Is chatting on CC a sufficient alternative to church?

[Jullianna]

For those who are housebound or challenged for whatever reason, I think CC is an awesome outlet. It's also a great place for the rest of us to share, encourage, pray for one another, learn, question, etc...

But, for me, there is nothing like worshipping my King with the Body of Christ in person. If we are not actively participating in the body in as many ways as we possibly can, not only are we not receiving all that God has for us, we are not fulfilling our part in the body in the way of applying our God given gifts, responsibilities and ministries.

 

[KiwiCA]

Saying you're a Christian who doesn't go to church - thats like going to a wedding and telling the Groom you don't like the Bride because shes ugly and imperfect. Any man who tried saying this to my husband about me would expect to get punched in the face. Now when we die and face Jesus who is perfect and therefore has the the right to judge us I wonder what he would say and do to people who felt they had the right to call his wife ugly.

We are all part of the "body" of Christ

Existing without the ENTIRE body of Christ is like that being an amputated hand. Unlike "Thing" in the Adams family who can still play chess and interact with others, we cannot...

 

[KiwiCA]

For those who are housebound or challenged for whatever reason, I think CC is an awesome outlet. It's also a great place for the rest of us to share, encourage, pray for one another, learn, question, etc...

But, for me, there is nothing like worshipping my King with the Body of Christ in person. If we are not actively participating in the body in as many ways as we possibly can, not only are we not receiving all that God has for us, we are not fulfilling our part in the body in the way of applying our God given gifts, responsibilities and ministries.

Im not trying to be legalist, in my aforementioned statement, as Julliana rightly states there are decent exceptions to the rule.

I was thinking more of that type of person who calls themselves a Christian but also has a controlling and unteachable nature and wants be put in charge of things the minute they find a church and get their panties in a twist when church leadership asks them to prove their worth and respectability within the congregation (and therefore their trust) first. Other examples are those who were raised Christian but have unforgiveness/bitterness issues with a former church who probably failed miserably in their leadership and teaching and now expect all other churches to have the same result so they don't bother anymore and think that just reading their bible for growth is good enough. My last example is of Christians who never give but always consume. They walk into church expecting everyone to bend over backwards for them, they expect regular lunch dates with the pastor, they never tithe or if they do its always a pathetic amount and when people put up decent boundaries they all get THEIR panties in a twist and leave to find another church til they realise no one likes catering to wiping their bottom so they start their own "church" of weird ideas and gossip and look for loopholes in the bible for their messed up sinful selves cos no one is there to righteously rebuke them and keep them accountable anymore.

That said, there are a lot of wonderful and different people here in CC and I think of this cyber environment just like a bar Id actually go to. Theres decent discussions and singing and the odd theological brawl and everyone has a 'drink' they prefer

 

[loveme1]

Let the light shine through you. If it means going to church then go, if it means using cc chat then let it be.....

Let the light shine through, so that they will ask," how do you forgive like that?" and you reply "Jesus"

So they ask ,"where is all that compassion from?" and you say "Jesus"

Spread the word out of love
Be obedient out of love
You do not need anything in return, let the light shine
Listen and obey the spirit, read the Bible, live the Bible, and preach the Bible. And do it all for love xx

What better news is there? God sent Jesus to save you. Let them know the truth, Jesus will do the rest.

Remember we bring the good news, so that they may seek. That is our job.
With love, patients, compassion...

 

[AAAPlus]

But as you (OP) stated already, some have not found a suitable church. So this is really subjective.

I'm actually referring to people who just plain don't go to church, and use CC as an alternative. I am not referring to people in missions fields where there is no church nearby. Also not referring to people who have physical limitations that prevent them from getting to church (as in disabilities; if you're just too prideful to ask for a ride, that's a different story). I'm mostly referring to Americans who decide that the 20+ churches near their house are unsuitable, too judgmental, etc, and come on here claiming to be Christian, but refuse to be part of a local body.

Actually the banning is a form of accountability. It shows that CC will not tolerate certain actions. Also, before people get banned, the mods try and give them several warnings, to give them a chance to change their actions, or allow them to explain their side of the situation.

While banning can stop people from getting out of control, it doesn't provide the kind of church accountability you get in an actual body of believers. Accountability isn't just policing, it's keeping people accountable to actually be doing the things Christ taught. It's an encouraging thing, and it's very important to spiritual growth. It's something you can't do online.

 

[NodMyHeadLikeYeah]

I dont know, is this a suitable alternative for a watch?

 

[violakat]

I dont know, is this a suitable alternative for a watch?

Does it work?

 

[zeroturbulence]

That guy's got a lot of time on his hands.

 

[StMichaelTheArchangel]

Absolutely not, CC is not "sufficient" to make up for Church. Church is very important in the rite that I come from. In the Eastern Orthodox Church it is considered that one will die spirituality if one cannot make it to the Divine Liturgy for three Sundays in a row. It is because during Divine Liturgy on Sunday, the faithful Orthodox get to partake of the deifying body and blood of Christ. Without this, we have no life in us ( John 6:53)

 

[Colt721]

the thing about church is we go there to worship. we come here to chat that is why this is called Christian CHAT. The idea of church is that we can all gather together and focus on God without so many distractions when you are in a chat room you are trying to interact with people one on one without really focusing on God and even if you do start focusing on God with someone you are too likely to be interrupted by someone just jumping in and not knowing what is going on. That is why this ought not be a substitute for church. for those who are homebound or needing to reach out to Christians however this is a great venue to fellowship.

 

[zeroturbulence]

Absolutely not, CC is not "sufficient" to make up for Church. Church is very important in the rite that I come from. In the Eastern Orthodox Church it is considered that one will die spirituality if one cannot make it to the Divine Liturgy for three Sundays in a row. It is because during Divine Liturgy on Sunday, the faithful Orthodox get to partake of the deifying body and blood of Christ. Without this, we have no life in us ( John 6:53)

I agree with this, even though I'm not Eastern Orthodox.

"Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him." - (John 6:56)

 

[Crossfire]

I agree with this, even though I'm not Eastern Orthodox.

"Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him." - (John 6:56)

I believe what St. Michael is implying is that you die spiritually when you don't take communion on a regular basis. Catholics believe the same, that is through communion that one is purged from / forgiven of sins. While most Protestant sects will partake of communion, many view this position held by the EOC and RCC to be a type of works based salvation, that somehow the act of communion itself can save and not faith in Christ Jesus.

In fact, the Quakers would not take communion at all because they believe that the RCC had turned communion from a sacred act of simple devotion into an act of paganism. Much like how the Hebrews had begun to worship the Snake on a pole built by Moses during the Exodus as a pagan deity thus one of the later good kings of Israel had it removed from the temple and had it destroyed.

 

[StMichaelTheArchangel]

I believe what St. Michael is implying is that you die spiritually when you don't take communion on a regular basis. Catholics believe the same, that is through communion that one is purged from / forgiven of sins. While most Protestant sects will partake of communion, many view this position held by the EOC and RCC to be a type of works based salvation, that somehow the act of communion itself can save and not faith in Christ Jesus.

In fact, the Quakers would not take communion at all because they believe that the RCC had turned communion from a sacred act of simple devotion into an act of paganism. Much like how the Hebrews had begun to worship the Snake on a pole built by Moses during the Exodus as a pagan deity thus one of the later good kings of Israel had it removed from the temple and had it destroyed.

1. Salvation is works based, even in the Gospel of John, Jesus said that to believe in Him is a work, "Joh 6:28 Then they said to him, "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?"
Joh 6:29 Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."


To believe in Jesus is a work. Don't believe me? Read the epistle of St James:

James 2:20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?


2. So you want to believe in heretics like the Quakers rather than what the Church of holy Tradition has taught for 1900 years? Jesus said at the last supper, "This IS my body, this IS my blood" (Luke 22:19), who can be so bold as to claim that it was not his body and blood? Does the text lie?

He was not speaking figuratively but literally, for the Gospel of Luke is not a figurative Gospel but a literal one, just like the other 2 Synoptic Gospels of Mark and Matthew.


Without the belief in Holy Communion being the deifying body and blood of Christ, you cannot properly interpret these verses of Isaiah. Isaiah is described taking the prototype and prefigurement of Holy Communion as we know it today.

Isa 6:6 And there was sent to me one of the seraphs, and he had in his hand a coal, which he had taken off the altar with the tongs:
Isa 6:7 and he touched my mouth, and said, Behold, this has touched thy lips, and will take away thine iniquities, and will purge off thy sins.

 

[Crossfire]

1. Salvation is works based, even in the Gospel of John, Jesus said that to believe in Him is a work, "Joh 6:28 Then they said to him, "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?"
Joh 6:29 Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."


To believe in Jesus is a work. Don't believe me? Read the epistle of St James:

James 2:20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?


2. So you want to believe in heretics like the Quakers rather than what the Church of holy Tradition has taught for 1900 years? Jesus said at the last supper, "This IS my body, this IS my blood" (Luke 22:19), who can be so bold as to claim that it was not his body and blood? Does the text lie?

He was not speaking figuratively but literally, for the Gospel of Luke is not a figurative Gospel but a literal one, just like the other 2 Synoptic Gospels of Mark and Matthew.

I would agree that faith without works is dead however, while salvation does in deed insure good works, good works can not insure salvation.

I personally have no problem with someone taking communion or getting baptized just as long as they understand that both (along with obedience) is a result of saving faith in Christ. We obey because we believe Christ to be the Savior of the world and his word (commands) are to be followed. I also believe that disobedience to the word is the equivalent of not having faith at all as taught in 1st John.

However, I do not believe that communion can remove one's sins. Only when one humbles themselves and repents of their sin can forgiveness of sin can be achieved. I'll be more than happy to provide scripture if necessary.

Hopefully this clears things up a bit.

 

[HhhLGA89]

He was not speaking figuratively but literally, for the Gospel of Luke is not a figurative Gospel but a literal one, just like the other 2 Synoptic Gospels of Mark and Matthew. [/COLOR][/B]

So a loaf of bread I can get at any store, or a tray of crackers, or whatever bread..and some welches grape juice or cheap wine from Winn-Dixie, made in a normal bakery or winery, by average (possibly non-Christian) people somehow has some supernatural power? Because this is how my church gets their food. Or is it somehow blessed into becoming something more than wheat and grapes? How is it not figurative?? How is the Lord Jesus Christ ACTUALLY a loaf of bread and his blood grape juice??? Isn't that complete lunacy to say that??? Would it be blasphemy if i used the unused portion of the bread to make a sandwich? I'm not catholic and I honestly don't know how you make that make sense -the literalness that is.... I'm not trying to be rude..I guess I'm just ignorant, obviously.

 

[StMichaelTheArchangel]

So a loaf of bread I can get at any store, or a tray of crackers, or whatever bread..and some welches grape juice or cheap wine from Winn-Dixie, made in a normal bakery or winery, by average (possibly non-Christian) people somehow has some supernatural power? Because this is how my church gets their food. Or is it somehow blessed into becoming something more than wheat and grapes? How is it not figurative?? How is the Lord Jesus Christ ACTUALLY a loaf of bread and his blood grape juice??? Isn't that complete lunacy to say that??? Would it be blasphemy if i used the unused portion of the bread to make a sandwich? I'm not catholic and I honestly don't know how you make that make sense -the literalness that is.... I'm not trying to be rude..I guess I'm just ignorant, obviously.

Not grape juice, wine. Not crackers, leavened bread.

I will quote you from St Ambrose of Milan. He was and is still one of the teachers of the Christian Faith (a Church Father) who lived in the 4th century. Preceding this chapter he talked about how the grace of God is what changes the elements of bread and wine. In this passage he speaks concerning the change which takes place by the miraculous power of God during the divine service (Holy Liturgy). This is something not just taught by him but by dozens others as well.


CHAPTER IX.
In order that no one through observing the outward part should waver in faith, many instances are
brought forward wherein the outward nature has been changed, and so it is proved that bread
is made the true body of Christ. The treatise then is brought to a termination with certain
remarks as to the effects of the sacrament, the disposition of the recipients, and such like.

52." We observe, then, that grace has more power than nature, and yet so far we have only spoken of the grace of a prophet’s blessing. But if the blessing of man had such power as to change nature, what are we to say of that divine consecration where the very words of the Lord and Saviour operate? For that sacrament which you receive is made what it is by the word of Christ. But if the word of Elijah had such power as to bring down fire from heaven, shall not the word of Christ have power to change the nature of the elements? You read concerning the making of the whole world: “He spake and they were made, He commanded and they were created.”2897 Shall not the word of Christ, which was able to make out of nothing that which was not, be able to change things which already are into what they were not? For it is not less to give a new nature to things than to change them."
2897 Ps. iii. 5.

 

[GreenNnice]

Let the light shine through you. If it means going to church then go, if it means using cc chat then let it be.....

Let the light shine through, so that they will ask," how do you forgive like that?" and you reply "Jesus"

So they ask ,"where is all that compassion from?" and you say "Jesus"

Spread the word out of love
Be obedient out of love
You do not need anything in return, let the light shine
Listen and obey the spirit, read the Bible, live the Bible, and preach the Bible. And do it all for love xx

What better news is there? God sent Jesus to save you. Let them know the truth, Jesus will do the rest.

Remember we bring the good news, so that they may seek. That is our job.
With love, patients, compassion...

---
Yes ^

you may speak your mind but do not tell others that your way is the only way, that wouid be mindless , not to mention , judging, and, God is VERY clear in many books that judging others of a faith in God is not yhe right thing to do . In fact, it is VERY wrong , God does not want people of faith in Him saying their doctrine is better


God bless everyone , for your PERSONAL relationship led by Him through the power of the Holy Spirit freely yours in your life

 

[CHCSurvivor]

One thing I have noticed after giving this post much thought is the fact that Christ says He is coming back for HIS church, not THE church. This being said, we as a body of believers in Christ are a church within ourselves; it isn't the walls but the people that are gathered in His name to worship Him. Here at CC we have the opportunity to minister to the lost, fellowship with other believers, and pray for one another. Sounds like church to me!

 

[GreenNnice]

1. Salvation is works based, even in the Gospel of John, Jesus said that to believe in Him is a work, "Joh 6:28 Then they said to him, "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?"
Joh 6:29 Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."


To believe in Jesus is a work. Don't believe me? Read the epistle of St James:

James 2:20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?

Yes ^ .
Taking it further, God says through the inspired writings of James things of works importance, but does not ONCE say the human body itself can get even one 'work' (good affirmational deed like witnessing) without the (Holy) Spirit inside us. And, it is quintessential that the Spirit works through us our works otherwise per James 2:26, we are 'dead.'
-----
And, Yes, Stmichaelangelo, the body of Christ, the blood of Christ is symbolic of grape juice/wine and unleavened/leavened bread. It is belief in Jesus' words to The Twelve at The Last Supper, 'This is my blood,,,this is my body,' that makes Holy communion sacred and revered by believers, taken because we believe in Him.

Salvation is not works based , per scripture, we need only BELIEVE, and, that is clear as John 3:16. But, din't be fooled and don't be a fool , when you have Christ in you, you also have the Holy Spirit inside this temple, per scripture. So you will be wanting to live your life out for Him until you die and go to Heaven

I would agree that faith without works is dead however, while salvation does in deed insure good works, good works can not insure salvation.

I personally have no problem with someone taking communion or getting baptized just as long as they understand that both (along with obedience) is a result of saving faith in Christ. We obey because we believe Christ to be the Savior of the world and his word (commands) are to be followed. I also believe that disobedience to the word is the equivalent of not having faith at all as taught in 1st John.

However, I do not believe that communion can remove one's sins. Only when one humbles themselves and repents of their sin can forgiveness of sin can be achieved. I'll be more than happy to provide scripture if necessary.

Hopefully this clears things up a bit.

Christ dying on the cross insured salvation .

I say this being either haughty or proud, just referencing scripture which is clear.

Romans 6:23 - For the wages (results, earnings) of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life.
This explains salvation is given to us by God out of grace and mercy, we sinners, ALL of us, do not deserve salvation but get it because God loves us soooo much, that is WHY His son, Jesus, died.

Ephesians 2: 8 For by grace you are saved through faith, not as a (result) of yourselves (doing) , it is the free gift of God .

Ephesians 2:9 then says : NOT as a result of works, so that no one can boast.
----
Now these verses mentioned, it is DIRELY important to keep in mind that God has individual plans for every single one of His sheep. Do not think just because God says that we are saved regardless of our doing good works, God will spiritize you, so to speak, to do things to move His plans forward , that which will both bless you and bring glory to Him.

Yes, crossfyre, communion is but an act , but one of obedience to Him.

So a loaf of bread I can get at any store, or a tray of crackers, or whatever bread..and some welches grape juice or cheap wine from Winn-Dixie, made in a normal bakery or winery, by average (possibly non-Christian) people somehow has some supernatural power? Because this is how my church gets their food. Or is it somehow blessed into becoming something more than wheat and grapes? How is it not figurative?? How is the Lord Jesus Christ ACTUALLY a loaf of bread and his blood grape juice??? Isn't that complete lunacy to say that??? Would it be blasphemy if i used the unused portion of the bread to make a sandwich? I'm not catholic and I honestly don't know how you make that make sense -the literalness that is.... I'm not trying to be rude..I guess I'm just ignorant, obviously.

------
It is only more (much, much, so muchly much more) than wheat and grapes, when taken in the church, or, wherever, as you can buy a portable communion kit from a christian book store even . Just let the Lord lead you life, bottom line. The Lord leads you, in Spirit, in doctrine, in your life , 3h, and, all (Jer 29:11)

 

[Jordy]

If the local church was gettting the job done, maybe there wouldn't be a christian chat site. Well, really local churches are best but there is a need for CC.