Churches

Tiger75 · Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2002 7:11 am Post subject: Churches

What 'sort' of Churches are people from. You might have to point out to me what makes your church 'that sort of church."

Tiger

Van · Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2002 11:53 am Post subject: Churches

Lets do an inventory and see if you are prepared for membership in my sort of church.

Are you ready to love other members in the same way that Jesus loved you?

Are you ready to honor other members above yourself?

Are you ready to agree with other members in all non-essential matters?

Are you ready to accept other members, just as Christ accepted you?

Are you ready to bear other members burdens? (Think of the financial implications.)

Are you willing to be as devoted to other members as you are to your family?

Are you willing to be a true friend of other members, admonishing them in love?

Are you ready to encourage and build-up other members? (Think of prayer prep-time)

Are you willing to submit to other members out of reverence for Christ?

Are you willing to be completely humble and gentle with other members?

Are you ready to serve other members in love?

References:
Matthew 16:18
Matthew 28:18-20
Matthew 19:16-22
Matthew 25:31-46
John 13:34-35
Romans 12:10
Romans 15:5
Romans 15:7
Galatians 6:2
Romans 15:14
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Ephesians 5:21
Ephesians 4:2
Galatians 5:13
1 Peter 4:10
1 Timothy 3:14-5
2 Corinthians 13:5

Zathrus · Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2002 12:34 pm Post subject: Churches

quote:
Originally posted by Van:
Lets do an inventory and see if you are prepared for membership in my sort of church.

If I found the perfect church, I know they wouldn't let me in!

kancerman · Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2002 12:56 pm Post subject: Churches

quote:
Originally posted by Zathrus:
If I found the perfect church, I know they wouldn't let me in!

Why, because they perfected themselves out of heaven?? (inside joke)

[This message has been edited by kancerman (edited 11-12-2002).]

victoria · Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2002 7:51 pm Post subject: Churches

Well I am a Christian first and while I believe that scripture encourages corporate worship, one could go to church 24/7, and still not be pleasing. I just believe that being a Christian is an indivdual pursuit. I do not mean to take away from going to church though. I do go to church, in fact 3 times a week. I do not think that is the point that Tiger was making though.

Even though I try to encourage and uplift my brothers and sisters each week, by being there and worshiping, I think that you can do that kind of thing (attendance) yet still not be there in the way that God wants.

We, as individual Christians are in fact the church, so I think that where I go there are strugglers, just like myself.

I will say that in my church family, there are some just tremendous examples of faith and love. Our elders, who have the oversight of our congregation have a wonderful shepherds approach to doing that. Each one of them are really godly, kind and compassionate men. In fact, kids are usually hanging all over them. You can't fool a child, if love is not present, they do usually shy away.

Anyway, I think most of us at West are seeking to know God and to be conformed to His image. Afterall, that is what I want. To have His heart, his love for those that tick me off, His patience. And I think that most people go for some of the same reasons.

V

V

Zathrus · Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2002 9:36 pm Post subject: Churches

I'm currently in a non-denominational fellowship where the emphasis of their ministry is grace. They don't share my eschatological perspective, but that's OK. I'm real happy there now. Almost everywhere else I've fellowshipped, I've ended up being a "square peg".

Heavenly Home · Posted: Sat Nov 09, 2002 12:04 am Post subject: Churches

i am in a pentecostal church and have been all my life and that will never change

Van · Posted: Sat Nov 09, 2002 4:44 am Post subject: Churches

I think Christianity is as much a family thing and a friends thing as an individual thing. One of Martin Luther King Jr.'s favorite sermons concerned reaching up to God, reach sideways to fellow believers and reaching out to non-believers.

ChristysHeart · Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2002 10:43 pm Post subject: Churches

I attend Catholic Mass most Sundays, however have found that it's not the church, but the people that you surround yourself with when you give thanks to God. This past sunday I attended a non-denominational service on Fort Hood with my friend and neighbor across the street from me that was conducted by a Rabbi, a minister, and a priest. There was a cohesiveness to the way that they led us in prayer that was very uplifting and moving.

Happy Veteran's Day to all

Christy

Matdvd · Posted: Sun Nov 17, 2002 6:29 pm Post subject: Churches

I always knew that God wanting us to assemble together, wasn't so we could huddle around and point at everyone who didn't think the same way we do, but to help us hold each other up, recover from wounds, and push each other back into the game. God knows, life is tough out there.

For some reason, outsiders always think they have to be good and clean themselves up, to go to church, but I was brought up that church is more of a spiritual hosptial, and people don't get well before they check themselves into a hosptial. The more sinful you are, the better suited you are to drag your butt to church.

Anyone who knows, knows that all those inside chruch who think they are holy, probably aren't. The more we examine, the more we find. Humbling, to say the least.

Even though I don't know the full intent of the original question, if it was denominational, then I am part of a wonderful Southern Baptist family.

...and no, I don't think the purple tellatubby, or however you spell it, is gay!! hehehe.

leecappella · Hamster Joined: 22 Nov 2002 Posts: 89

I was raised in a Baptist church, but I now consider myself non-denominational. I currently attend a church that is non-denominational and it is welcoming of all who seek a personal relationship with Christ, regardless of race, creed, age, sexual orientation, etc.

Zathrus · Posted: Thu Dec 12, 2002 12:39 pm Post subject: Churches

quote:
Originally posted by leecappella:
...a church that is non-denominational and it is welcoming of all who seek a personal relationship with Christ, regardless of race, creed, age, sexual orientation, etc.

That is so cool. I think that sort of church will be a trend in Christianity in the coming decades.

[This message has been edited by Zathrus (edited 12-12-2002).]

Nobby · Posted: Sat Dec 14, 2002 11:50 am Post subject: Churches

Hello All,
I fall into the same catagory as Heavenly Home, I'm Penecostal also.
His Blessings be upon you,

Nobby

[This message has been edited by Nobby (edited 12-14-2002).]