Fellowshipping with Family

[Virtuously_CEE]

As believers of Jesus Christ we are called to help one another especially those in the body of Christ, our fellow brothers and sisters. I’ve been struggling with the fact that certain family members specifically those who are believers refuse to help when they have noticed myself or other family members struggling spiritually. These members are very active in church but in their personal lives they avoid spreading the love and word of Jesus Christ. I recently have gone through a rough two years and not once has anyone reached out to pray with me or encouraged me to return to church in person, or offer any type of spiritual guidance. I stopped attending church in person last year after being very active and while in the thick of a storm. Instead of inquiring why I would do so I was told to not come back or met with anger because I left and it reflected negatively on them. I’ve been told that Jesus is coming back soon and that I may go to hell because I dont attend in person . Maybe I’m confused or have the wrong expectations but shouldn’t we lift one another up. Even when I ask about prayer services or reach out to these individuals it’s always figure it out in your own. If I could I would and I’m trying but I need help. I just don’t know why they can pray and minister to everyone not related to them but with their own family we see a different side. It really discourages me and sometimes maybe I think I’m the one who’s wrong. Should I not expect my family to help be there for me spiritually? Shouldn’t we look out for one another or should we just look past eveyone’s struggles because we are saved our salvation is cemented. Does this type of behavior get you into heaven? Is God honestly pleased that by someone being active within the physical church but absent in the lives of your family when needed. I’m just venting but if anyone has any advice or input I am open to listening. In my heart I know what is happening can not be of God because I know what God has called me to do and still calls me to do in regard to others in need especially my family. However it’s getting harder and harder to ignore what I assume is some level of hypocrisy on their behalf. If someone is asking for guidance and support why turn them away.

 

[Gideon300]

As believers of Jesus Christ we are called to help one another especially those in the body of Christ, our fellow brothers and sisters. I’ve been struggling with the fact that certain family members specifically those who are believers refuse to help when they have noticed myself or other family members struggling spiritually. These members are very active in church but in their personal lives they avoid spreading the love and word of Jesus Christ. I recently have gone through a rough two years and not once has anyone reached out to pray with me or encouraged me to return to church in person, or offer any type of spiritual guidance. I stopped attending church in person last year after being very active and while in the thick of a storm. Instead of inquiring why I would do so I was told to not come back or met with anger because I left and it reflected negatively on them. I’ve been told that Jesus is coming back soon and that I may go to hell because I dont attend in person . Maybe I’m confused or have the wrong expectations but shouldn’t we lift one another up. Even when I ask about prayer services or reach out to these individuals it’s always figure it out in your own. If I could I would and I’m trying but I need help. I just don’t know why they can pray and minister to everyone not related to them but with their own family we see a different side. It really discourages me and sometimes maybe I think I’m the one who’s wrong. Should I not expect my family to help be there for me spiritually? Shouldn’t we look out for one another or should we just look past eveyone’s struggles because we are saved our salvation is cemented. Does this type of behavior get you into heaven? Is God honestly pleased that by someone being active within the physical church but absent in the lives of your family when needed. I’m just venting but if anyone has any advice or input I am open to listening. In my heart I know what is happening can not be of God because I know what God has called me to do and still calls me to do in regard to others in need especially my family. However it’s getting harder and harder to ignore what I assume is some level of hypocrisy on their behalf. If someone is asking for guidance and support why turn them away.

The sad reality is that only 4% or so of those who attend church are born again, at least in the Western world. In the nations where it is unacceptable to be a Christian, even to the point of being murdered, no doubt there are few "make-believers".

I went through a similar experience for about ten years. I was youth leader at one Pentecostal church. I had a melt down and quit the leadership and the church. A couple of friends tried to help but no one from the ministry team.

I spent months "in the wilderness", so to speak. Eventually I met someone who would be my mentor for the next 30 years. God used that man to help me through some terrible times and to teach me most of what I know today.

The church has lost sight of the fact that it is a body. Satan realised early on that God's blessing is where the brethren dwell in unity (Psalm 133). Satan began to sow discord in Corinth, for example. Paul rebuked the gifted church as also the immature church. I have no doubt that Paul would say the same thing today of many assemblies.

The current concept of church is little different from the Roman Catholic concept. It is a top down, pyramid structure where a professional clergy dictates to a passive congregation. That model is fiercely protected, even though it is unbiblical. And the congregation is usually content to criticise the leadership, treat newcomers with suspicion and forget the church for the rest of the week. Of course there are exceptions. Just not enough of them.

I hope to start a work that I call "church for the un-churched." I've met many disillusioned believers who have been crushed by "Christianism". I propose to get back to basics such as we read in 1 Corinthians 14. How to get something going, I do not know.

Seek God diligently. He led me to the right place and He can lead you too.

 

[Virtuously_CEE]

The sad reality is that only 4% or so of those who attend church are born again, at least in the Western world. In the nations where it is unacceptable to be a Christian, even to the point of being murdered, no doubt there are few "make-believers".

I went through a similar experience for about ten years. I was youth leader at one Pentecostal church. I had a melt down and quit the leadership and the church. A couple of friends tried to help but no one from the ministry team.

I spent months "in the wilderness", so to speak. Eventually I met someone who would be my mentor for the next 30 years. God used that man to help me through some terrible times and to teach me most of what I know today.

The church has lost sight of the fact that it is a body. Satan realised early on that God's blessing is where the brethren dwell in unity (Psalm 133). Satan began to sow discord in Corinth, for example. Paul rebuked the gifted church as also the immature church. I have no doubt that Paul would say the same thing today of many assemblies.

The current concept of church is little different from the Roman Catholic concept. It is a top down, pyramid structure where a professional clergy dictates to a passive congregation. That model is fiercely protected, even though it is unbiblical. And the congregation is usually content to criticise the leadership, treat newcomers with suspicion and forget the church for the rest of the week. Of course there are exceptions. Just not enough of them.

I hope to start a work that I call "church for the un-churched." I've met many disillusioned believers who have been crushed by "Christianism". I propose to get back to basics such as we read in 1 Corinthians 14. How to get something going, I do not know.

Seek God diligently. He led me to the right place and He can lead you too.

Thank you for your thoughtful response.

 

[Gideon300]

Thank you for your thoughtful response.

Welcome

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

As believers of Jesus Christ we are called to help one another especially those in the body of Christ, our fellow brothers and sisters. I’ve been struggling with the fact that certain family members specifically those who are believers refuse to help when they have noticed myself or other family members struggling spiritually. These members are very active in church but in their personal lives they avoid spreading the love and word of Jesus Christ. I recently have gone through a rough two years and not once has anyone reached out to pray with me or encouraged me to return to church in person, or offer any type of spiritual guidance. I stopped attending church in person last year after being very active and while in the thick of a storm. Instead of inquiring why I would do so I was told to not come back or met with anger because I left and it reflected negatively on them. I’ve been told that Jesus is coming back soon and that I may go to hell because I dont attend in person . Maybe I’m confused or have the wrong expectations but shouldn’t we lift one another up. Even when I ask about prayer services or reach out to these individuals it’s always figure it out in your own. If I could I would and I’m trying but I need help. I just don’t know why they can pray and minister to everyone not related to them but with their own family we see a different side. It really discourages me and sometimes maybe I think I’m the one who’s wrong. Should I not expect my family to help be there for me spiritually? Shouldn’t we look out for one another or should we just look past eveyone’s struggles because we are saved our salvation is cemented. Does this type of behavior get you into heaven? Is God honestly pleased that by someone being active within the physical church but absent in the lives of your family when needed. I’m just venting but if anyone has any advice or input I am open to listening. In my heart I know what is happening can not be of God because I know what God has called me to do and still calls me to do in regard to others in need especially my family. However it’s getting harder and harder to ignore what I assume is some level of hypocrisy on their behalf. If someone is asking for guidance and support why turn them away.

I understand how you feel.
I've been through a series of serious crisis that any one would be devastating the past two years. I've got no encouragement from local friends when I needed it most. Then grief was poured upon that by people who should have shown kindness.
My own brother killed my mother.
God will show Him justice in His perfect way.

My best friend online ghosted me for over a year until I prayed for her. The Lord answered with a miracle and she threw that all away, which is a reflection upon her and upon the local friends who I invested large valuable chunks of my life.

14To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty. 15My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away;

There is certainly a lot of satanic attacks in the midst of it all the past two years. When I realized it, I put the self portrait of the warrior up against the demon (upper left) because we are in a spiritual war and I sure know it.
My love for the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, as He comforts, has grown.
How could I go through such trials and prunings that would kill a man, without bringing forth much fruit?
If He makes a way, I plan to go back to full time ministry and reach the poor, crippled and shut-ins.

The one place on Earth that I found grace were certain special individuals here on this forum. They have
blessed me and I appreciate them as real true brothers and sisters.

Some still pray for me and were it not for God answering those I might not have survived.

My heart goes out to you Vituously.
You are likewise going through major suffering. I will pray for you now and offer a short message from another preacher that should answer your question about the most important subject you brought up.

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

Looking back to this verse as Job described so well, I bring it up one more time as I did not explain how it might apply to you.

14To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty. 15My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away;

Those who claim the name of Christian brothers/ sisters should certainly be there when you need them. Unfortunately, some can act deceitful like the water in a stream and leave when you need them most...ghost you, judge what they think you are going through, like Jobs friends. You bless them when they need you only to turn their backs when you get hit by the troubles of life.

As you know, that's against what the Lord commands and designed us for. It's a reflection upon their immaturity and lack of spiritual power....perhaps none. I don't blame em all. Some don't know what's going on, aren't able to do more than pray. Online is a little different than the local church. It's reasonable to have an expectation of those you personally served for years, as many on this forum have.
Thank God the the Holy Spirit is there to comfort us when no others are.

The past two years, the damned demons bash us in the head and kick us when we're down with no mercy.
When I realized quite literally that I am a warrior In God's army, I spent the time needed in the Lord's MASH unit to recover from loss of literal many pints of blood lost over the past year or so. I was not going to the enemy camp for help.
The Great Physician is my Healer. He is also our King and leads us back into battle when we are healed.

With my helmet of salvation, sword of the Spirit, and will by God's strength
cut His enemies asunder and stomp the Hell out of those devils that hide in the dark!
Every mention of His mighty men of valour, I have asked Him to make me His mighty man of valour. That takes serious dedication to pass His Mighty Men of Valour Training. Sometimes is more than I can muster. Don't despair.
The first time was training on the weekend to get my cardio up as a Ranger Company candidate that I was invited to qualify during the week days.
It was an unfamiliar area a couple guys led me to. I took a spill off a small cliff and landed on the handlebar of my mountain bike. The pipe with 2.25"-2.50" grip end cap drove through my thigh. There I am pulling the pipe outta my leg and the two winners who were with me couldn't give a damn.
I had to get back home to my bed with a severe wound and absolutely No help getting there.
That's been the story of my life so often. Nobody gives a damn. In Ranger School I qualified every physical test and every class up to that injury and thereafter. At the very end I was medically disqualified for the injury because I wasn't able to run yet with the hole in my leg. That is the best that man's Army will offer you. That's their mercy.
I had a lot of respect for individuals like Col. Fisher and many officers.
Just don't ask me what I think of the VA.
All that hard work and time for nothing! Now I'm serving a better Commander in Chief in the best Army that ever existed in history!
>FACT!<

That's the devil's world for you.
Sometimes the only Person Who cares, Who dresses your wounds and helps you get back on your feet again is the Lord Himself. Why would He have anything to do with such little men as us? He is Who He said He is and when others fail, He is there for us!
>Read Luke 10<

Luke 4:18 <

PS:
Vituously,
I will pray for you now and offer a short message from another preacher that should answer your question about the most important subject you brought up.
>The Best News You'll Ever Hear❤️<

If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

 

[timf]

Not all of the information you are getting may be accurate. One might expect that since Satan sets the course of this word (Eph 2:2) (for now and insofar as he is allowed by God), that he would have worked to make Christian practice systematized so that it prevents Christians from maturing. That you encounter rude and contentious "Christians" should not be surprising. That you can still find a few that are mature is what is more surprising.

You may have to find ways to continue you Christian growth outside of church. One place has an extensive blog archive as well as free pdf books and videos.

https://christianpioneer.com/