Artsie, church is supposed to be a safe place which Willie has accurately described. But corporate worship is a vital element in the life of the believer. I think you need to find the right church- there's nothing wrong with being a church hopper, as long as you are changing churches for the right reasons. Crummy preaching? Leave. Snobs or people who won't give you the time of day? See ya. A true church should be one in which you find acceptance, joy, good teaching, support for you when you need it, friendliness, etc. You know the picture. And I understand that you probably had Heb. 10:25 beat into you by your parents- I did it to my kids as well.
But think about it- if nobody went to church, how would evangelism look in your community? Where would people learn good doctrine? Not from watching TV preachers. Where would you take your unsaved friends on Easter or Christmas? Where would our missionaries come from? Where would our communities be without the vibrant youth programs in churches? And most importantly, where would we serve Jesus? I know "Christian" people who tell me that you don't have to go to church to believe in Jesus, and that is correct. But it's hard to serve Him without being a part of a church family. Honestly, I know people who don't go to church because they are afraid of serving- like they are going to have to give up something... Go figure. There are many more who don't go to church because they're afraid they will ask for money. Well, if they are that attached to their money, there lies a bigger problem then the church problem.
I totally understand that God didn't mess up the Church, we did. And we did it so well that people don't want to come any more. But church is important- please think about it.
D
But think about it- if nobody went to church, how would evangelism look in your community? Where would people learn good doctrine? Not from watching TV preachers. Where would you take your unsaved friends on Easter or Christmas? Where would our missionaries come from? Where would our communities be without the vibrant youth programs in churches? And most importantly, where would we serve Jesus? I know "Christian" people who tell me that you don't have to go to church to believe in Jesus, and that is correct. But it's hard to serve Him without being a part of a church family. Honestly, I know people who don't go to church because they are afraid of serving- like they are going to have to give up something... Go figure. There are many more who don't go to church because they're afraid they will ask for money. Well, if they are that attached to their money, there lies a bigger problem then the church problem.
I totally understand that God didn't mess up the Church, we did. And we did it so well that people don't want to come any more. But church is important- please think about it.
D