? for all christians

[Haaziq]

I'm not a Christian (atheist), but I can contribute to the thread at least. I remember reading this book by an Indian philosopher. He said that some people want an ACTUAL relationship with their deity. Not one through a pastor or priest, etc. Going to church and reciting a prayer that you know is not a sign of an actual relationship with your deity. Being able to worship on your own and use prayers that are made up as you go (which actually makes them "from the heart" and not recited) are the makings of an actual relationship with your deity. Going to church and reciting the same prayer is like having an experience one day, writing about it, and experiencing the same thing everyday for the rest of your life, while writing "ditto" each day. That is not heart-to-heart dialogue nor is it a personal relationship with your deity. Just my take on it.

[rubyskye]

ummmm, those are people who don't want to go to church.
i don't think about them.
let everyone do as they will as long as they aren't hurting anyone.
it's simple.

[gdblauvelt]

For 400 years there has been a "preacher" in my family, every first son became one, I'm the second who isn't. I don't go to church because I don't believe in Christ, I don't go because I don't believe they are teaching what they should teach. I shouldn't generalize, I haven't found one that teaches what I see as the truth, since my Grandad past on.

In short do I look down on myself, no. My Grandad said that someday I would be a preacher... maybe. I do have the calling but I just can't bring myself to take that step. Until I do I just remember I am part of the church, even if I don't go to church.

[freedom]

Originally Posted by gdblauvelt

For 400 years there has been a "preacher" in my family, every first son became one, I'm the second who isn't. I don't go to church because I don't believe in Christ, I don't go because I don't believe they are teaching what they should teach. I shouldn't generalize, I haven't found one that teaches what I see as the truth, since my Grandad past on.

In short do I look down on myself, no. My Grandad said that someday I would be a preacher... maybe. I do have the calling but I just can't bring myself to take that step. Until I do I just remember I am part of the church, even if I don't go to church.

Not all preachers have a church, in fact the best ones don't need one.

godspeed,

freedom

[gdblauvelt]

Originally Posted by freedom

Not all preachers have a church, in fact the best ones don't need one.

godspeed,

freedom

I've thought about an internet "church" but the problem isn't how, it is whether to. My grandfather used to pray on the way to church that he wouldn't confuse, lose, or lead astray anyone. And I don't think he ever did. I have that fear in spades. I have the calling, have for 10 years now, just can't seem to make the leap. I guess when I'm meant to I will.

[SouperStar34]

Originally Posted by willowtree22

what do you think about ppl who don't go to church?

Church is a waste of time nowadays... God is in very few churches.

Church is not a requirement of salvation.

[mari4him]

Originally Posted by willowtree22

what do you think about ppl who don't go to church?

First: I don't believe in "religion", I believe in having a "relationship" with God.

Having said that, in order to have a relationship with God, you don't need to be in a church building. It is my belief that the church is not made up from the building in which people gather, but rather by the people who do gather in that place.

I feel that a person can absolutely have a relationship with God and not attend church. There are many homebound people that in fact are in that very situation.

However, what I do feel is that for those that are not in a homebound situation and do not attend church for whatever reason it may be that they choose not to, what they are missing out is the opportunity to gather with others of the same belief. They may not be missing out on a relationship with God, but they may be missing out in a relationship with other people who believe as they do and go through the same ups and downs as they do.

They miss out on the friendships that can occur within church, the encouragement that can be offered to them in times of struggle and rejoicing that can be shared with them in good times, likewise they miss out on the opportunity to encourage another in their time of struggle and rejoice with another in a joyful moment.

By not going to church, I also believe they may be limiting their own personal spiritual growth a bit as they, through their choice of not attending church, miss out on the teachings from the pastoral staff as well as the learning that can transpire among the believers and what they share with one another.

I personally attend church 1 to 2 times a week, Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. Each time I do, as I sit in the pew and listen to the message with my bible open, reading and taking notes, I tend to walk away with a deeper understanding of something that I have read. Not because I blindly listen to what the pastor has said or interpreted but because in my own reading, together with prayer and yes listening to what was explained, I search my spirit. Sometimes exactly what was interpreted settles in me, other times I may get something totally different while still along similar lines. In either case, I walk away a bit more knowledgable and mature in my own faith. This serves to strengthen me as a person and as a Christian.

That perhaps is the main thing that I would think a person that does not attend church may be missing out on. But no, I do not look down upon them for their choice because they need to attend out of choice and not obligation or condemnation from anyone.

Mari

[Lostball]

I am 66 and went to Holiness and fundemental churches all my life. I presently do not attend any organised religious establishment.
About a year ago I had some family members ask if I would like to teach a Bible class. After some short contemplation about it, I agreed. There is only about 5 or 6 of us presently. I have, with the help of the Lord God, taken them through Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy and Malachi so far. They have told me that they have learned far more from our humble Bible study in the past year than they have learned in many years of attending church and sunday school. I must say, this has also helped my knowledge base as well. Our classes have lasted as many as 5 hours in any given evening. We pray, discuss the word and everyone has found themselves drawn closer to the Lord and learning more and more of the characther and nature of God through His Holy Word.
After going through the Pentetuch, we will be going back and forth through the New Testament as well and watching how events start to tie into each other.
We will never understand the New Testament with studying the Old Testament and Gods love for the "children of Israel/Jacob"
IMO, there is entirely too much fluff and program in our modern day churches and people are not learning to know God and His Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. We have become a lazy people and only want to be fed by the TV hucksters who are getting super rich from unlearned people. We need to shut off our televisions and open the Word of God and let the Holy Spirit teach us as He said He would.
We are going to give an account to God for our lethergy and laziness one day. We want to be spoon fed the Word and not have to study it for ourselves. Gold and diamonds are not found laying out on the ground, they must be searched for and dug out and mined. The Word of God is full of Gold, Silver and Diamonds that you will never get from TV.
Get your Bibles out, dust them off and open them and start reading.
May God bless each of you as you do this. Thanks for listening.