The Church is The People.

[GospelS]

We often discuss the shortcomings of churches and how they fail to meet the expected standards. While it's true that there are times when we need to make tough decisions about churches that consistently act contrary to God's teachings and His will, we should also consider how we demonstrate love for our neighbours within our families and workplaces.

How have we treated and supported our fellow community members over the years, especially considering that the people themselves make up the church? What about this forum? How have you contributed to your brothers and sisters in Christ over the years in this place, the sons and daughters of your Heavenly Father? Have we forgotten that we are married to Christ before anything else?

There were occasions when Jesus had to slip away from the crowd because they were only seeking him for the bread. “Jesus replied, Truly, truly, I tell you, it is not because you saw these signs that you are looking for Me, but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life" John 6.

Are we seeking God and the Church like that crowd, to fill our needs and our wants? I'm asking that we learn to love our neighbour as ourselves and show ourselves worthy in the tasks already assigned to us before seeking a partner. In Christ we are all married to one another. He offered us His fullness. Himself as The Bridegroom and His Holy Sprit, Your Sister, Your Bride, Your Church, Your People, Your Home. We are not alone or hopeless.

 

[timothyu]

Good post. Are we asking what we can do for God or as most often seems to be the case, what God can do for us?

 

[venksta]

Good post. Are we asking what we can do for God or as most often seems to be the case, what God can do for us?

It should be both, if we sincerely want to serve God in the lives of others, be it in a church, or people around us. If we want to serve God, we also need His help, through the Holy Spirit. Whenever I prepare the questions and thoughts for the bible study I lead, I always go to God in prayer, asking for wisdom, and for the Holy Spirit to teach me and those who attend.

 

[timothyu]

Whenever I prepare the questions and thoughts for the bible study I lead, I always go to God in prayer, asking for wisdom

Agree but far too many just want 'things'.

 

[AlexB23]

We often discuss the shortcomings of churches and how they fail to meet the expected standards. While it's true that there are times when we need to make tough decisions about churches that consistently act contrary to God's teachings and His will, we should also consider how we demonstrate love for our neighbours within our families and workplaces.

How have we treated and supported our fellow community members over the years, especially considering that the people themselves make up the church? What about this forum? How have you contributed to your brothers and sisters in Christ over the years in this place, the sons and daughters of your Heavenly Father? Have we forgotten that we are married to Christ before anything else?

There were occasions when Jesus had to slip away from the crowd because they were only seeking him for the bread. “Jesus replied, Truly, truly, I tell you, it is not because you saw these signs that you are looking for Me, but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life" John 6.

Are we seeking God and the Church like that crowd, to fill our needs and our wants? I'm asking that we learn to love our neighbour as ourselves and show ourselves worthy in the tasks already assigned to us before seeking a partner. In Christ we are all married to one another. He offered us His fullness. Himself as The Bridegroom and His Holy Sprit, Your Sister, Your Bride, Your Church, Your People, Your Home. We are not alone or hopeless.

Well, find a church that speaks the true gospel, and not a church that panders to modern day teachings, as explained below.

Date	May 12, 2024 | Cafeteria Christianity
Verse	2 Timothy 4:3 (ESV): "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions"
Explanation	2 Timothy 4:3 is a warning from the Apostle Paul to Timothy about the end days and the attitude of people towards sound teaching. The passage suggests that as the end times approach, people will become increasingly unwilling to hear and accept the truth, instead gravitating towards teachings that cater to their own desires and passions. This verse relates to the concept of Cafeteria Christianity, where people pick and choose which teachings they want to follow based on their personal preferences or desires, rather than submitting themselves to the whole truth of the gospel. The passage suggests that this tendency will become more prevalent as the end times approach. Using the analogy of a buffet, we can understand this concept further. Onions represent the truth, which can be stinging or uncomfortable at times. Firm steak represents the reading and understanding of the gospel, which can be challenging and requires effort. Nutrient-rich vegetables such as spinach represent the growth in faith that comes from embracing the truth and applying it to our lives. On the other hand, avoiding fish represents disregard for Jesus, who is the source of our salvation and the foundation of our faith. Consuming excessive amounts of sweet junk food or desserts such as cake represent the ungodly teachings that cater to humanity's selfish desires, rather than leading us towards a deeper relationship with God.
Societal Relevance	Cafeteria Christianity can be particularly dangerous during the modern times because of the abundance of information and teaching available through various media channels. With so many voices clamoring for attention, it can be easy to get lost in the noise and end up consuming teachings that do not align with the whole truth of the gospel. Revelation 2 and 3 also warn about the dangers of false teaching and the importance of remaining faithful to the teachings of Jesus. In Revelation 2:14-15, Jesus rebukes the church in Pergamum for holding on to the teaching of Balaam, which encouraged the people to indulge in sexual immorality. In Revelation 3:15-16, Jesus warns the church in Laodicea for being lukewarm in their faith and for not realizing that they are poor, blind, and naked. Therefore, it is important for us to be discerning in what we consume and to prioritize the truth of the gospel above our personal desires and preferences. We must be willing to embrace the challenging aspects of the faith and to grow in our relationship with God through the nutrient-rich teachings of the Bible. Ultimately, our goal should be to remain faithful to Jesus and to follow His teachings, rather than being swayed by the allure of false narratives or the desire for comfort and convenience. Here are 7 of the most common false teachings that we must avoid as Christians: The prosperity gospel: The belief that God will bless us with wealth and health if we have faith, disregarding the suffering and struggles that believers may face in this life. This teaching is not supported by the Bible, which teaches that believers may experience trials and hardships (James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 4:12-13). Salvation by only works: The belief that good works or religious rituals can earn us salvation. The Bible teaches that salvation is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 2:16). Denial of the Trinity: The belief that there is only one person in the Godhead, rather than the three distinct persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – who make up the one God. The Bible clearly teaches the doctrine of the Trinity (Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14). Rejection of the deity of Christ: The belief that Jesus was not God in human form, but rather a prophet or a good teacher. The Bible affirms the deity of Christ (Daniel 7:13-14, John 1:1, John 3:16-18, Colossians 2:9, Hebrews 1:8). Denial of the resurrection: The belief that there is no bodily resurrection of the dead or that Jesus did not rise from the dead. The Bible teaches that believers will be raised to eternal life and that Jesus rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:12-23, Acts 1:3, Luke 24). Doctrine of total individualism: The belief that emphasizes personal self-reliance, total self-sufficiency, and self-indulgence, disregarding the importance of community and the greater good. This teaching is not in line with the teachings of the Bible, which emphasizes the importance of loving our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31, Galatians 5:13-14). Anti-environmentalism: The belief that prioritizes human needs and desires above the care and preservation of the natural world. This teaching is not supported by the Bible, which teaches that humans are stewards of God's creation and are called to care for it (Genesis 2:15, Colossians 1:16-17, Isaiah 24:4-6, Jeremiah 2:7). These false teachings can be harmful to our spiritual growth and can lead us away from the truth of the gospel. It is essential that we stay grounded in the teachings of the Bible and remain discerning in what we believe and teach.

 

[GospelS]

Well, find a church that speaks the true gospel, and not a church that panders to modern day teachings, as explained below.

Of course. Thanks for sharing. I understand and agree with what you are saying but I'm referring to loving your "neighbour" as your church because the church is the people. Any place and any person could be a church, if two or more gathered in His name to fellowship. You are my neighbour here when I'm talking to you. This place is a church. That's how God sees and I also.

 

[venksta]

Of course. Thanks for sharing. I understand and agree with what you are saying but I'm referring to loving your "neighbour" as your church because the church is the people. Any place and any person could be a church, if two or more gathered in His name to fellowship. You are my neighbour here when I'm talking to you. This place is a church. That's how God sees and I also.

Amen!

Matthew 18:19-20: Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

 

[timewerx]

I tried telling the truth to my close relatives who are also Christians using the Bible but they didn't like it.

Money and self-preservation is the strongest magical potion of the devil I ever encountered and it goes hand-in-hand. I myself is not immune to it. I never got immune to its spells. Even the 2nd wisest person ever born fell to it. I think only Jesus is immune to it.

It's easy to say when you never had more money than you need. But I did at some point in the past and I don't think I'm still over it. It concerns me that Christians don't handle wealth like a bomb that could explode at any time. They treat money like they're wiser than King Solomon.

What happens when people starts having way more money than they need and "achieves" security or self-sufficiency, they begin to fear death. They get crazy trying to preserve their lives and secure the wealth they have accumulated. They start subconsciously wishing that Jesus or the end of the world or "rapture" would be postponed and never see it in their lifetimes.

At least personally, that's how I felt when I used to have more money than I need for a brief period in my life. I don't think I ever got over it and I believe I'm still quite susceptible to it - the deceitfulness of wealth.

It can be a scary thought for Christians who in the back of their minds is hoping the Lord's return is delayed. The Lord may not come to their rescue when they themselves die (naturally, from old age, etc).

 

[GospelS]

Good post. Are we asking what we can do for God or as most often seems to be the case, what God can do for us?

Thank you. Sure. It is important for us to be available for God to do what He sent us here for, which is to love others. I see some people doing everything but not bearing fruit, and they wonder why nothing is working or changing.

I think they are missing the most fundamental thing. They may think they are getting into heaven, but they have not established their belief in action. But then they just blame it on the church, on parents and so on, before evaluating and judging themselves.

Do to others as you would have them do to you...Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbour has fulfilled the law.

 

[AlexB23]

Of course. Thanks for sharing. I understand and agree with what you are saying but I'm referring to loving your "neighbour" as your church because the church is the people. Any place and any person could be a church, if two or more gathered in His name to fellowship. You are my neighbour here when I'm talking to you. This place is a church. That's how God sees and I also.

Agreed. I thought you were referring to the church as a whole. And, in order to love your Christian neighbor, sometimes you must rebuke him, without offending him. If he/she follows the world a bit much, show him some love by teaching him the gospel.

 

[DragonFox91]

The church isn’t your bride. The church is the bride to Christ. You are part of the church so you are the bride to Christ. You don’t date the church, you’re engaged to Christ. Ways to show your engagement is collective worship, prayer, Bible reading & study, & fellowship, often at a meeting place (his house, a physical church) for that sole purpose.

 

[GospelS]

The church is the bride to Christ.

Yes, but where is Christ but in us when two or more gather in His name. Christ in you. Christ in your fellow believer. He dates, engages, and marries His Bride through His Father working in prophets, apostles, and disciples. I agree some are still in the engagement phase. That's good and fine. I'm on to the marriage phase in my faith journey.

 

[GospelS]

You are part of the church so you are the bride to Christ.

Yes. As part of church you are the bride. As an individual who rose from dead and transformed into the image of Christ, you are also representing the bridegroom. If you haven't reached there yet, someday you will.

 

[GospelS]

The church isn’t your bride.

Yes. So let's be careful how we treat Her, and make sure to respect and love Her for She belongs to Him who lives in you, not to you.

 

[GospelS]

Ways to show your engagement is collective worship, prayer, Bible reading & study, & fellowship, often at a meeting place (his house, a physical church) for that sole purpose.

People are doing this but there is lack of love. Without love for your neighbour, all of this has no meaning and purpose. That's no engagement and they are getting no where. While people who do not know Christ are fulfilling His mission and the law by loving their neighbours. They are reaping the harvest while some who say are believers are stuck with complaining like those Israelites in the wilderness.

Way to show our engagement to Christ is by loving one another. "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

 

[timothyu]

The church is based on God's truth and His Kingdom represents that truth. Jesus partook in the creation of the Kingdom and will rule over it. Rev. tells us it is His bride for the two shall become one. Consider that the Adversary will have you believe a human doctrine that puts you ahead of the Kingdom. The Jews rejected the Kingdom, God's truth, His bride ,so these were the ones who found not the time to attend the wedding feast. The Gentiles as a result were invited to the feast. We are nothing more than guests at the feast. It is sacrilegious to claim we are the bride and not mere guests. We make ourselves far too important in God's plan to establish His Kingdom. We humans are not truth but those of the feast have accepted His truth, which does not make us brides but guests at the wedding of a Saviour and His Kingdom built upon truth.

 

[GospelS]

The church is based on God's truth and His Kingdom represents that truth. Jesus partook in the creation of the Kingdom and will rule over it. Rev. tells us it is His bride for the two shall become one. Consider that the Adversary will have you believe a human doctrine that puts you ahead of the Kingdom. The Jews rejected the Kingdom, God's truth, His bride ,so these were the ones who found not the time to attend the wedding feast. The Gentiles as a result were invited to the feast. We are nothing more than guests at the feast. It is sacrilegious to claim we are the bride and not mere guests. We make ourselves far too important in God's plan to establish His Kingdom. We humans are not truth but have accepted His truth, which does not make us brides but guests at the wedding of a Saviour and His Kingdom built upon truth.

True. Thanks for sharing. That is dangerous for everyone to automatically consider themselves as bride without such anointment and revelation from Christ. The Spirit of Truth is The Bride of Christ. I must change the title of this thread to avoid confusion as there are guests and other roles in the kingdom at the marriage supper.

 

[GospelS]

Agree but far too many just want 'things'.

That's the spirit of Esau. He just wants the stuff, not the spiritual aspects and responsibilities of genuine caring, so he plays the game of being in it to make believe his father that he is indeed wise and hardworking. His mother Rebecca won't be fooled by it. She sees it all and orchestrates something else.

 

[GospelS]

I tried telling the truth to my close relatives who are also Christians using the Bible but they didn't like it.

Money and self-preservation is the strongest magical potion of the devil I ever encountered and it goes hand-in-hand. I myself is not immune to it. I never got immune to its spells. Even the 2nd wisest person ever born fell to it. I think only Jesus is immune to it.

It's easy to say when you never had more money than you need. But I did at some point in the past and I don't think I'm still over it. It concerns me that Christians don't handle wealth like a bomb that could explode at any time. They treat money like they're wiser than King Solomon.

What happens when people starts having way more money than they need and "achieves" security or self-sufficiency, they begin to fear death. They get crazy trying to preserve their lives and secure the wealth they have accumulated. They start subconsciously wishing that Jesus or the end of the world or "rapture" would be postponed and never see it in their lifetimes.

At least personally, that's how I felt when I used to have more money than I need for a brief period in my life. I don't think I ever got over it and I believe I'm still quite susceptible to it - the deceitfulness of wealth.

It can be a scary thought for Christians who in the back of their minds is hoping the Lord's return is delayed. The Lord may not come to their rescue when they themselves die (naturally, from old age, etc).

God gave Joseph wisdom so that he could store food for the future famine. This was part of God's plan to elevate Joseph to glory and save his people. It's normal to fear death and the end of days.

Joseph had the responsibility of managing the food supply during the famine, either by selling it or giving it away as directed by God. He was anointed and had the authority to make these decisions.

As long as the motives are right and the project is led by the Holy Spirit, it's reasonable and good to preserve lives and secure wealth. Joseph, who was favored by his father, was given a multicolored coat.

His dreams showed that he was set apart from his brothers, which made them jealous and resentful of him. However, Joseph ended up saving them during the famine, despite their ill feelings towards him.

Love for money is root of all evil. Not the money itself. But let's not grumble about wealthy Christians. That's not beneficial but shows our lack of trust that God is in control. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I understand your concern and struggle.

 

[timewerx]

God gave Joseph wisdom so that he could store food for the future famine. This was part of God's plan to elevate Joseph to glory and save his people. It's normal to fear death and the end of days.

Joseph had the responsibility of managing the food supply during the famine, either by selling it or giving it away as directed by God. He was anointed and had the authority to make these decisions.

As long as the motives are right and the project is led by the Holy Spirit, it's reasonable and good to preserve lives and secure wealth. Joseph, who was favored by his father, was given a multicolored coat.

His dreams showed that he was set apart from his brothers, which made them jealous and resentful of him. However, Joseph ended up saving them during the famine, despite their ill feelings towards him.

Love for money is root of all evil. Not the money itself. But let's not grumble about wealthy Christians. That's not beneficial but shows our lack of trust that God is in control. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I understand your concern and struggle.

The main characters in the Old Testament needed to be everything, including being very rich to fulfill the birth of Jesus.

But once Jesus was born, the narrative changed.

God no longer promised material wealth while still alive in our Earthly bodies. Only Satan gave that promise in the New Testament.

What seemed like promises of material abundance by Jesus is taken out of context by the false "Prosperity Gospel" because Jesus made it clear in John Chapter 6, only the Spirit has value. The flesh (the material) is worthless.

It doesn't make sense that Jesus will give you an abundant life by giving you worthless things. People stuck in the prosperity gospel won't understand what I'm saying. They will think I'm an immature child - the very thing the Lord wants us to become.