A question

[CAL]

Question is "Why wouldn't you want to go to church?"

.

Some very good answers so far but what about the people you are associated with.The people living Unchristian like the rest of the week.You are not judging because you see them and the way they live.Can this not taint the church and what it stands for just a little bit.Lets go farther,some of these men are Deacons in the church too.Are they not suppose to be the fathers of the church and should lead lives that are examples to other church members.Examples of how a Christian is suppose to live!Where does one draw the line and say "I feel better walking this path by my self" rather than association with the likes of them?
Now what say you?

 

[Ronnie T]

Some very good answers so far but what about the people you are associated with.The people living Unchristian like the rest of the week.You are not judging because you see them and the way they live.Can this not taint the church and what it stands for just a little bit.Lets go farther,some of these men are Deacons in the church too.Are they not suppose to be the fathers of the church and should lead lives that are examples to other church members.Examples of how a Christian is suppose to live!Where does one draw the line and say "I feel better walking this path by my self" rather than association with the likes of them?
Now what say you?

You might not be like me but I would be asking them some questions.
"Is that the way a deacon in the Lord's church is suppose to act?"

But I suspect all churches have those who do it harm.
That's why she needs all the members working together to keep it united in Christ.
unfaithful churches need to be corrected, not left..... unless it's teaching error and refuse to fall in line with scripture.

Granted, there are lots of variables. All situations will be different. And don't get me wrong, I'm sure some church buildings probably need to be bulldozed down and yellow page ad dropped.

 

[Lowjack]

Well, lets see, I remember that there were some serious problem at the church in Corinth, but I don't recall anyone suggesting that one stop going.
Or for that matter, there's no record of an unhappy Christian in Corinth switching to the church in Ephesus because it was more to their liking.

Ofcourse there are issues from time to time for a disciple to deal with, but there is no Biblical evidence of any suggestion that a child of God would ignore the things of the synagogue or the church assembly.

The physical church is a reality.
It has pastors, and deacons, and elders.

I understand all that, but the Church Of Corinth Cannot compare to the Church today with 2000 years of History.
The Church Of Corinth Had no role model sort of speak.

Yet today we have more false teachings than back then and people who read the Bible are aware of this.
Could it be the Holy Spirit calling them out of False Churches ?

 

[whome]

Some very good answers so far but what about the people you are associated with.The people living Unchristian like the rest of the week.You are not judging because you see them and the way they live.Can this not taint the church and what it stands for just a little bit.Lets go farther,some of these men are Deacons in the church too.Are they not suppose to be the fathers of the church and should lead lives that are examples to other church members.Examples of how a Christian is suppose to live!Where does one draw the line and say "I feel better walking this path by my self" rather than association with the likes of them?
Now what say you?

I definitely understand what you're saying... If it bothers you that much, I would have to think long and hard about confront them on the way they are living, especially if they are supposedly leaders in the church.
If that doesn't work, find a place where you feel people are honestly trying to serve the Lord.
For me, I love the fellowship, the singing and the worship time with other christian serving the Lord. It helps me grow spirtually, and makes me want to be a better person to serve others.
It shouldn't be a stumbling block...

 

[Ronnie T]

I understand all that, but the Church Of Corinth Cannot compare to the Church today with 2000 years of History.
The Church Of Corinth Had no role model sort of speak.

Yet today we have more false teachings than back then and people who read the Bible are aware of this.
Could it be the Holy Spirit calling them out of False Churches ?

I don't know friend and brother.
You could well be right.

 

[Israel]

What is the purpose of our being "gathered"...what is to take place to conform us to the image of the One who calls us?
Do we gather...how?

This way? 1Co 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
1Co 14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
1Co 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
1Co 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
1Co 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
1Co 14:6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
1Co 14:7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
1Co 14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
1Co 14:9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
1Co 14:10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
1Co 14:11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
1Co 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
1Co 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
1Co 14:14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
1Co 14:15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
1Co 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
1Co 14:17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
1Co 14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
1Co 14:19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
1Co 14:20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
1Co 14:21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
1Co 14:22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
1Co 14:23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
1Co 14:24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
1Co 14:25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
1Co 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
1Co 14:27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
1Co 14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
1Co 14:29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
1Co 14:30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
1Co 14:31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
1Co 14:32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
1Co 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
1Co 14:34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
1Co 14:35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
1Co 14:36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
1Co 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
1Co 14:38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
1Co 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
1Co 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

Do we know an assembly where the first prophet speaking makes way for the second, and the second the third...because he realizes the spirit has more to say...and he has said enough?

Do we go where only the spirit is trusted to keep order...or do we receive bulletins to tell us before hand what's going to take place...? Where, essentially, someone has before hand purposed to impose their own order?

Is there a place in scripture where we are told...we might not be gathering for the better...but for the worse...and that if we keep up with our carnality we may well be doing more harm than good in our coming together?
Do we know what Jesus has to make us grow?

 

[Ronnie T]

What is the purpose of our being "gathered"...what is to take place to conform us to the image of the One who calls us?
Do we gather...how?

This way? 1Co 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
1Co 14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
1Co 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
1Co 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
1Co 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
1Co 14:6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
1Co 14:7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
1Co 14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
1Co 14:9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
1Co 14:10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
1Co 14:11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
1Co 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
1Co 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
1Co 14:14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
1Co 14:15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
1Co 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
1Co 14:17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
1Co 14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
1Co 14:19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
1Co 14:20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
1Co 14:21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
1Co 14:22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
1Co 14:23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
1Co 14:24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
1Co 14:25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
1Co 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
1Co 14:27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
1Co 14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
1Co 14:29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
1Co 14:30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
1Co 14:31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
1Co 14:32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
1Co 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

1Co 14:34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
1Co 14:35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
1Co 14:36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
1Co 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
1Co 14:38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
1Co 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
1Co 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

Do we know an assembly where the first prophet speaking makes way for the second, and the second the third...because he realizes the spirit has more to say...and he has said enough?

Do we go where only the spirit is trusted to keep order...or do we receive bulletins to tell us before hand what's going to take place...? Where, essentially, someone has before hand purposed to impose their own order?

Is there a place in scripture where we are told...we might not be gathering for the better...but for the worse...and that if we keep up with our carnality we may well be doing more harm than good in our coming together?
Do we know what Jesus has to make us grow?

Paul is speaking of the decency that must be present when the church comes together.

 

[Israel]

I agree brother...but is he not also addressing the ministry the spirit will have among us as we submit...?

I don't go into a meeting with a checklist...OK, they do A, B, C, but left out D.
I have been to meetings where the spirit is given free course...and sometimes one might even think, or want a little more "order"...but that is where grace is needed.
I have also been to far more where it's understood "coming through the door"...that guy's the Pastor, he's going to call the shots, do the speaking, decide what comes next and then dismiss the congregation when he's ready.
I know there are pastors, you will never find me arguing against the ministry gifts given in the church. But, there are also prophets...and forasmuch as any can receive them, apostles also.
God's order and man's order are always at odds...

 

[stringmusic]

here is a question, are the people in Africa, or south Asia, or India or anywhere that doesnt offer a "church" considered Christians, even though they have accepted and have a relationship with Jesus Christ?

 

[centerpin fan]

here is a question, are the people in Africa, or south Asia, or India or anywhere that doesnt offer a "church" considered Christians, even though they have accepted and have a relationship with Jesus Christ?

There are churches in all those places. The people would never have heard about Jesus if it weren’t for the churches.

 

[Ronnie T]

I agree brother...but is he not also addressing the ministry the spirit will have among us as we submit...?I don't go into a meeting with a checklist...OK, they do A, B, C, but left out D.
I have been to meetings where the spirit is given free course...and sometimes one might even think, or want a little more "order"...but that is where grace is needed.
I have also been to far more where it's understood "coming through the door"...that guy's the Pastor, he's going to call the shots, do the speaking, decide what comes next and then dismiss the congregation when he's ready.
I know there are pastors, you will never find me arguing against the ministry gifts given in the church. But, there are also prophets...and forasmuch as any can receive them, apostles also.
God's order and man's order are always at odds...

I'm with you 100 percent.
I wrote you a few paragraphs about my feelings concerning the office of Pastor, then I accidently deleted them.
Soon I'll begin a thread concerning Elders, Deacons, Pastors, preachers within the church.

I'll just say this now, no one in a church gets to call the shots. Except Jesus Christ himself.

 

[stringmusic]

There are churches in all those places. The people would never have heard about Jesus if it weren’t for the churches.

there are places for Christians to worship in north Korea? People do not need a building to find out about Christ. We as Christians are the church, the building is just a building where we as the church go to worship.

 

[centerpin fan]

People do not need a building to find out about Christ. We as Christians are the church, the building is just a building where we as the church go to worship.

I agree. When I said "churches", I was not talking about buildings.

 

[centerpin fan]

Where does one draw the line and say "I feel better walking this path by my self"

Anyone making that choice is an easy target for Satan. The "Lone Ranger Christian" is not what God intended.

There are lots of good churches out there. I would keep looking till I found one.

 

[CAL]

Anyone making that choice is an easy target for Satan. The "Lone Ranger Christian" is not what God intended.

There are lots of good churches out there. I would keep looking till I found one.

I don't doubt there are good churches out there.I know of many but they are not here at home.I live in a town of some 1400 people where a church selection is slim!

Satan?He has his sights on everybody.Been dealing with that sucker most of my life one way or another!He ain't new to me!!

 

[Ronnie T]

I don't doubt there are good churches out there.I know of many but they are not here at home.I live in a town of some 1400 people where a church selection is slim!

Satan?He has his sights on everybody.Been dealing with that sucker most of my life one way or another!He ain't new to me!!

He's a sneaky dude!

 

[reezenshooter]

I dont go to church and I am a Christian. I simply cannot find one I support yet. Ive attended quite a few over the years and have never found one I can stay in due to the crowd or the teaching. In my experiences 99 out of 100 people dont go there to truly learn and listen, they talk and text message and read magazines. The last church I attempted to join was more worried about the radio and t.v broadcast of the service than the actual service.

Personally, I choose to converse with a friend about teachings and the Lord. But mainly I guess Im one of the lone Christians that keep my relationship between me and God.

Im not saying im right and certainly not trying to persuade anyone down the "no church" path, just my 2 cents. God Bless Brothers

 

[stringmusic]

I agree. When I said "churches", I was not talking about buildings.

glad we agree. i wasnt trying to be a smarty pants.

 

[centerpin fan]

glad we agree. i wasnt trying to be a smarty pants.

I know.

 

[THREEJAYS]

Can a person be a Christian and NOT want to attend church??

I don't see how.

AMEN

The Church is the body of Christ,to not have a desire to assemble together makes no sense if you are really a Christain.In my simple mind the only thing that would make folks not have the desire would be that something to them is ultimatly more important.Lukewarm Christianity is a scray place to be.