: -555
|
Hey Didi, I hate it when a big post is lost like that. Sometimes the back button can get it back, sometimes not.
My stepfather was a bible scholar and he could take any single scripture and prove anything he wanted to with it.
Today, when someone, anyone, touts the bible in my face I simply say, show me the scripture and I may get back to you.
And again, I may not get back to them. If all they want to do is to argue God or Bible or doctirne I don't take the bait.
God is not the author of confusion and arguing the spiritual beliefs creates confusion and angst against my brothers and sisters across the world.
I will check out the site you recommend, thanks for the heads up. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Smitty
|
| Posted: Sat Oct 20, 2007 9:52 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Mr. Winkle
Joined: May 27, 2006
Posts: 128
Location: Bellbrook, Ohio
|
Back to the question. Going to church is part of the relationship we share with Jesus Christ. It is an important part of our experience with him. To shun that activity in our lives short changes the full relationship with Christ.
It is way more than going to a building, sitting in a pew, reading a litany, singing a couple of songs and listening to a sermon. It is the training grounds for what we do outside the walls. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Guest
|
| Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2007 6:35 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Joined: Aug 06, 2005
Posts: -555
|
| Cparker wrote: |
I have loved all of the posts in this thread, very interesting stuff.
For me, I don't believe that as I am I am capable of being a true Christian. I cannot put into practice what he taught, I can try, but trying does not make me a Christian, Doing makes me that. And until I can Do, I can't say that I am a Christian. I also think that many churches have veered away from what a church really used to be. They used to be groups of people who would gather around and try to learn christs teachings, it was basicaly a school. Yet not churches seem to be so engrossed in rituals and worship that they skip over most of the actual teachings. There is a sect of Buddhism that doesn't worship the buddha, they only study his teachings. And I think this is a very good posture, Jesus does not need worship, he needs us to study what he taught and put it into practice.
So... I do not go to church that often, but have no quarell with anyone who does! I agree too that "church is a loose term, and even this small thread and discussion here amounts to something in the way of that. |
You are very self aware, most persons are not, to this degree. I really liked what you said about studying as opposed to worshiping. There seems to be truth in that statement. Studying + practicing = Doing. Great formula because we tend to become what we immerse ourselves into. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Smitty
|
| Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 12:33 am Post subject: Do You Attend Church? |
|
|
Mr. Winkle
Joined: May 27, 2006
Posts: 128
Location: Bellbrook, Ohio
|
I know this topic hasn't been commented on in a while, but I needed to share this with you.
I know I have stated before that I attend church regularly, but this past weekend was the celebration of Easter. The most powerful and significant event in a Christian's life is the conversion that takes place at this time. Without it Christianity would have no basis for its belief or faith.
Many people attended the church I go to this past Easter. For some of them, it is one of the few times of the year they attend. By being part of this service, they got to hear a young man tell his story of the verbal and physical abuse he grew up in, and how he was an unwanted baby. His parents also rejected any kind of religion and hated Christians. They taught him to have that same hatefulness inside.
His life had become so hate filled, that self torture became part of his life and with little focus or purpose to his life his thoughts of ending it were a constant threat.
It was when someone asked him to attend a youth group, that his world started to change. With anger in his words he refused the invitation, and after many requests by the other person, he finally said, "No! I hate Christians!" "I just want you to know, that God loves you and I love you too." came the person's reply.
This young man had never been told he was loved before and it was that sincerity from the heart of the other person, that opened his eyes enough to check out this youth group.
Within a few weeks his life turned completely around when he discovered that he was born for and with a pupose. It was then he gave his life for Christ. The hatred that filled his life up til then had been replaced with compassion, purpose and commitment. All because he attended church were people helped him see a more possitive future for his life.
That is Easter! Where certain death is defeated by a new life.
There is much more to just going to church. It is where the lost come to be found. It is where those who have been filled with the Spirit can learn more on how they can serve God better. It is where we celebrate God's love for us as a community of believers. It is where we can share our thoughts, our dreams, our hurts and suffereings and find comfort, forgiveness and healing.
It is where we can see in real life the transformation of a person, dead to life, become reborn.
For those who have stopped attending church, maybe the expectations of others were too high and needs weren't being met. Maybe, the understanding of God was too low.
If you are serious about your faith, then try becoming more part of God's hands. Maybe there is someone in your presence who's life needs to be reached out to. God still performs miracles. A young man was dead, but new life was given.
Sitting by the water'e edge on a moonlit night, walking in the woods, laying on the gorund and watching the stars , Listening to the ocean, or the bird as as they sing are all wonderfull ways to enjopy and meditate in God's world around us. So is experience we share with each other in God's name.
After all, he created us to be togehter. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|
|
