Online church services

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Feb 7, 2015
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#41
No it's not. If you're just going to follow me around this place like a stalker trying to educate me, we aren't going to get along. Maybe that's what you want. Maybe you get off arguing with people. Whatever it is, I want no part of it. I don't care to play that game.
If you desire private communication, then select someone you feel will give you answers you want to hear, and PM that person.

Perhaps you didn't really look at your own words in your OP. You have been getting just the kinds of answers you openly asked for on a public forum.
 
S

Shpadoinkle

Guest
#42
If you desire private communication, then select someone you feel will give you answers you want to hear, and PM that person.

Perhaps you didn't really look at your own words in your OP. You have been getting just the kinds of answers you openly asked for on a public forum.

Well, thanks for taking me out behind the woodshed, Dad. Thanks also for rebuking me in public and I hope it warmed the cockles of your heart to do so. May your making an example of me be the highlight of your Monday.
 
Feb 7, 2015
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#43
Well, thanks for taking me out behind the woodshed, Dad. Thanks also for rebuking me in public and I hope it warmed the cockles of your heart to do so. May your making an example of me be the highlight of your Monday.
I'm glad you understand.
 
C

Complete_In_Him

Guest
#44
I'm mostly indifferent about people themselves. I don't like how I feel when I am around them, so it projects onto them. Profuse sweating and a nervous stomach aren't fun to deal with and it makes trying to do anything social impossible. I really wanted to go to a movie a while back, but knew I'd never be able to tolerate the crowded theater, so I will do my usual which is try to avoid spoilers and rent it when it comes out on DVD.

My views on whether or not I get to go to Heaven are a topic for another thread. This one has already been taken off track enough and I'd like to get back to talking about if online church services are a valid form of worship.

I see. Online fellowship is fine, lots of people do this. But, once you can find a place that fits or works in person, with people you can be comfortable with as well as trust, that is so wonderful to have.

Go to the movie late, after it has been out for a month or so... I rarely go to the movies, but I went in Feb to see the Star Wars, only 4 other people in the whole theater! My point in my other post, along with this is you can find ways.

Please, excuse me in this, but it's my nature- and I won't post again on this. Whatever you believe now or in the future, has no bearing on what God has done to you. The moment you heard the gospel of Christ, and believed in Jesus as your Lord & Saviour, God made a quick work of you, He approved you from start to finish.

As you run the race, acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct your paths.
 
S

Shpadoinkle

Guest
#45
I still haven't seen Star Wars. I wanted to, but the crowds were too large. It's okay though because I can sit in my living room with my lightsaber and watch it. I miss out on a lot of movies I wish I could see on the big screen, but that's just what I get for having my issues. Thankfully I have a nice TV and a comfortable couch to sit on.
 
Mar 24, 2016
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#46
Again, if you want to go down this road, please start a new thread and then feel free to teach to your heart's content. I'm not interested in being enlightened by a stranger. I think you mean well, but I'm simply not interested.
You shouldnt think so highly of yourself because your words clearly exemplify that you are walking in error. I posted scripture to back up everything that I said. You DID NOT! Scripture doesnt speak to your spirit? Scripture (Gods words) are a stranger? Interesting..
You do not have a teachable spirit. You have just proved that!
 
Mar 24, 2016
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#47
Well, thanks for taking me out behind the woodshed, Dad. Thanks also for rebuking me in public and I hope it warmed the cockles of your heart to do so. May your making an example of me be the highlight of your Monday.
I just noticed that you wrote this...
" I know I can trust Jesus, but I can't say the same about my fellow man."

In your statement that I responded to you thought that possibly you were going to hell too! But yet here you say you trust Jesus. I see a contradiction.
 

GentleHeart

Junior Member
Mar 18, 2016
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#48
First off let me say I am sorry if you took my reply as arguing with you about being saved. That was not my intent. I think most others who have commented about this aspect of your thread are just genuinely concerned about your faith and I for one don't believe they are trying to be mean spirited. However, I do respect your desire to want to keep this thread about online Church services.

I feel that in your specific case with social anxiety you would feel more comfortable to receive spiritual and biblical teaching from online and even TV Churches. While the bible does tell us NOT to "forsake our assembling together" in your case I don't think God would judge you for doing so because of how difficult it is for you to be around people especially with all the physical problems that you say happen. It is obvious that God knows and understand your condition.

But please note that teaching is only one part of the Church experience. The Church is for our mutual edification. We use our spiritual gifts and help one another in the spiritual battle. Some one told me going to Church is like being in a battle together fighting the enemy. It's easier to fight with others than it is all alone, we need each other. I would seriously encourage you to find help for your social disorder. It may be a chemical imbalance that could easily be remedied with medication. And of course above all, you have a helper in the Holy Spirit who can help you over come anything.

I know that this thread has upset you as there have been some very negative remarks - I would encourage and exhort anyone who posts a reply to consider what the scriptures say about our response and I quote:

"Let your speech ALWAYS be with grace, seasoned as it were with salt so that you may know HOW to respond to each person."

We would all do right by being more sensitive and caring - Peace and grace!
 
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Mar 24, 2016
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#49
Why is the thread still being derailed? This is a thread to talk about online church services. If others would like to get into some argument about works versus grace, please start your own thread and have at it. I'm done talking about it. Either we talk about online church or I'm out of here. I'm not going to argue religion with anybody. There is a whole BDF for you folks to do that.
You dont get it do you? Its not an argument. I for one presented scripture to back up my thinking. You did not. We saw a very gross error in your perception of Jesus saving grace and it needed to be addressed right HERE and right NOW!
Christ has called his children to defend the gospel and correct false beliefs. That is what we have been doing. It had to be addressed right here and now so others who have false thinking wouldnt be led astray either!

Its not religion either btw. It is the double edged sword >TRUTH I would ask you to examine yourself .Are you in the faith? You dont sound like a renewed mind to me! Perhaps your PRIDE has you in bondage and you need to repent. I cant believe you are getting defensive when people (myself included) have taken the time to bring forth the TRUTH in Gods word.
Scripture is our foundation right? When Gods instructs us to test the spirits we need to apply that to our words and thoughts as well. If it doesnt line up with scripture;it isnt coming from the spirit of God!
Which btw, if this place is a dump> LEAVE! Noone is making you stay with all of us "dump" people. haha

Blessings to you
 
Mar 24, 2016
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#50
If, and it's a big IF, I get to go to Heaven, I am hoping I am cleansed of my social anxiety so I can share the space with others. Otherwise, if not, Heaven better be big enough I can find a quiet corner to call my own.
Luckily(poor choice of words) we will have our glorified bodies when we are with the LORD. There will be no more tears. There will only be the bliss of being with our Savior forever and ever! That is a wonderful promise we have been made.
 
Mar 24, 2016
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#51
Don't you lsten to Joyce Mayer, Tim Keller programme? I think is joyce mayer ministries and in-touch respectively.
Joyce Meyers is a glorified speaker. I wouldnt suggest her ever! I can provide you with a clip of her saying Jesus hadnt saved us until he went to hell.
 
Mar 24, 2016
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#52
I can identify to a certain degree.

As a kid I was very shy, so much so that I hardly spoke.
My background was different to everyone else, being mixed race
brought up in a white area and brought up in foster care.

I just hated talking to people as inevitable questions about family
came up, why is your mum white, why do you live with you aunt etc.

But anyway I started off as a kid going to a small church with my aunt
who fostered me. I hated the other kids at first they all seemed to have
perfect lives with an actual mum and dad, plus the shyness got in the way.

Eventually I got to know everyone and found myself enjoying church life
and became a Christian about age 11. I was still very shy around people I
didn't know too well.

As I got older that shyness which looking back was down to being over
self conscious, began to wear off.

Later in life things went pear shaped at my original church and after taking a
couple of years out from church, I decided to go to another.

Problem was that the best evangelical bible believing church in the area,
was massive with a congregation of 500 plus at that time. (Now it's over 1000).

I went anyway but the same old fears returned, I squirmed through the
services for the first few months, then I gradually got to know more
people and started to feel more "at home" in the church.

Then several months later I ended up being on front stage in the worship
team. I squirmed through that for a few months if I am honest and hoped
people would not notice me too much! Not much chance of that if you play
the saxophone :). But ended up loving it so much that I played in the
worship team 10 years. But despite all that I never thought of myself as being
in the middle of everything, not ever wanted to be popular or wanted any
attention. I use to get embarrassed when groupies come up to me (yes
it's possible to have groupies when you are in the worship team unfortunately,
no matter how much you try to discourage it).

Then due to my aunt's ill health and age I had to pull out of the worship team and
have spent the last 3-4 years putting her needs first. At one point I hardly went to
church as there was so much going on at home.

Then I started to realise I didn't want to go to church as the old fears, shyness,
being around lots of unknown people, too many questions etc started to
come to the surface again. So I started to force myself to go to church and again
I squirmed felt uncomfortable etc. But then came to a point where it no longer felt
uncomfortable.


I think for myself there is a natural element, I am not naturally a gregarious person.
Then there is background which changes how a person views the world, I think
also there is a spiritual element in that isolated Christians have little support and
its not good. Satan knows this.

The point of sharing this is to show it is possible to overcome, sometimes we have to
face fears. Yes some people are idiots in church, I know I've had lots of idiotic
comments you wouldn't believe! Like people who I don't know coming up to me and
asking which part of Africa, Egypt, Singapore, China, Italy, Spain I come from. When I
say none of the above they start arguing with me saying I must be!
Or that I look nice even if I don't wear lipstick (how they think wearing lip stick
is compatible with playing the sax - I have no idea). I won't even go there about the
sexist remarks because I play the saxophone - from Christians!


But there has been far more fellowship, real long lasting friendships, real genuine people
that I have got to know within church , more than outside in the secular world.

Maybe you need to face your fears, try a small church or a small house group.
Ask why you are afraid, there is usually an underlying fear of something in there.
Fear of being judged, fear people won't understand, fear of invasion of privacy,
fear of not being good enough etc.


The other thing, we all need people and help at some point in life, at the very minimum
old age proves that.

I also found the following I don't know if it might help.



https://www.psychologytoday.com/conditions/social-phobia
Definition

Social phobia, also called Social Anxiety Disorder, is an anxiety disorder characterised by
overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations.
People with social phobia have a persistent, intense, and chronic fear of being watched
and judged by others and of being embarrassed or humiliated by their own actions. Their
fear may be so severe that it interferes with work, school, or other activities. While many
people with social phobia recognize that their fear of being around people may be excessive
or unreasonable, they are unable to overcome it. They often worry for days or weeks in advance
of a dreaded situation. In addition, they often experience low self-esteem and depression.


Social phobia can be limited to only one type of situation -- such as a fear of speaking in
formal or informal situations, or eating or drinking in front of others -- or, in its most severe
form, a person experiences symptoms whenever they are around other people. If left untreated,
social phobia can have severe consequences. For example, it may keep people from going to
work or school on some days. Many with this illness are afraid of being with people other than
family members. As a result, they may have a hard time making and keeping friends.


Physical symptoms often accompany the intense anxiety of social phobia and include blushing,
profuse sweating, trembling, and other symptoms of anxiety, including difficulty talking and nausea
or other stomach discomfort. These visible symptoms heighten the fear of disapproval, and the
symptoms themselves can become an additional focus of fear. Fear of symptoms can create a
vicious cycle: as people with social phobia worry about experiencing the symptoms, the greater
their chances of developing the symptoms.


Social phobia often runs in families and may be accompanied by depression or other anxiety
disorders, such as panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Some people with social
phobia self medicate themselves with alcohol or other drugs, which can lead to addiction.


Prevalence of Social Phobia
About 3.7% of the U.S. population -- approximately 5.3 million Americans -- is affected by social
phobia. Social phobia occurs in women twice as often as in men, although a higher proportion
of men seek help for this disorder. The disorder typically begins in childhood or early adolescence
and rarely develops after age 25.

I agree with all youve posted! I will add that the enemy will prey on those who keep to themselves. They have isolated themselves and the phobia just builds upon itself like a cancer. It is possible to face our fears and lean on Christ who has said we can d all things through him who strengthens us. Phil 4:13
Praise God that he has given us his word to live by!!
 
C

Complete_In_Him

Guest
#53
I still haven't seen Star Wars. I wanted to, but the crowds were too large. It's okay though because I can sit in my living room with my lightsaber and watch it. I miss out on a lot of movies I wish I could see on the big screen, but that's just what I get for having my issues. Thankfully I have a nice TV and a comfortable couch to sit on.
I miss drive in movies!, speaking of big screen. Anyway, when it comes to online services or even fellowship, it has it's pros and spoonsfulofsugar -_- (calm down, woman).

Shpadoinkle, I want to say, that's right, you can trust Jesus and I want to share a verse, most Christians don't understand personal study and private prayer, is a special intimacy with the Lord, for His instruction. And, as you study, pay attention to the words & terms.

[SUP]15 [/SUP]Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

[SUP]11 [/SUP]And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you
 
Mar 24, 2016
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#54
I miss drive in movies!, speaking of big screen. Anyway, when it comes to online services or even fellowship, it has it's pros and spoonsfulofsugar -_- (calm down, woman).

Shpadoinkle, I want to say, that's right, you can trust Jesus and I want to share a verse, most Christians don't understand personal study and private prayer, is a special intimacy with the Lord, for His instruction. And, as you study, pay attention to the words & terms.

[SUP]15 [/SUP]Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

[SUP]11 [/SUP]And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you
What gave you the impression I am not calm? haha
I merely responded to many posts in one sitting. I am passionate and my responses were biblical. I liked several of your responses and you tell me to calm down? Please do not be rude.

Blessings to you
 
S

Shpadoinkle

Guest
#55
First off let me say I am sorry if you took my reply as arguing with you about being saved. That was not my intent. I think most others who have commented about this aspect of your thread are just genuinely concerned about your faith and I for one don't believe they are trying to be mean spirited. However, I do respect your desire to want to keep this thread about online Church services.

I feel that in your specific case with social anxiety you would feel more comfortable to receive spiritual and biblical teaching from online and even TV Churches. While the bible does tell us NOT to "forsake our assembling together" in your case I don't think God would judge you for doing so because of how difficult it is for you to be around people especially with all the physical problems that you say happen. It is obvious that God knows and understand your condition.

But please note that teaching is only one part of the Church experience. The Church is for our mutual edification. We use our spiritual gifts and help one another in the spiritual battle. Some one told me going to Church is like being in a battle together fighting the enemy. It's easier to fight with others than it is all alone, we need each other. I would seriously encourage you to find help for your social disorder. It may be a chemical imbalance that could easily be remedied with medication. And of course above all, you have a helper in the Holy Spirit who can help you over come anything.

I know that this thread has upset you as there have been some very negative remarks - I would encourage and exhort anyone who posts a reply to consider what the scriptures say about our response and I quote:

"Let your speech ALWAYS be with grace, seasoned as it were with salt so that you may know HOW to respond to each person."

We would all do right by being more sensitive and caring - Peace and grace!
Finally, a voice of reason that isn't trying to jam their Bible in my face going "SEE WHAT IT SAYS". Bless you miss.

The last time I tried going to church, I made it through the front door and talking to the greeter before I broke out in a sweat and could feel my stomach churning. I spent the entirety of the worship service holed up in the men's room because I was so ill from the anxiety. I haven't bothered trying to go back since.

As for the rest of the people responding to this thread - NO I do not have a teachable spirit. Remember that and don't EVER try to teach me again. I don't know any of you and because I don't it means I don't trust you. I have been lied to too often by people who say they mean well to play fast and loose with my feelings around people. If I am to be judged for not having fellowship with my fellow man, then Jesus can take me aside and tell me what for, but He is the only one qualified. You think you are doing God's work by "correcting" my thinking, but who told you to do that? Let me guess, you've got some bit of scripture for that? Do you treat the Bible like the iPhone "there's a scripture verse for that".

Yes, this thread has upset me. That's my problem. Since I am trying to look at things more positive, I will take this thread as a learning experience of what members of this forum to avoid like lepers. Please go be teachers someplace else because this fat kid ain't interested.

Bless your hearts.
 
Feb 7, 2015
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#56
Finally, a voice of reason that isn't trying to jam their Bible in my face going "SEE WHAT IT SAYS". Bless you miss.

The last time I tried going to church, I made it through the front door and talking to the greeter before I broke out in a sweat and could feel my stomach churning. I spent the entirety of the worship service holed up in the men's room because I was so ill from the anxiety. I haven't bothered trying to go back since.

As for the rest of the people responding to this thread - NO I do not have a teachable spirit. Remember that and don't EVER try to teach me again. I don't know any of you and because I don't it means I don't trust you. I have been lied to too often by people who say they mean well to play fast and loose with my feelings around people. If I am to be judged for not having fellowship with my fellow man, then Jesus can take me aside and tell me what for, but He is the only one qualified. You think you are doing God's work by "correcting" my thinking, but who told you to do that? Let me guess, you've got some bit of scripture for that? Do you treat the Bible like the iPhone "there's a scripture verse for that".

Yes, this thread has upset me. That's my problem. Since I am trying to look at things more positive, I will take this thread as a learning experience of what members of this forum to avoid like lepers. Please go be teachers someplace else because this fat kid ain't interested.

Bless your hearts.
Then why did you come to a forum full of people you have already decided you aren't going to trust (unless, I imagine, if they tell you what you want to hear), and ask a question you already know you should have only taken straight to Jesus?
 
S

Shpadoinkle

Guest
#57
Then why did you come to a forum full of people you have already decided you aren't going to trust (unless, I imagine, if they tell you what you want to hear), and ask a question you already know you should have only taken straight to Jesus?


My reasons for joining the forums are not relevant to this discussion.

Bless your heart.
 
Feb 7, 2015
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#58
My reasons for joining the forums are not relevant to this discussion.

Bless your heart.
Well, leseee.... You have already said you don't want our opinions... you don't want to hear what the Bible says... you don't want... you don't want... and you don't want. So, I am thinking that you really do want all of that, but you just don't know how to admit it.

That's really not unusual. Don't sweat it. We aren't that easy to run off. We'll still be here when you come around a little. (Might even hug ya.)
 
Mar 24, 2016
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#59
Finally, a voice of reason that isn't trying to jam their Bible in my face going "SEE WHAT IT SAYS". Bless you miss.

The last time I tried going to church, I made it through the front door and talking to the greeter before I broke out in a sweat and could feel my stomach churning. I spent the entirety of the worship service holed up in the men's room because I was so ill from the anxiety. I haven't bothered trying to go back since.

As for the rest of the people responding to this thread - NO I do not have a teachable spirit. Remember that and don't EVER try to teach me again. I don't know any of you and because I don't it means I don't trust you. I have been lied to too often by people who say they mean well to play fast and loose with my feelings around people. If I am to be judged for not having fellowship with my fellow man, then Jesus can take me aside and tell me what for, but He is the only one qualified. You think you are doing God's work by "correcting" my thinking, but who told you to do that? Let me guess, you've got some bit of scripture for that? Do you treat the Bible like the iPhone "there's a scripture verse for that".

Yes, this thread has upset me. That's my problem. Since I am trying to look at things more positive, I will take this thread as a learning experience of what members of this forum to avoid like lepers. Please go be teachers someplace else because this fat kid ain't interested.

Bless your hearts.
"If I am to be judged for not having fellowship with my fellow man, then Jesus can take me aside and tell me what for, but He is the only one qualified. You think you are doing God's work by "correcting" my thinking, but who told you to do that? Let me guess, you've got some bit of scripture for that? Do you treat the Bible like the iPhone "there's a scripture verse for that"."
I corrected your thinking that is contrary to the word of God. This is a CHRISTIAN SITE. If the bible offends you,you have got real problems.
Maybe you should look for people that will agree with you when you are wrong and stroke your insecurities so you stay in bondage. It seems you are judging me and others because of your past experiences. I sense alot of anger in you and you have a smart mouth . I know I was only trying to help and you bit my head off! Im done here.
 
H

Hellooo

Guest
#60
Which gets me to thinking and to ask, what do you think about online church services? Say, like a webcast of a service? Do you think that would provide the nourishment for the soul or is it not good enough?
Not good enough.

Matthew 5

14You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Ultimately it's your prerogative if you wish to lock yourself away from everyone and everything outside your home, but you do yourself a great disservice. Social anxiety does not have to be a jail sentence if you're willing to make some effort