The church cc vs other churches

[Blain]

So I wanted to make this thread based off of something Hungry said so all credit to this thread goes to him.
He mentioned the difference in people here on cc and people in actual churches and I have for a long time noticed and pondered this as well.
Now I have nothing against going to church and being with other believers if one finds a good church to be in I encourage it however more often than not people here on cc say how being in church is not for them and it isn't for me either because of the distinct differences I have seen being on here.
Now granted I have yet to find a church in my entire time of salvation I truly belonged in, for me being in a church should be like your second home it should be the family you never had you should be excited to see them again and excited to commune with and learn and grow with them as a family you should be able to tell them anything without fear of backlash.

The thing is most people seem to go to church but then neglect communion with God and with other believers in general, I cannot of course speak for everyone but in all the churches I have attended I have seen this. And it may be simply because this is the last days and the generation we live in but the church is not in a building it is the body of believers as a whole.
However here in cc we all come online almost everyday and can spend hours on it we spend time with God and with each other on here and for me personally I am always excited to come online and see who is on what discussions are going on, when I was to blind to be able to be on cc for almost a year I felt like I lost my home and my family I spent time with God as much as I could and however I could but it just wasn't the same without cc.

We all come here to be together learn grow and yes even go to war with each other but we still spend time together and we still learn and grow and speak things that help each other to grow in Christ.Another thing I have noticed about being on cc is that unlike being in front of people in real life you see what a person really thinks and feels and believes online because without even realizing it we feel safety behind a screen and so you see a persons true self and heeart online.

Even some worldly anime shows speaks this perfectly how everyone puts up a front and says the morally and politically correct thing but online they show what they really think and feel. And online we are able to speak to and reach people all over the world able to make connections across the globe that we wouldn't otherwise, lives can be both saved and destroyed online because we can reach a vast amount of people within minutes.
Yes it is true we should not constantly be behind screens and forget to live life but at the same time has anyone ever noticed how much more effective online seems to work than actual churches?

 

[mar09]

Hi Blain!

In many ways i agree to what you wrote.. We went to real local churches nearby, but after coming to CC, i have also appreciated the lessons learned and fellowships, as well as some 'spankings' when i wasnt paying attention to what the Lord was patiently teaching. Writing down-- or expressing what's deep in our hearts and minds isnt always possible face to face, but to some people, that is very valuable interaction that they (and i) still miss now. Even if writing across media like CC works for me too when there is opportunity.

God is so good He allows us ways to still touch each other's lives, comfort, give, rebuke when there is need. Internet isnt all bad when we allow the Lord to redeem what the enemy so wants to steal away. Sure our churches arent perfect. When i went to other churches as in Manila, etc. and witnessed women being allowed to read Scripture and lead in worship team, i really appreciated how they do it well and modestly, in order.. wc isnt quite allowed or done in our church here, and wc i have been wondering abt for a while na but just take as is.
Sure our church has its strengths too.. but i simply wondered why it does not allow opportunities like that for rural women to participate in ways they can grow confidence even in little ways.. even giving the announcements. Sure there are women leaders, but they are mostly those who lead at work, but not have much chance to lead other women for their busyness and other responsibilities. In a way, i'm saying perhaps women arent being given opportunity to be given training in areas where they can be used mightily too. It may be just my perspective, but it looks kind of hindering gifted women to bloom and grow as they lead and serve in other, nonconventional ways. Here, i see some women who are not afraid to speak... (and i did not mean to bring this up to be a point of contention as happens in certain threads abt position/role of women at home or church.)

Just gotta run now!

 

[Micaiah-imla]

Another thing I have noticed about being on cc is that unlike being in front of people in real life you see what a person really thinks and feels and believes online because without even realizing it we feel safety behind a screen and so you see a persons true self and heeart online.

Paul did the same thing by letters:

Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness (2 Corinthians 13:10).

He'd rather be harsh on paper than in person.

 

[pottersclay]

So I wanted to make this thread based off of something Hungry said so all credit to this thread goes to him.
He mentioned the difference in people here on cc and people in actual churches and I have for a long time noticed and pondered this as well.
Now I have nothing against going to church and being with other believers if one finds a good church to be in I encourage it however more often than not people here on cc say how being in church is not for them and it isn't for me either because of the distinct differences I have seen being on here.
Now granted I have yet to find a church in my entire time of salvation I truly belonged in, for me being in a church should be like your second home it should be the family you never had you should be excited to see them again and excited to commune with and learn and grow with them as a family you should be able to tell them anything without fear of backlash.

The thing is most people seem to go to church but then neglect communion with God and with other believers in general, I cannot of course speak for everyone but in all the churches I have attended I have seen this. And it may be simply because this is the last days and the generation we live in but the church is not in a building it is the body of believers as a whole.
However here in cc we all come online almost everyday and can spend hours on it we spend time with God and with each other on here and for me personally I am always excited to come online and see who is on what discussions are going on, when I was to blind to be able to be on cc for almost a year I felt like I lost my home and my family I spent time with God as much as I could and however I could but it just wasn't the same without cc.

We all come here to be together learn grow and yes even go to war with each other but we still spend time together and we still learn and grow and speak things that help each other to grow in Christ.Another thing I have noticed about being on cc is that unlike being in front of people in real life you see what a person really thinks and feels and believes online because without even realizing it we feel safety behind a screen and so you see a persons true self and heeart online.

Even some worldly anime shows speaks this perfectly how everyone puts up a front and says the morally and politically correct thing but online they show what they really think and feel. And online we are able to speak to and reach people all over the world able to make connections across the globe that we wouldn't otherwise, lives can be both saved and destroyed online because we can reach a vast amount of people within minutes.
Yes it is true we should not constantly be behind screens and forget to live life but at the same time has anyone ever noticed how much more effective online seems to work than actual churches?

Blain what you wrote here is 100% right that's why it's 100% wrong.
This Chatline is not a substitute for church far from it.
If you need a comfort zone then something is wrong.
Real people, touch ,see ,feel ,hear , hug, kiss, and yes scorn, swear, spit, and are ignorant. That's the mission field we are sent to. Jesus said go and preach not text the gospel. Faith comes by hearing not reading.
Saints if there is something wrong in your fellowship speak up don't just leave it. Don't wait for Mr.. Or Mrs. Somebody else to do it. Paul was certainly an example of that.
I'm sure Paul wasn't comfortable in prison. Or when shipwrecked.

And I am positive the cross wasn't comfortable at all for Jesus.
This ministry and message it not for ourselves but for others confrontation comes with the job.
Be the person you would want others to be to you. Set the example. Be the example.
Don't go run and hide. Where is your faith, your conviction, your steadfastness.
Believe me when I tell you that Jesus took the brunt of the blows to establish his church.

 

[Blain]

Blain what you wrote here is 100% right that's why it's 100% wrong.
This Chatline is not a substitute for church far from it.
If you need a comfort zone then something is wrong.
Real people, touch ,see ,feel ,hear , hug, kiss, and yes scorn, swear, spit, and are ignorant. That's the mission field we are sent to. Jesus said go and preach not text the gospel. Faith comes by hearing not reading.
Saints if there is something wrong in your fellowship speak up don't just leave it. Don't wait for Mr.. Or Mrs. Somebody else to do it. Paul was certainly an example of that.
I'm sure Paul wasn't comfortable in prison. Or when shipwrecked.

And I am positive the cross wasn't comfortable at all for Jesus.
This ministry and message it not for ourselves but for others confrontation comes with the job.
Be the person you would want others to be to you. Set the example. Be the example.
Don't go run and hide. Where is your faith, your conviction, your steadfastness.
Believe me when I tell you that Jesus took the brunt of the blows to establish his church.

I think church is an issue because it has forgotten what church is supposed to be
I love group bible studies because we are a group of believers being together growing together but most sundays I see a good sermon sure but it doesn’t bring the church together
It’s well written full of scripture but the message is always pointing to the teaching not so much to God and it doesn’t seem to bring the church closer either
I wish church was more like the first church back then they were together they didn’t come together once or twice aweek they were there for each other prayed together ate together they were literally a family

 

[pottersclay]

Blain this was not meant personally to you but for all the saints to understand.
Satan has done a mighty work with in the church. Jesus said the gates of hell will not prevail against it.
So what do we do? Who do we believe?
I am very aware of the faults in many churches but always remember your talking about Christ bride.
If we you me don't step up to the plate then who will.
Shall we say that you tube has taken the place of the assembling of ourselves.
Has Google and alexes taken the place of the holy spirit?
Has our comfort zone become more important than defending the faith.
We read about the many brothers and sisters who are the heros of the faith making a stand for Gods righteousness yet because of hurt feelings, biblical compliance, or what ever the case we leave and hide behind a screen.
I love the saints, I love the fellowship, I love Jesus. For this cause I will defend the church .
Paul went out to solve issues like this. He sent Timothy and others to do the same.
If you don't understand why your fellowship does or doesn't do something then ask why or why not.
We are called to a ministry to serve others not ourselves.
So if you found yourself in a sinking ship with others on board would you announce the problem and try to save as many if not all if you could? Or not say anything at all and just seek to save yourself?

I know I'm getting long winded here but the Lord gave us instructions that when we come before him to praise and worship, but have something against our brothers . That we should leave our gift upon the alter and confront the issues then come back and offer our gift to the Lord.

Maybe the church needs to be confronted, or maybe you or me or us needs to be educated either way let's give God the glory.

Potter

 

[Blain]

Yes I agree I am a peoples person I love to be together with other believers not just sometimes but all the time , this is why I brought up the issues of church because it is not what it is supposed to be. Fellowship is a very intereesting word, it doesn't just mean being together and brotherly friendship but it also means a persistance of it. The church I go to which is the only one in my area I can walk to are great but they only get together on sunday and wednesday aside from that fellowship is not a thing I have tried to talk to the main pastor about this but he says people are just busy and have lives to live.
I can understand that but at the same time if fellowship is only two days a week assuming people actually come it kind of feels like it defeats the purpose of the church.

What said is to perfect for words how what I said was 100% right which makes it 100% wrong it is not supposed to be this way. Maybe I am just asking for to much but how everyone is on cc being together conversing debating growing learning studying I want this to be the church as well but I may be asking for to much as well.

 

[DWR]

There is an old saying that goes like this--------
If you find a perfect church, do not join it because it would then be imperfect.
People who can never feel comfortable in a local church should examine themselves very closely.

 

[Blik]

Our net is a wonderful tool. You can find a report of the development of our earthly church by reading about what was decided in the yearly counsels of the church starting with the Nicene Council. I think it gives a sad tale of man inserting fleshly policies into a church that should only reflect God. There is a lot of logic used, but little of simply following God. There is much that man has added to God's word to satisfy the flesh.

There is a lot of reform done with Luther making reform major, but the bulk of the changes to God's word is still so very much with us that our very economy is based of those changes. Business is conducted honoring the change in the day of the Sabbath, even. Through fleshly logic all the changes have been Christianized.

 

[p_rehbein]

Hebrews, Chapter 10:

24And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.


1st Corinthians, Chapter 1:

1Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

2Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

2 Corinthians, Chapter 1:

1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:

Galatians, Chapter 1:

1Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead

2And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:


Ephesians, Chapter 1:

1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

Philippians, Chapter 1:

1Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

Colossians, Chapter 1:

1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,

2To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Galatians, Chapter 1:

1Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead

2And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:

Ephesians, Chapter 1:

1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

1 Thessalonians, Chapter 1:

1Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians, Chapter 1:

1Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

Posted all that to say this:

DO NOT hate on Congregational Worship! THIS IS HOW GOD INTENDED HIS CHILDREN TO WORSHIP!

Ephesians, Chapter 4:

1I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

2With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

3Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

4There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

5One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

6One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.


Romans, Chapter 12:

4For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

5So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

People like to say that "back then, they met in their homes to have worship services...........so that's how we should do it......."

I have to wonder if ANYONE ever considered what the world was like "back then?" People say such without giving thought to how life was "back then," and what resources were available to believers "back then." They don't seem to remember how the Roman Government was persecuting believers. Hunting them down, imprisoning and killing them "back then." Does ANYONE really thing the believers would get together in GREAT NUMBERS and build a Church building of ANY SIZE? Seriously? (goodness)

As well, people seem to think that there were 10's of MILLIONS of believers in one place "back then." Thousands? Yes..........perhaps 10's of thousands...........but 10's of MILLIONS? I don't think so........ As well, people don't seem to understand that "back then" the believers all lived in one rather small town instead of large Cities, and/or spread out across great expanses of lands........."Satellite Churches" serve the purpose of giving believers a common place to gather together to worship............

I don't care if people want to have Home Church, I don't care if people want to go out in a pasture full of cow pies and have church..............BUT DO NOT HATE ON CHURCHES!

If y'all can't find a Church that checks off ALL THE BOXES you will require them to in order for you to attend it, then IT'S YOU that has the problem, NOT THEM.............

 

[billabong]

There is an old saying that goes like this--------
If you find a perfect church, do not join it because it would then be imperfect.

People who can never feel comfortable in a local church should examine themselves very closely.

On the contrary, People who do feel comfortable in a local church institution should examine the preaching as well as themselves very closely.

 

[billabong]

Blain this was not meant personally to you but for all the saints to understand.
Satan has done a mighty work with in the church. Jesus said the gates of hell will not prevail against it.
So what do we do? Who do we believe?
I am very aware of the faults in many churches but always remember your talking about Christ bride.
If we you me don't step up to the plate then who will.
Shall we say that you tube has taken the place of the assembling of ourselves.
Has Google and alexes taken the place of the holy spirit?
Has our comfort zone become more important than defending the faith.
We read about the many brothers and sisters who are the heros of the faith making a stand for Gods righteousness yet because of hurt feelings, biblical compliance, or what ever the case we leave and hide behind a screen.
I love the saints, I love the fellowship, I love Jesus. For this cause I will defend the church .
Paul went out to solve issues like this. He sent Timothy and others to do the same.
If you don't understand why your fellowship does or doesn't do something then ask why or why not.
We are called to a ministry to serve others not ourselves.
So if you found yourself in a sinking ship with others on board would you announce the problem and try to save as many if not all if you could? Or not say anything at all and just seek to save yourself?

I know I'm getting long winded here but the Lord gave us instructions that when we come before him to praise and worship, but have something against our brothers . That we should leave our gift upon the alter and confront the issues then come back and offer our gift to the Lord.

Maybe the church needs to be confronted, or maybe you or me or us needs to be educated either way let's give God the glory.

Potter

Satan has done a mighty work with in the church.

and
I am very aware of the faults in many churches

Yes agreed.

If we you me don't step up to the plate then who will.

I stepped up to the plate some 20 years ago, the result is I've been unchurched ever since.

How about you, (knowing full well that satan works hard in churches), have you stepped up to the plate? If so can you share some testimonies of your experience.

 

[Lanolin]

the diference with online CC and tradtional churches is with CC you can 'chat' via writing things down rather than speaking out loud. and you can do this at any time not just two hours once a week..and distance isnt a barrier.

So I would say its just a different way of gathering and communicating. It can work for people who are housebound for whatever reason. Whichever way you choose to gather you still get fellowship, and worship (on certain threads).

 

[Prycejosh1987]

Yes it is true we should not constantly be behind screens and forget to live life but at the same time has anyone ever noticed how much more effective online seems to work than actual churches?

I would say that online has more convenience than church. People want easy access to following God, rather than going to church and being in real environment which requires more effort. Whats easier, to watch a 15 minute praise and worship on TV or internet, or actually being there and taking part. Obviously the 15 minute video. The problem many will have, is that real life actions are more beneficial, than watching and taking part online. Its much better when the pastor is there in front of our eyes, and we are gathered together literally as Gods people.

 

[Blain]

I would say that online has more convenience than church. People want easy access to following God, rather than going to church and being in real environment which requires more effort. Whats easier, to watch a 15 minute praise and worship on TV or internet, or actually being there and taking part. Obviously the 15 minute video. The problem many will have, is that real life actions are more beneficial, than watching and taking part online. Its much better when the pastor is there in front of our eyes, and we are gathered together literally as Gods people.

I agree to a point, if one has a good church then I would encourage them to be an active part of it, online is great but it isn't the same as being face to face with other believers.
But the issue is that many people have left church not because of putting in more effort but because churches have become ineffective.

 

[Bbrdrd]

Dietrich Bonhoeffer addresses this point beautifully in Life Together where he speaks of the danger of expectations. If we go to church expecting the fellowship to be a certain thing we will inevitably be disappointted. We must confront the reality of life in community not looking for spiritual experiences of brotherhood but real relationships where people cut and tear each other without fully meaning to. Life together gets ugly, but if we remember the common cause for our community our community will strengthen us in immeasurable ways. Just like our individual lives, communal life is found in Christ. All the service projects and the study groups and the life groups in the world will not build a proper community until those who seek to be a part of it allow their expectations to die.