Is attending a church necessary?

SarahJane · Alley Cat Joined: 20 Nov 2005 Posts: 177

I'm sure that every individual believes that the path they are on is the correct path or they would not go the direction they go.

Is it necessary for a Christian to attend church services and if it is how does a person decide which church to attend?

FFT · Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 12:45 pm Post subject:

I believe Jesus Christ said a little something about praying at home, rather than praying in public. Something about praying as a way to show off to others being hypocritical. Draw from that what you will. I'll find the verse if you like.
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When Science was in its crib, Religion tried to strangle it. When Science was in its infancy, Religion tried to abuse it. Now that Science is grown up, Religion wants to be in its good graces.

Theology is philosophy/ethics for people who already know what conclusion they want to come to.

SarahJane · Alley Cat Joined: 20 Nov 2005 Posts: 177

I'm familiar with that verse, thank you. Is church only for prayer though?

lone-traveler · Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 1:45 pm Post subject:

I haven't been to a church for many years.
The bible says the spirit will lead you into all truth. So I lean on God to teach me out of his word.

I am not advocating to go or not to go. That is the individual's choice.

It's just that I prefer to learn what God shows me rather than a particular denomination.

That's just me SarahJane.

Honestly though I find truth in a lot of them. But I haven't been convinced that there is only one that is the right one.
For me that is....

I was born catholic, later became a baptist, been to many different ones, and some teach and some just preach enjoying hearing themselves talk.

I've been to some that will allow you to ask questions, and others that tell you to question nothing.

Some are real quiet and serious, others are all HALLELUIA!! and Praise!!

Some have certain rituals they perform and others have none.

So you have lots of choices. Like going into the market and picking what brand of tomato sauce you want.

I just like it quiet. Me, my bible, and the holy spirit.

And of course coming here and learning from others what they have learned. Sometimes life is the best teacher and sometimes not.

The most important thing in my opinion is: whatever it is that brings you closer to God is usually the best way. Because it's that relationship that is the most important above all else. And if you can find a group that puts God and your relationship to Him above all else than that might be a place to start.

Like I say.. Lots of choices...and I don't believe any of them are wrong, just different. Truth is found in many places.

Peace
Lone
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Joh 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
Joh 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

FFT · Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 1:50 pm Post subject:

SarahJane · Alley Cat Joined: 20 Nov 2005 Posts: 177

Why would Christian fellowship be hypocritical? That doesn't make sense at all.

FFT · Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 2:08 pm Post subject:

When it becomes groupthink. When its members remain members because they want to remain close with its members, and not because of any inner revelation or what-have-you.
_________________
When Science was in its crib, Religion tried to strangle it. When Science was in its infancy, Religion tried to abuse it. Now that Science is grown up, Religion wants to be in its good graces.

Theology is philosophy/ethics for people who already know what conclusion they want to come to.

SarahJane · Alley Cat Joined: 20 Nov 2005 Posts: 177

Hiya lone, somehow I missed your earlier message. I grew up Catholic as well. Recently I was reminded why I'm not so comfortable with the Catholic church. I'm not saying it's right or wrong, just that I'm not comfortable with it any longer. I would like to attend church somewhere but I'm not sure where I might want to go.

FTT, what you are describing isn't a problem with any church. That tends to happen in any group of people and the ones who do it would do it in any setting. Being a hypocrite is an individual choice, we cannot paint all who attend a church with the hypocrite brush just because they go to church. Not all Christian fellowship will include cliques and friendships are not something terrible.

It's up to an individual to discern their reasons for attending church. I certainly hope that I never feel comfortable enough with my own faith that I try to judge the hearts of others, or decide why they do or don't do certain things without getting their input. Crying or Very sad

nannabug · Growing Guppy Joined: 06 Nov 2005 Posts: 42

My recommendation? If you can find a church that teaches Bible doctrine, that doesn't believe the only way to heaven is to become a member of 'their' denomination or church, that isn't wrapped up in legalisms or self-righteousness, then go. Learning with others in Christian fellowship can be a truly remarkable experience.

I live in a rural area and my choices are somewhat limited. I personally do not 'believe' in denominations so have attended several different churches. All of the churches in my surrounding area left me spiritually hungry. There was always singing, announcements, hand-shaking, programs, etc., with only about 20 minutes of watered down Bible doctrine. So my husband and I are now devoted to self-studies. Not just on Sundays or Wednesdays or what-have-you, but every day. Yes, we do miss days on occasion such as when we have houseguests, for example. But at least an hour a day is our goal. The internet has opened up a treasure-trove of information, but (and this is the big drawback) there is also a plethora of crap out there to sift through in order to find solid, reliable God-breathed doctrine. In the beginning it was difficult to differentiate, but as more and more time passes it becomes more abundantly clear. In your search for knowledge pick it up, look it over, then set it down and move on if the word of God isn't written all over it.

golfjack · Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 3:29 pm Post subject: reply

No Church can save anybody, but it is good to go to Church for Worship and fellowship, and hearing the Word preached. I would recommend a Bible Based Church, and one that Preaches a bloody cross. I would stay away from a legalistic and liberal Churches. Anyway, that is my recommendation.

May God bless, golfjack

FFT · Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 3:32 pm Post subject:

nannabug · Growing Guppy Joined: 06 Nov 2005 Posts: 42

FFT · Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 4:08 pm Post subject:

I can argue within your context. Similarly, I could argue about the relative strength of Hercules and Atlas.

I read the bible while I was still a Christian. Doing so revealed to me that its "truth" was in fact just like every other mythology.

Stories for children. I chose to grow up.
_________________
When Science was in its crib, Religion tried to strangle it. When Science was in its infancy, Religion tried to abuse it. Now that Science is grown up, Religion wants to be in its good graces.

Theology is philosophy/ethics for people who already know what conclusion they want to come to.

SarahJane · Alley Cat Joined: 20 Nov 2005 Posts: 177

Golfjack, the 'conservative' churches seem to be much more political than the liberal churches and that's one of the things that has really turned me off about going to church.

FFT, there is nothing childish about believing. To me it seems much more childish to post na-na-na-na-boo-boo posts on a Christian forum when you don't believe. Don't get me wrong, posts like yours are great for strengthening faith so it isn't bad that they are here. I don't see anything 'grown up' about a person trying to poke at another persons faith. Even in moments of great doubt for me I would never have attempted to make fun of someone for believing. That seems like a rather odd way to spend life.

golfjack · Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 5:30 pm Post subject: reply

SarahJane, What is your definition of a conservative Church and liberal church? I am opposed to Abortion, same sex-sexmarriage, homosexuality, universeualism, and other ungodly beliefs. Is it wrong to bring back prayer in schools, say under God in our pledge, be able to wish one Merry Christmas in public without rebuke from the ACLU? Yes that is conservative and proud of it.

May God bless, golfjack