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Sounds like you and YET go to the same church.... oh, wait.... 
I think either you have only been to a couple of bad churches, and formed your opinion from that, or you've got the attitude of "separate-ness", where you will only associate with a few believers that fit YOUR definition of "right".
I have no problem with your desire to fellowship only with those you choose, but to damn all other churches as being "houses of idolatry" is slanderous, at best, and is a very telling expose' on your opinion of Christ's church.
I think either you have only been to a couple of bad churches, and formed your opinion from that, or you've got the attitude of "separate-ness", where you will only associate with a few believers that fit YOUR definition of "right".
I have no problem with your desire to fellowship only with those you choose, but to damn all other churches as being "houses of idolatry" is slanderous, at best, and is a very telling expose' on your opinion of Christ's church.
The opening reading of the scripture. The preacher gets to the second point in his three point sermon, and from the middle of the church, on the right hand side, loud and clear you hear
Not only embarrassing for those who brought someone, the someone, and the people raised in this church, but very embarrassing to hubby.
Not only embarrassing for those who brought someone, the someone, and the people raised in this church, but very embarrassing to hubby.
God's grace. So big. Covers all this.
The body of Christ is so 'rich' and multi-faceted,
and multi-layered. And it's the body that
Our Lord and Saviour has built and knit together
by His love and grace and it's an awesome thing
to be a part of. There are So Many beautiful people,
(Father, where's my wife, please? lol), and He has things
in store for us we can't even imagine. What a priviledge
to be called the sons and daughters of the True and Living God.
Think of how many are bowing their faces to a false prophet/god,
or are hoping in reincarnation, or ultimate nothingness,
or have no belief at all, or sit for hours in bars or take drugs, etc.
And here we have the blessing to read and discuss God's Word
and worship Him, and if we have a problem with a church, we can
look for another, or come on this blessed site and pray and build
each other up in the faith and laugh and cry and rest in the Lord,
and I don't mean to ramble but I think you get my drift.....
God's grace is, (may I borrow a current phrase?) YHOOGE.
Praise the Lord, and God bless this family of nuts on CC! ♡
The body of Christ is so 'rich' and multi-faceted,
and multi-layered. And it's the body that
Our Lord and Saviour has built and knit together
by His love and grace and it's an awesome thing
to be a part of. There are So Many beautiful people,
(Father, where's my wife, please? lol), and He has things
in store for us we can't even imagine. What a priviledge
to be called the sons and daughters of the True and Living God.
Think of how many are bowing their faces to a false prophet/god,
or are hoping in reincarnation, or ultimate nothingness,
or have no belief at all, or sit for hours in bars or take drugs, etc.
And here we have the blessing to read and discuss God's Word
and worship Him, and if we have a problem with a church, we can
look for another, or come on this blessed site and pray and build
each other up in the faith and laugh and cry and rest in the Lord,
and I don't mean to ramble but I think you get my drift.....
God's grace is, (may I borrow a current phrase?) YHOOGE.
Praise the Lord, and God bless this family of nuts on CC!
♡
C
Going to a church of religious worship, has nothing to do with Christ or the church the body of Christ, period. The doctrines of God, on the other hand, has everything to do with Christ. And, I think that is the point of assembly across the board of this topic, align to your faith or the faith of Christ, we cannot do both. Conversation about going to church is such an interesting discussion to watch.
So you would have kicked Paul out for talking for hours?
"And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead." Acts 20:9 ESV
Other versions say "Paul talked on and on." Sounds like a Biblical example of a monologue to me! Mind you, I would gladly trade places with poor Eutychus, and hope that taking notes, as I like to do, would keep me awake during this monologue.
I do hope you are reading the same Bible as I am though! If Acts 20:9 is not in your Bible, then I apologize!
As for tithes, I've been in many different churches since I was saved 35 years ago. I remember one non-denom where the pastor constantly preached on tithes. It was literally my first church, and it scared me to death. (Of course, that was coupled with preaching that you can lose your salvation!) It took me a lot of Bible reading to realize that tithes are NOT for NT Christians. But cheerful giving is! So I went from being condemned and obligated to being blessed to give a large chunk of money to the church I go to. (And God has blessed us beyond measure - and not just financially!)
I've been to three different Baptist churches and conventions in the last 10 years. None of them asked for tithes. All of them recognized baptisms from other churches. In fact, the only thing the pastor in the last church I was in ever said about giving, once was "this church is blessed beyond any church I have ever attended or pastored in." That means everyone gave freely, and yes there were some very well to do folk in that church.
But even my little inner city Baptist church never preaches on tithing and it is doing well financially. We actually had a surplus last year. And money is never even talked about from the pulpit. By the way, my current church had our pastor go on sick leave at the end of last June. We had congregation members preach every Sunday for 5 months. And they were all fabulous sermons. Of course, many members are retired pastors, or serving in ministry full time. But, I believe we heard from God.
And what you forget, is the worship group ministers too - the songs need to be from God and glorify God. The people that serve in Sunday School also are serving - and those who prepare coffee, the ushers and the midweek events also are ministering. I think that is what your passages are talking about. A church does need to have the support and the service of all the members. But having a lead pastor to carefully prepare the sermons, and to lead the congregation in a direction that is agreed upon, is also Bibical.
"And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead." Acts 20:9 ESV
Other versions say "Paul talked on and on." Sounds like a Biblical example of a monologue to me! Mind you, I would gladly trade places with poor Eutychus, and hope that taking notes, as I like to do, would keep me awake during this monologue.
I do hope you are reading the same Bible as I am though! If Acts 20:9 is not in your Bible, then I apologize!
As for tithes, I've been in many different churches since I was saved 35 years ago. I remember one non-denom where the pastor constantly preached on tithes. It was literally my first church, and it scared me to death. (Of course, that was coupled with preaching that you can lose your salvation!) It took me a lot of Bible reading to realize that tithes are NOT for NT Christians. But cheerful giving is! So I went from being condemned and obligated to being blessed to give a large chunk of money to the church I go to. (And God has blessed us beyond measure - and not just financially!)
I've been to three different Baptist churches and conventions in the last 10 years. None of them asked for tithes. All of them recognized baptisms from other churches. In fact, the only thing the pastor in the last church I was in ever said about giving, once was "this church is blessed beyond any church I have ever attended or pastored in." That means everyone gave freely, and yes there were some very well to do folk in that church.
But even my little inner city Baptist church never preaches on tithing and it is doing well financially. We actually had a surplus last year. And money is never even talked about from the pulpit. By the way, my current church had our pastor go on sick leave at the end of last June. We had congregation members preach every Sunday for 5 months. And they were all fabulous sermons. Of course, many members are retired pastors, or serving in ministry full time. But, I believe we heard from God.
And what you forget, is the worship group ministers too - the songs need to be from God and glorify God. The people that serve in Sunday School also are serving - and those who prepare coffee, the ushers and the midweek events also are ministering. I think that is what your passages are talking about. A church does need to have the support and the service of all the members. But having a lead pastor to carefully prepare the sermons, and to lead the congregation in a direction that is agreed upon, is also Bibical.
Yes, it really is. And the passion ppl are bringing to it is really great.
It's showing how seriously so many take what Jesus has done for us, and what our proper response should be ... and where, too!
I go to 3 churches for different reasons, plus various meetings where
the Lord and His Word are lifted up, and personal growth, prayers for others, are all a part of it.
It can be quite the adventure, this life as a believer in Jesus.
Really grateful to be a part of this fellowship here.
It's showing how seriously so many take what Jesus has done for us, and what our proper response should be ... and where, too!
I go to 3 churches for different reasons, plus various meetings where
the Lord and His Word are lifted up, and personal growth, prayers for others, are all a part of it.
It can be quite the adventure, this life as a believer in Jesus.
Really grateful to be a part of this fellowship here.
P
It seem that a lot of local churches conduct their business contrary to the example set forth in Acts chapter one.
Missionary Baptist, at least the several hundred I know of, do as we do.
All giving is voluntary.
All members are equal. There are no boards, groups, or elders that rule or make decisions. Each mrmber has an equal voice in all church matters. Majority always rules.
There are no denominational fees , rules, regulations, or people to support.
All offerings belong to the local church to spend as the members choose .
We have a treasure, elected by the members, that spends all funds as diredted by the members and gives a detailed report to the church each month.
The church that I am honored to pastor is small, less than 30 members, but we are blessed financially.
After we pay our utilities, Insurance, building mantaince, and mis. expenses, we are able to give 50% plus of our income to missions.
We do have a membership role because we do not want outsiders to come into our congregation and take control stealing our building or funds.
Missionary Baptist, at least the several hundred I know of, do as we do.
All giving is voluntary.
All members are equal. There are no boards, groups, or elders that rule or make decisions. Each mrmber has an equal voice in all church matters. Majority always rules.
There are no denominational fees , rules, regulations, or people to support.
All offerings belong to the local church to spend as the members choose .
We have a treasure, elected by the members, that spends all funds as diredted by the members and gives a detailed report to the church each month.
The church that I am honored to pastor is small, less than 30 members, but we are blessed financially.
After we pay our utilities, Insurance, building mantaince, and mis. expenses, we are able to give 50% plus of our income to missions.
We do have a membership role because we do not want outsiders to come into our congregation and take control stealing our building or funds.
C
hornetguy,
God is not the author of confusion, or the worldly religious system. That includes your church, just as much as it includes any other church, in this I am not biased, but I bet you are, so who is really taking the position of what is "right" or "of Jesus" and what is not? People do not know what they are assembling under.
God is not the author of confusion, or the worldly religious system. That includes your church, just as much as it includes any other church, in this I am not biased, but I bet you are, so who is really taking the position of what is "right" or "of Jesus" and what is not? People do not know what they are assembling under.
Then perhaps I am misunderstanding what you are saying...
What do you mean by "assembling under"?
What is the "worldly religious system" ?
What is YOUR idea of what the church is, or is not?
What do you see in my comments that indicate a type of bias?
Perhaps I'm just slow to learn, but could you be really clear and simple in your answers? Scriptural references would be helpful, as well...
What do you mean by "assembling under"?
What is the "worldly religious system" ?
What is YOUR idea of what the church is, or is not?
What do you see in my comments that indicate a type of bias?
Perhaps I'm just slow to learn, but could you be really clear and simple in your answers? Scriptural references would be helpful, as well...
P
Assembling is a verb. That is what we are to do.
Assembly, congregation, local church are nouns and that is what we are called when we assemble.
That church in Acts met daily from house to house. I know that is not posible in todays economy, but it is to our advantage to assemble as often as posible. We meet 3 times a week, sometimes more often. Not every one is able to attend all meeting.
As I have stated before, in homes, rented space, or "church" buildings, what ever works best for your group.
Our assembly, congregation, local church is to large in number to meet in homes.
We have a building setting on 5 acres in the country that was built over 50 years ago and is debt free.
This build will seat 70 with ease, so we take advantage of it and use our extra funds to help others.
Many that wear the name Baptist have become very denominational in their practices over the last 100 years. They have compromised. Most, notice I said most not all, that are called Missionary Baptist have not. They have remained very fundamemtal, conservatative, and independant.
Are we perfect and without error, no. but we strive to teach and practice according to the example of that church that was in Jerusalem as we see in Acts.
Assembly, congregation, local church are nouns and that is what we are called when we assemble.
That church in Acts met daily from house to house. I know that is not posible in todays economy, but it is to our advantage to assemble as often as posible. We meet 3 times a week, sometimes more often. Not every one is able to attend all meeting.
As I have stated before, in homes, rented space, or "church" buildings, what ever works best for your group.
Our assembly, congregation, local church is to large in number to meet in homes.
We have a building setting on 5 acres in the country that was built over 50 years ago and is debt free.
This build will seat 70 with ease, so we take advantage of it and use our extra funds to help others.
Many that wear the name Baptist have become very denominational in their practices over the last 100 years. They have compromised. Most, notice I said most not all, that are called Missionary Baptist have not. They have remained very fundamemtal, conservatative, and independant.
Are we perfect and without error, no. but we strive to teach and practice according to the example of that church that was in Jerusalem as we see in Acts.
A
My foster parents took us to a Methodist church. I began attending Nondenom churches during my early days in Christ. I raised my children as Nondenom. Then around 1995 I began getting more and more violently opposed for my belief in the grace of Jesus Christ. I was literally snubbed, shouted at, publicly criticized, threatened bodily harm, received angry phone calls, been made a spectacle of, etc. And I had been close friends with these pastors & church members!
Anyhow, even when I kept my mouth shut, I was eventually cornered into stating what I believe when I didn't follow traditions or what have you. And when it is found I don't fit in, the church people get more and more agitated with me and eventually I'm shunned again. Sooo... I visit churches, in particular the church where my son is on the worship team and is friends with the pastor. But I'm not a member of any particular assembly.
Even so, I have been under the teaching of a few excellent Christian teachers, one of whom has been as the Apostle Paul to me for many years. He & his wife are my dear friends. He teaches online and we write to one another often and keep in touch by phone.
I state all this not to defend my position but to encourage any who may feel they stand alone in not being a member of a particular church. I don't have an issue with those who do attend an organized church. But for myself, the modern organization is devoid of life to me. So many different comparisons and features that it makes you wonder how any one church can believe their specific doctrine is correct.
Nevertheless, God reigns and is completing what He started in each of His own. So God be glorified!
Anyhow, even when I kept my mouth shut, I was eventually cornered into stating what I believe when I didn't follow traditions or what have you. And when it is found I don't fit in, the church people get more and more agitated with me and eventually I'm shunned again. Sooo... I visit churches, in particular the church where my son is on the worship team and is friends with the pastor. But I'm not a member of any particular assembly.
Even so, I have been under the teaching of a few excellent Christian teachers, one of whom has been as the Apostle Paul to me for many years. He & his wife are my dear friends. He teaches online and we write to one another often and keep in touch by phone.
I state all this not to defend my position but to encourage any who may feel they stand alone in not being a member of a particular church. I don't have an issue with those who do attend an organized church. But for myself, the modern organization is devoid of life to me. So many different comparisons and features that it makes you wonder how any one church can believe their specific doctrine is correct.
Nevertheless, God reigns and is completing what He started in each of His own.
So God be glorified!
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That is an excellent post. There is a definite antagonism against the grace of Christ and it comes from the religious world. The world themselves love the message of the grace of Christ as it sets them free..let's them know of the awesome love of our Lord for them.
You may enjoy this video of this guy having anger, being snubbed and all kinds of false accusations thrown at him much like you have experienced....maybe I have shared this with you before?..not sure...oh well..just in case here it is again.....
[video=vimeo;11804054]https://vimeo.com/11804054[/video]
You may enjoy this video of this guy having anger, being snubbed and all kinds of false accusations thrown at him much like you have experienced....maybe I have shared this with you before?..not sure...oh well..just in case here it is again..
...[video=vimeo;11804054]https://vimeo.com/11804054[/video]
My foster parents took us to a Methodist church. I began attending Nondenom churches during my early days in Christ. I raised my children as Nondenom. Then around 1995 I began getting more and more violently opposed for my belief in the grace of Jesus Christ. I was literally snubbed, shouted at, publicly criticized, threatened bodily harm, received angry phone calls, been made a spectacle of, etc. And I had been close friends with these pastors & church members!
Anyhow, even when I kept my mouth shut, I was eventually cornered into stating what I believe when I didn't follow traditions or what have you. And when it is found I don't fit in, the church people get more and more agitated with me and eventually I'm shunned again. Sooo... I visit churches, in particular the church where my son is on the worship team and is friends with the pastor. But I'm not a member of any particular assembly.
Even so, I have been under the teaching of a few excellent Christian teachers, one of whom has been as the Apostle Paul to me for many years. He & his wife are my dear friends. He teaches online and we write to one another often and keep in touch by phone.
I state all this not to defend my position but to encourage any who may feel they stand alone in not being a member of a particular church. I don't have an issue with those who do attend an organized church. But for myself, the modern organization is devoid of life to me. So many different comparisons and features that it makes you wonder how any one church can believe their specific doctrine is correct.
Nevertheless, God reigns and is completing what He started in each of His own. So God be glorified!
Anyhow, even when I kept my mouth shut, I was eventually cornered into stating what I believe when I didn't follow traditions or what have you. And when it is found I don't fit in, the church people get more and more agitated with me and eventually I'm shunned again. Sooo... I visit churches, in particular the church where my son is on the worship team and is friends with the pastor. But I'm not a member of any particular assembly.
Even so, I have been under the teaching of a few excellent Christian teachers, one of whom has been as the Apostle Paul to me for many years. He & his wife are my dear friends. He teaches online and we write to one another often and keep in touch by phone.
I state all this not to defend my position but to encourage any who may feel they stand alone in not being a member of a particular church. I don't have an issue with those who do attend an organized church. But for myself, the modern organization is devoid of life to me. So many different comparisons and features that it makes you wonder how any one church can believe their specific doctrine is correct.
Nevertheless, God reigns and is completing what He started in each of His own.
So God be glorified!
A
That is an excellent post. There is a definite antagonism against the grace of Christ and it comes from the religious world. The world themselves love the message of the grace of Christ as it sets them free..let's them know of the awesome love of our Lord for them.
You may enjoy this video of this guy having anger, being snubbed and all kinds of false accusations thrown at him much like you have experienced....maybe I have shared this with you before?..not sure...oh well..just in case here it is again.....
[video=vimeo;11804054]https://vimeo.com/11804054[/video]
You may enjoy this video of this guy having anger, being snubbed and all kinds of false accusations thrown at him much like you have experienced....maybe I have shared this with you before?..not sure...oh well..just in case here it is again..
...[video=vimeo;11804054]https://vimeo.com/11804054[/video]
You are welcome..so i did give it to you before.....Have you seen this one?..about righteousness?...the understanding of the word of righteousness is crucial for us believers to go with receiving grace of Christ.......personally I love Rob's passion for the Lord.
[video=vimeo;11274133]https://vimeo.com/11274133[/video]
..Have you seen this one?..about righteousness?...the understanding of the word of righteousness is crucial for us believers to go with receiving grace of Christ.......personally I love Rob's passion for the Lord.[video=vimeo;11274133]https://vimeo.com/11274133[/video]
I love Rob Rufus' teaching!! Thank you so much, brother Grace.
P
My foster parents took us to a Methodist church. I began attending Nondenom churches during my early days in Christ. I raised my children as Nondenom. Then around 1995 I began getting more and more violently opposed for my belief in the grace of Jesus Christ. I was literally snubbed, shouted at, publicly criticized, threatened bodily harm, received angry phone calls, been made a spectacle of, etc. And I had been close friends with these pastors & church members!
Anyhow, even when I kept my mouth shut, I was eventually cornered into stating what I believe when I didn't follow traditions or what have you. And when it is found I don't fit in, the church people get more and more agitated with me and eventually I'm shunned again. Sooo... I visit churches, in particular the church where my son is on the worship team and is friends with the pastor. But I'm not a member of any particular assembly.
Even so, I have been under the teaching of a few excellent Christian teachers, one of whom has been as the Apostle Paul to me for many years. He & his wife are my dear friends. He teaches online and we write to one another often and keep in touch by phone.
I state all this not to defend my position but to encourage any who may feel they stand alone in not being a member of a particular church. I don't have an issue with those who do attend an organized church. But for myself, the modern organization is devoid of life to me. So many different comparisons and features that it makes you wonder how any one church can believe their specific doctrine is correct.
Nevertheless, God reigns and is completing what He started in each of His own. So God be glorified!
Anyhow, even when I kept my mouth shut, I was eventually cornered into stating what I believe when I didn't follow traditions or what have you. And when it is found I don't fit in, the church people get more and more agitated with me and eventually I'm shunned again. Sooo... I visit churches, in particular the church where my son is on the worship team and is friends with the pastor. But I'm not a member of any particular assembly.
Even so, I have been under the teaching of a few excellent Christian teachers, one of whom has been as the Apostle Paul to me for many years. He & his wife are my dear friends. He teaches online and we write to one another often and keep in touch by phone.
I state all this not to defend my position but to encourage any who may feel they stand alone in not being a member of a particular church. I don't have an issue with those who do attend an organized church. But for myself, the modern organization is devoid of life to me. So many different comparisons and features that it makes you wonder how any one church can believe their specific doctrine is correct.
Nevertheless, God reigns and is completing what He started in each of His own.
So God be glorified!
As I look around me, even in my rural area, and see what is on TV, I fully understand why so many are turn off and want no part in "church" today.
My prayer is that God will be with each that has reached this place in their life. That He will confort them and encourage them to continue their search for a local church to fellowship and serve in.
A
Also, brother Grace, I used to feel so lonely and so sorry for myself, crying on my face boo-hooing to God about not being accepted. Then I remembered how precious Lord Jesus got treated & was beat up & crucified, how so many followers of Christ get persecuted and martyred, how so many sick people can't even leave their homes to assemble with others. People right on this website who hardly ever get to fellowship face to face with others. Man alive, I have nothing to complain about!
Anyhow, I believe whether we are members of an organized church or not, we are ALL one body in Christ. So I am not segregating myself from any of you folks here. ♥ You people are STUCK with me as your sister in Christ. Haha!! ♥
Anyhow, I believe whether we are members of an organized church or not, we are ALL one body in Christ. So I am not segregating myself from any of you folks here. ♥ You people are STUCK with me as your sister in Christ. Haha!! ♥