CaribbeanQueen
Well-Known Member
but I want to continue being a Christian. Can this work?
I dont want anything to do with church....
- Thread starter CaribbeanQueen
- Start date
Fellowship is mandatory for growth there is reason why Paul talks about it in the bible. No man is island to himself. Great success in any area of life is predicated on the access of people you have or network. The more you know in specific areas the higher the chances of success. People are often poor or deprived due to division. Seperation brings frustration. No church or job is perfect but necessary for growth. Do Church at home is good just make sure you have some sort of fellowship and relationships with other believers. I always tell my young people would you stop going to work due to people or would you stay focus and go in and work to get your pay.
I sorta feel the same way you do.... I don't want to go to church services...but for real, I know better. Regular church attendance is an essential part of Christianity. No way to get around that. And I have a good church. I love my church pastors dearly. I have been active in my church for MANY years. Yet for about the past six months or so, I have felt that I don't belong there because of lack of common natural interests with others. Notice I said natural interests, NOT spiritual interests.
So the short answer to your question is NO or maybe a better way to say it is that you could continue to be a Christian but how EFFECTIVE a Christian would you be?
I sense there is an underlying issue beneath your question...and as you are honest with yourself and with the Lord, you will receive that spiritual guidance to know what to do....
Peace to you.
So the short answer to your question is NO or maybe a better way to say it is that you could continue to be a Christian but how EFFECTIVE a Christian would you be?
I sense there is an underlying issue beneath your question...and as you are honest with yourself and with the Lord, you will receive that spiritual guidance to know what to do....
Peace to you.
CaribbeanQueen
Well-Known Member
When God has something to say to you, He really wastes no time....
Shortly after I created this thread, I went to check my email box. One of my friends had emailed me. She isnt a member of this forum, we dont go to church together and I havent discussed this issue with her AT ALL.
This is what she sent me:
> >>Why Go To Church...
> >>A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and
> >>complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday.
> >>"I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have
> >>heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't
> >>remember a single one of them... So, I think I'm wasting my time
> >>and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all."
> >>This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor"
> >>column, much to the delight of the
> >>editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this
>clincher:
> >>
> >>"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has
> >>cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall
> >>the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know
> >>this... They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to
> >>do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be
> >>physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for
> >>nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!" When you are DOWN
> >>to nothing.... God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible,
> >>believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank God for
> >>our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!
> >>
> >>All right... now that you're done reading .send it on!!! I think
> >>everyone should read
>this!!
> >>"When Satan is knocking at your door, simply say,"Jesus, could you
> >>get that for me?!!"
>
Shortly after I created this thread, I went to check my email box. One of my friends had emailed me. She isnt a member of this forum, we dont go to church together and I havent discussed this issue with her AT ALL.
This is what she sent me:
> >>Why Go To Church...
> >>A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and
> >>complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday.
> >>"I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have
> >>heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't
> >>remember a single one of them... So, I think I'm wasting my time
> >>and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all."
> >>This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor"
> >>column, much to the delight of the
> >>editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this
>clincher:
> >>
> >>"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has
> >>cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall
> >>the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know
> >>this... They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to
> >>do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be
> >>physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for
> >>nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!" When you are DOWN
> >>to nothing.... God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible,
> >>believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank God for
> >>our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!
> >>
> >>All right... now that you're done reading .send it on!!! I think
> >>everyone should read
>this!!
> >>"When Satan is knocking at your door, simply say,"Jesus, could you
> >>get that for me?!!"
>
divya
Well-Known Member
Hi, CQ. 
Well, for all questions consult the Bible.
Hebrews 10:23 - 25
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Fellowship is very important in our Christian walk and the Bible encourages it. Just look at the letters to the churches in the New Testament. The letters addressed both positives and negatives within the congregations but as the verses, state above, we should come together to fellowship and worship God.
Well, for all questions consult the Bible.
Hebrews 10:23 - 25
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Fellowship is very important in our Christian walk and the Bible encourages it. Just look at the letters to the churches in the New Testament. The letters addressed both positives and negatives within the congregations but as the verses, state above, we should come together to fellowship and worship God.
currygyal said:Hi, CQ.
Well, for all questions consult the Bible.
Hebrews 10:23 - 25
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Fellowship is very important in our Christian walk and the Bible encourages it. Just look at the letters to the churches in the New Testament. The letters addressed both positives and negatives within the congregations but as the verses, state above, we should come together to fellowship and worship God.
I would humbly add 1 Corinthians 11 when the people came together for the Lord's Supper.... This is one of several examples of both the spiritual and natural benefits of fellowship and participating in rituals with like-minded believers. Sure, one could come together with like-minded believers in the home, but those same functions that happen in the church would happen in the home: communication, interactions, agreements, disagreements, ministry to the sick, laying on of hands, etc. Therefore, whatever one may be possibly ESCAPING from the church without properly dealing with it and resolving such issues, one will continue to face those issues wherever one goes....
I'm ministering to myself right now.... Sigh....
LondonDiva
New Member
CaribbeanQueen said:
I can say it has for me. I went to church for many years and stopped when I was 14. I have my own personal reasons why I don't go to church, but I personally feel it hasn't hindered my growth with God in any way. Infact i think it's made me more disciplined going it alone than attending church. To each their own...by not attending is not going to affect your chances of inheriting God's kingdom, serving, acknowledging, praising, loving and accepting Christ into your life with all your heart is enough in my book.
Furthermore, this Christian board is a church within itself, fellowship can be right here online as much as in church or on the phone talking about God with a friend/family member.
CaribbeanQueen said:
Are you feeling this way since you are uncomfortable in Church? I grew up as an Anglican. Anglican services are filled with beautiful music but I find that the Anglican church does not fulfill my needs. I am so full of joy and excitement in my relationship with God, I want to shout out that I blessed to be a christian but that is not appropriate in the Anglican church. Is this what you are experiencing?
It could be that you are fedup with the legalism of a lot of churches.
Maybe, like me, you have not found the right church yet.
I pray and praise God each and every day. I read my bible but find I also need some fellowship. I am growing each and every day but as I said, I am missing the fellowship.
I pray that we both find the type of church that will fulfill our needs.
Sweet C
Well-Known Member
Carribean Queen, I don't know what season you are in right now, but the Word of God specifically deals with his church. Now I know that sometimes people might go through a season where they haven't been led to their church home yet, but fellowshipping with the body is vital for your spiritual growth.
In Acts 9, Paul (formerly Saul) was encountered by God on the road to Damascus, he was blinded and a believer in the city named Ananias healed him of his blindness and baptized him. Afterwards, he went to the synagogues preaching the gospel with the other disciples that were in Damascus. And as he went from city to city, believers always came to his aid. When Paul wrote his letters to the body (NT), he addressed them to the church (ekklesia), which is a local fellowship of saints which worship together. If there was no need for this, then Paul would not have need to mention this in his greetings, as well as his some of his closing statements. He knew that he could not have got to where he was w/o the support of the church, and that in order for the body to grow, the church needed to handle issues that were presented in a godly manner (the subject of letters or Pauline epistles) and continue to build one another up.
If you are in search of another church, pray and ask God to direct you to where He wants you to be. If already a member of a church and not leaving, then pray and ask God to reveal where you are to fit in the body, and what he wants you to do. Remember that wherever you go, you will encounter trials and difficulties, even when dealing with the saints, but know that these things are all to build Godly character and patience.
In Acts 9, Paul (formerly Saul) was encountered by God on the road to Damascus, he was blinded and a believer in the city named Ananias healed him of his blindness and baptized him. Afterwards, he went to the synagogues preaching the gospel with the other disciples that were in Damascus. And as he went from city to city, believers always came to his aid. When Paul wrote his letters to the body (NT), he addressed them to the church (ekklesia), which is a local fellowship of saints which worship together. If there was no need for this, then Paul would not have need to mention this in his greetings, as well as his some of his closing statements. He knew that he could not have got to where he was w/o the support of the church, and that in order for the body to grow, the church needed to handle issues that were presented in a godly manner (the subject of letters or Pauline epistles) and continue to build one another up.
If you are in search of another church, pray and ask God to direct you to where He wants you to be. If already a member of a church and not leaving, then pray and ask God to reveal where you are to fit in the body, and what he wants you to do. Remember that wherever you go, you will encounter trials and difficulties, even when dealing with the saints, but know that these things are all to build Godly character and patience.
TrustMeLove
................
CaribbeanQueen said:When God has something to say to you, He really wastes no time....
Shortly after I created this thread, I went to check my email box. One of my friends had emailed me. She isnt a member of this forum, we dont go to church together and I havent discussed this issue with her AT ALL.
This is what she sent me:
> >>Why Go To Church...
> >>A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and
> >>complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday.
> >>"I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have
> >>heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't
> >>remember a single one of them... So, I think I'm wasting my time
> >>and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all."
> >>This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor"
> >>column, much to the delight of the
> >>editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this
>clincher:
> >>
> >>"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has
> >>cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall
> >>the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know
> >>this... They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to
> >>do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be
> >>physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for
> >>nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!" When you are DOWN
> >>to nothing.... God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible,
> >>believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank God for
> >>our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!
> >>
> >>All right... now that you're done reading .send it on!!! I think
> >>everyone should read
>this!!
> >>"When Satan is knocking at your door, simply say,"Jesus, could you
> >>get that for me?!!"
>
OH MY LORD! Glory to God. WOW...I'm sorry if that ain't a word from the Lord, what is?
He is really watching over his children.
Southernbella.
Well-Known Member
I don't go to church now...that's the season I'm in. I do think Christians should go to church at some point in their spiritual lives, especially when they first get saved. To me, church is like school. You go to learn. There will come a time where you know enough to go out into the world and live and practice the things you have been taught, but you should still study on your own to keep these things fresh.
In short, I don't think you HAVE to go to church every Sunday to have a relationship with Christ, but church is essential for many Christians.
In short, I don't think you HAVE to go to church every Sunday to have a relationship with Christ, but church is essential for many Christians.
NtheNameofJesus!
New Member
yeah, ditto all those scriptures that were posted...that's what i was going to do...but since ya'll are so on top of it.....!!!!.....
besides what the Bible says about our fellowshiping and our coming together, i believe that we have to be receiving the teaching that we need from those who are further along spiritually than us. i could totally sit at home and just get whatever i wanted to hear off the tv, but i need the direction and guidance of a pastor, who can see into my life and help lead me in the right direction. or else...why would God have placed pastors in the body? we can't teach ourselves and the Holy Ghost has established folks who can lead us in the right direction, when we want to be lead....cuz God uses PEOPLE. but....i'd definately say that we ought to ask God what He wants from us....cuz after all, that's all that matters. what does God want from YOU? does He want u to go to church?! have u asked HIM!???
.....besides what the Bible says about our fellowshiping and our coming together, i believe that we have to be receiving the teaching that we need from those who are further along spiritually than us. i could totally sit at home and just get whatever i wanted to hear off the tv, but i need the direction and guidance of a pastor, who can see into my life and help lead me in the right direction. or else...why would God have placed pastors in the body? we can't teach ourselves and the Holy Ghost has established folks who can lead us in the right direction, when we want to be lead....cuz God uses PEOPLE. but....i'd definately say that we ought to ask God what He wants from us....cuz after all, that's all that matters. what does God want from YOU? does He want u to go to church?! have u asked HIM!???
Can you tell me in the bible where it says you have to go to church?angelk316 said:
The most famous scriptures of New testments is: Hebrews 10:21-25
King James Version (KJV)
21And having an high priest over the house of God;
22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised
24And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Many scriptures that talk about unity or congregation depending on how it is use refers to believers coming together. Here a few more:
Psalms 133:1
1 Cor 1:10
1 Cor 14:23
Does fellowship envolve coming together in a building to peform rituals?
Most Churchs fellowships started in the home but after number of people increase it became necessary to get a bigger building but your home come also used as Church and for personal use, however the Church builing has been build specifically for God's use alone. Also, the people of God is the real Church and house of God is building that was dedicated for God's use.
Rituals should not be practice in Church but more of "Order of Service" but at the same time being open to God's spirit to conduct the service. We come together to Praise, Worship and Adore Him because in Unity anything is more powerful. That's why networking in life is great because the more people you know the higher chances of your success. Every great business whether small or large needs employees success happens with unity. The key is letting GOd direct,orchestrate and faciliate your needs.
Lastly, Bible study from a leader or even in a group setting helps because we learn from one another and corported body we can do more to help the community and the world. Pulling our resources together such as time, talent and money makes the Church on of most power entities in the world that why political leaders always go to Churches for votes.
God Bless and let God direct to one of His many houses of worship here on earth so you can pour out your love and talent to help others and grow in Jesus.
www.biblegateway.com go place for looking up scriputes and info in the Bible.
Thanks for posting!!!currygyal said:Hi, CQ.
Well, for all questions consult the Bible.
Hebrews 10:23 - 25
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Fellowship is very important in our Christian walk and the Bible encourages it. Just look at the letters to the churches in the New Testament. The letters addressed both positives and negatives within the congregations but as the verses, state above, we should come together to fellowship and worship God.
Super_Hero_Girl
Well-Known Member
angelk316 said:
I agree with this!
Denim And Leather
New Member
[QUOTEThats fine if you dont want anything to do with church, that is between you and God. As long as you let God lead you he will let you know what is best for YOU, and a long as you have a good relationship with christ that is all that matters at the end.
][/QUOTE]
God would never contradict Himself. He said (through the writer of Hebrews) not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, which means that it is a command, so we are commanded to go to church.
God does know what's best for you, chicka, but He will never lead you to do something that will contradict what He has said in His Word.
Can a person be a Christian without going to church? As the others have said here, yes, but keep in mind, that if you don't, you are being disobedient to God's command, and a Christian fellowship forum cannot take the place of personal, face to face fellowship with other believers, because there's only so much of a person you can get to know online without meeting them in person.
][/QUOTE]
God would never contradict Himself. He said (through the writer of Hebrews) not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, which means that it is a command, so we are commanded to go to church.
God does know what's best for you, chicka, but He will never lead you to do something that will contradict what He has said in His Word.
Can a person be a Christian without going to church? As the others have said here, yes, but keep in mind, that if you don't, you are being disobedient to God's command, and a Christian fellowship forum cannot take the place of personal, face to face fellowship with other believers, because there's only so much of a person you can get to know online without meeting them in person.
angelk316 said:
God used humans as VESSELS to declare His Word, yes? And He does so today.
I am one of many vessels of the Holy Spirit...and if what I might say DOES NOT line up with the Word of God, then 1) I should not say it because it is not from God and 2) nobody should listen to me because there is no agreement in the Word of God (the Bible).
Like somebody else said here on this thread, God does not contradict Himself. And at the same time, God is not going to make anybody do what he or she does not want to do. He knows what we should do and what we will do, but He's not going to make us do what we don't want to do because then that would not be FREE WILL.
VirtuousGal
Well-Known Member
I completely understand your emotions...some churches can leave the most disguisting taste in your mouth. The thing is, fellowship is something that promotes growth in your relationship with Christ and is a positive influence. Despite your feelings to completely do away with the church, pray to God for somewhere where his work and purpose are the priority, and for somewhere that you can grow and not get caught up in foolishness. A community is something that christ always arranged in his work here as Jesus christ, and something he encourages. Even if you dont make it to church please find some sisters and brother's in christ who will be a support system for you b/c its much easier to stay focused with a group of like minds and its so easy to be lead astray or do whatever your flesh feels like doing when the devil has you believing his b.s. and there's no one to check you on yours. You cant do it by yourself sweetie, so dont let these people who are struggling in sin or even worse placed by the devil to detour you and other believers stop you from getting your blessings. Even if your a devout reader of your word and prayer, there is always something new to be found, which can be from a pastor or even fellow believers. You can pray for your self but there's nothing like receiving a prayer from an anointed individual that God has chosen to work through to speak to you or touch you.
Much love and encouragement, i claim victory for this situation,hallelujah! God bless sister.
- Kristal
Much love and encouragement, i claim victory for this situation,hallelujah! God bless sister.
- Kristal
CQ
Your friend sending that email just shows how awesome our God is and he's concerned about us.
It also tells me that God knows your heart and he knows that you truly desire an answer to this question and that you have a heart to do his will. but whatever situation or circumstance that has brought to this cross road it is not worth all that God has for you.
One thing I've learn that if you persevere through the things that causes your flesh to hurt you will get a new revelation from God and you will grow stronger.
Continue to keep a pure heart and an open mind and God will continue to answer you. Now when he answers you thenyou must follow the orders. Don't ignore his answer because he didn't say what your flesh wanted to hear.
Remember the flesh lusted after the spirit. Your flesh never wants to fufill the works of the spirt.
Be blessed.
Your friend sending that email just shows how awesome our God is and he's concerned about us.
It also tells me that God knows your heart and he knows that you truly desire an answer to this question and that you have a heart to do his will. but whatever situation or circumstance that has brought to this cross road it is not worth all that God has for you.
One thing I've learn that if you persevere through the things that causes your flesh to hurt you will get a new revelation from God and you will grow stronger.
Continue to keep a pure heart and an open mind and God will continue to answer you. Now when he answers you thenyou must follow the orders. Don't ignore his answer because he didn't say what your flesh wanted to hear.
Remember the flesh lusted after the spirit. Your flesh never wants to fufill the works of the spirt.
Be blessed.
fivefoursweetie
New Member
CQ,
I don't know what your reason is for not wanting to go to church. However, I would implore you to seek GOD and tell him where you are and how you feel. You can tell God the way you feel and why you do not want to go to church. Ask HIM to LEAD YOU in what HE WANTS you to do.
Hope this helps.
Be Blessed!!!
I don't know what your reason is for not wanting to go to church. However, I would implore you to seek GOD and tell him where you are and how you feel. You can tell God the way you feel and why you do not want to go to church. Ask HIM to LEAD YOU in what HE WANTS you to do.
Hope this helps.
Be Blessed!!!
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