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    What is happening in the contemporary church?

    Hi Folks, I'm not really sure if this is the right group for me, but after reading "No Creed But Christ...," I thought this would be it. However I'm not sure of the "Restoration" part (but I'm open to edification) as I think practice of the faith evolves with humankind and it's as valid now -...
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    What is happiness? What is joy?

    Happiness: Wanting, and working towards, a Mercedes Benz. We achieve it, and it's actually in the driveway. We're happy. Joy: We don't get the Mercedes, and question ourselves if it was all that important. We realize and accept that all along, Jesus wanted us to be serving others...
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    Dysfunctional In-Laws

    On judgmental people, Jesus would ask your boyfriend to love them anyway (Matthew 5:43-44). How? Following the apostle Paul's advice to the Corinthians, to love them is not to allow himself to be provoked to anger, and to endure the criticism (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). And when you and your...
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    Ever Considered Being "Unchurched?"

    What interesting inputs. The Acts of the Apostles concept of church, while vaguely understandable to me at best, is really something that hasn't crossed my mind. But let me say this: to all of you who advocate staying connected with a church, I understand and appreciate the good intent...
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    Ever Considered Being "Unchurched?"

    As I did with a previous post, I bolded some words of yours that really struck a chord with me, especially "sovereignty." After placing on the backburner all the RCC's teachings and practices, and starting to apply the purest of Jesus' teachings, which are to love Him above all else, and...
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    Ever Considered Being "Unchurched?"

    Small world. I appreciate your response :) I'm going to preach to the choir these next few lines... What concerns me is that the RCC's practices tend to create a false sense of Christianity that can lead one to even act un-Christianly. More than once, in faith discussions with my...
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    Ever Considered Being "Unchurched?"

    I've experienced what you say, and it was wonderful.
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    Ever Considered Being "Unchurched?"

    I bolded the words above which mirror my thoughts. Thank you.
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    Ever Considered Being "Unchurched?"

    Appreciate your reply. How long have you been "unchurched?" It's been two weeks now that I've not gone to church but have made it a point to reflect and pray on those weekends. I do think church has its place, particularly during a person's formative years. But, in my experience...
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    Ever Considered Being "Unchurched?"

    Appreciate your thoughtful reply. I'm in 100% agreement.
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    Ever Considered Being "Unchurched?"

    Hello Everyone, All my life I've been attending church services but lately have considered not being a member of any church. However, I will continue to be a devoted follower of Jesus as I've been these past 15 years. This idea came to a boiling point in the past month when a brother-in-law...
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    Lately I've been thinking

    Hi there. What I've found so far in my spiritual journey is that making the most important decisions consists of answering these two questions: 1) What is my spiritual goal? 2) What is the process to reach that? IMO, spiritual goals can be as simple or profound as one makes it. In my...
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    Advice re divorce

    Hi. I'd like to propose a different view. When divorce or separation is considered an option, in my experience one has already taken one step in that direction. The first step in arriving at a "save the marriage" course of action is therefore to decide: will divorce ever be an option...
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    Required to work Saturday and Sunday, normally go to church Sunday morning?

    Hi. "Going to church" has been a personal issue with me as well. Today I "go to our church" because if I don't, to my wife it is a diminution of my love for her. So, yes, I go to church for the wrong reason. I'm still ok with that because I know that God's real intent was, like Him on the...
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    I accepted Christ, feel different

    Like many who've said it's not an overnight transition, the surrender of my will to Christ's has taken many years. In fact, to this day I'm conscious of the fact that I'm still a case in progress. How does one define "accepting Christ?" For me, it's how I'm faithful to His basic teaching of...
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    Today I picked a fight with someone :(

    Hi there. Since a forum provides the natural benefit of stepping back and pondering a situation, please take this response in that light. Who knows - I might have reacted in the same manner you did if I were in the actual situation. That said, here goes. If loving others is the starting...
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    Spiritual superiority

    Hi Folks, been out for quite a bit except for a thread I recently started in the "50+" group (yes, I'm 50+ ;)). Over the last 6 months the subject of Near Death Experience has gotten my attention. More specifically, Howard Storm's (an atheist who became a Christian minister after his NDE)...
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    Asking for How-To Tips: "'til death do us part"

    Thank you everyone for taking the time to ponder my situation and for expressing your thoughts and prayers. I doubt that I'll be in this peaceful state if not for having y'all "lending an ear over the web." On with life, and may He continue to bless you and your families...
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    Asking for How-To Tips: "'til death do us part"

    Just wanted to bring closure to this thread that I started. Last night, I asked my wife to have a talk about our relationship and how we might conduct it going forward. Not unexpectedly, there was strong pushback to my plea that she have more restraint and kindness. The reason for that...
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    Asking for How-To Tips: "'til death do us part"

    Dave, I guess there's a need to give more, right? I can almost hear Jesus say, "yes, and if she asks a hundred times more, give it" (along the lines of Matthew 5:40). I say with all sincerity that what you've spoken is difficult for man to conceive, but not for God and His instruments...