(Unchurched)

[watchman7]

Hello Unchurched Brothers and Sisters,
I read in some of your letters that you are interested in why some Christians do not attend church. I think that we are usually referring to the what is called the mainstream church in America. There are obviously many thousands of Christians who do not attend these churches.
There are many reasons: dissatisfaction, health, disagreement,etc. I don't like to call us unchurched, but that seems to be the term that people understand. Most associate church with a building.
I do not believe the church requires real estate ownership in order to be scriptural.
I believe the church (whether they meet in church owned real estate, home, online, etc.) is scriptural as long as Christ is recognized as Lord and Savior and the Bible is accepted unconditionally as God's Word.
Any church (assembly of Believers) must abide by the principles set forth in the Bible.
Therefore, Christians should not forsake the gathering because the gathering can take place just about anywhere, even here on this forum. There are always those of course those who just cannot gather, but this should be the exception.
I believe if you desire to attend a local assembly in what is accepted as as church, this is good.
If you cannot or decide not to attend the local church building, I believe it is still scriptural if you assemble as I mentioned above.
So, fellow (unchurched) members, let's choose to assemble at home, work, school, on the river bank or even here in this forum.
Christ is the Head of the Church. The Church is the body of Christ. Don't let anyone look on the (unchurched) as being out of God's will.
IHS

[Andry]

There are obviously many thousands of Christians who do not attend these churches.

There are many reasons: dissatisfaction, health, disagreement,etc.
IHS
What about a rebellious spirit?

[StevenL]

What about rebellious "churches" ? :)

[Albion]

The drift of threads like this usually is towards the idea that the institutional church has failed Christians or has lost its way. I am not arguing against that now, but I would like to ask a related, more theological, question.

Granted, the NT speaks of gathering together and not avoiding this. We can assemble in many different ways. What of the argument that the institutional church is really Jesus' intent?

More precisely, what in the NT clearly establishes that what he instructed the Apostles and other disciples hearing his voice to do--and with the authority he gave them--could be transferred to anyone coming later?

Unless we can show that all that today's ministers and churches do in his name is with his permission or instruction, nothing of it matters except 1) the moral codes he taught to all men and 2) the connection we are invited to have with him, through Faith, as individuals.

Thoughts?

[watchman7]

I believe groups of Christians have been and still can be rebellious. Protestantism was born in this manner. Who is to say what is next in God's perfect plan.

The Church is the Body of Christ. It is more than an institution. Practically speaking, there must be communion between members the Head. In New Testament times, this occurred in Synagogues, homes, prisons, and outdoors. I believe in many ways we have surrendered to the program rather than to the Word.

I do believe the local church assembly is scriptural. As I have mentioned before, this is not always possible. We have to admit, obviously, that unchurched exists whether because of personal sin or God's will. Whatever the case, He still loves us and will make a way for us because He has a plan for each of us.

Christ gave us the Great Commission - to share His Good News. This hasn't changed.

We or nobody else can prove that all ministers or all churches provide instruction according to God's will. This however does not mean that nothing matters.God has given us (Christians) His Spirit of discernment that continues to reveal His will ,today as in the past, according to His Word. God has spoken. We have proof of that.

When we accept Christ by faith, our presuppositions take a radical change (repentance). We should actually believe what the Bible teaches, even if takes reading it every day for as long as we live.

Thanks for the input in this discussion concerning the (unchurched) (I really don't like that word).
May God Bless You.

[Sally Wren]

Hi you all. I"m using my husband's work computer at this job because my car broke down and he had to come and pick me up. So lucky me I get to use the computer again.

Well, how are you all doing? Good, I hope.

Wow cool, I just found this part of the website (I'm just new to this website) and I didn't know they had a section for Home Church and Unchurched. I perfer to think of myself as Unchurched since I have tried many Home Churches and quite frankly! How do you find one that is on track? They either don't believe in the manifestation of the Holy Spirit (the gifts) or they are really off on some harmful doctrine. This world is a zoo right now.

Praise God for His promises to us and especially the one the says the gates of hell will not prevail against the Church.

It is so sad what is happening to Terri Schiavo right now. It is a real case of someone (her husband) that thinks what he is doing is right. The bible says that what everyone does they think it is right but God weighs the spirits. This man has commited adultery. He has gone to the courts before the sinners to resolve his conflict. I have no doubt that he truly doesn't mean his wife harm but he seems to have a very confused mind. I have to ask myself how many judges in our country have decreed unrighteous decrees and the bible says "Woe, to those who decree unrighteous decrees". People think they are getting away with things, and the truth is that they are not. But it seems they have succeeded in taking Terri's life this time. Beyond a miracle!

Can I assemble here with some people? I just have this incredible drive to, for some unknown reason, to have a driving need to do God's Word and it says we are to assemble even as we see the day approaching.

But you know after living years outside the "church" (23 years now) I have thought and thought and thought and thought about things. I have come to the conclusion that we are not rightly dividing the Word of God. The bible also says that we are not to let any man deceive us by any means TOO.

Oh, by the way did you all hear that you can see Jesus on a piece of tile now. Yeah, He must be on that bathroom tile! Be sure and go see him, LOL. When they say He is here and He is there, do not go. That is what the bible says.

Well, glad to have been back. I'm going to be getting a computer of my own in a couple of weeks so I can be on more often again. I look forward to doing that.

Love Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ our Lord,

Kim

[2+2=5]

What about rebellious "churches" ?
!..Not possible ;)

[Wisdom's Child]

!..Not possible ;)

:D Really???


Matthew 24:48-51
But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.


The Servant of the Lord, is a reference to the follower of Christ, and the Ecclesia (Church).

One of the signs of the "Evil Servant" (Rebellious Christian/Church) is that they tend to "smite their fellow servants", ie, verbally abuse other Christians...

Which of course never happens, especially at Christian Forums ;)

[DEPO]

I am new to this site and have already encountered people who have come against what I know is true through the Holy Spirit..... I saw this post and wanted to let people know that Home Church is the new testament church, and in some countries it is the only church.

Here is why I love my Church,
We are a cell church which is a New Testament model. The Disciples of Christ spoke publically and house to house, this is what we do. We have the Saturday and Sunday meetings and during the week we have cell groups that meet, during cell we pray, worship and get into the word of God. This is not a bible study, a bible study is for personal growth, the cell is evangelical in the sense we invite friends, family and co-workers, we have all the basic church elements that the large service has. Prayer, worship, offering and ministry all takes place in the home.
At this time our Public services are growing due to the cell ministry, we have over 100 cells in our church and it is still growing strong.

[mrs.wilde]

I have been a Christian for six years and have searched, attended and found out that they don't have any use for me. I never felt right with organized churches. I quit attending church and started concentrated on evangelizing. I also serve V.O.M. I finally feel useful for the Lord. I have peace with Him too. Thank you for this forum.

[Albion]

I am new to this site and have already encountered people who have come against what I know is true through the Holy Spirit..... I saw this post and wanted to let people know that Home Church is the new testament church, and in some countries it is the only church.

I'd have to question what I think is being described there as "Home Church." There are a few organizations that claim to have made home churches into some formal organization, ordaining their own people and, in effect, becoming a defacto denomination. Home Churches are nothing more than churches in homes, unaffiliated with any denomination, but also just as likely to be Baptistic or Pentecostal or just about any kind of Christian in orientation as any other.

[mrs.wilde]

I'd have to question what I think is being described there as "Home Church." There are a few organizations that claim to have made home churches into some formal organization, ordaining their own people and, in effect, becoming a defacto denomination. Home Churches are nothing more than churches in homes, unaffiliated with any denomination, but also just as likely to be Baptistic or Pentecostal or just about any kind of Christian in orientation as any other.That's very true. We just have to be complestely commited to Him. Thats the only way to discern. I believe if you are truful to Him He will help you to discern.

[9-iron]

Granted, the NT speaks of gathering together and not avoiding this. We can assemble in many different ways. What of the argument that the institutional church is really Jesus' intent?





:thumbsup: I think both sides of the issue are out of balance. I will agree with the model and mode of operation more so with the 'institutional' church over home church. However, this beast if you will has been subject to false teaching, deception and abuse of authority. It has in a way become self destructive. In response it has become more and more self-propagating in order to save itself. Evermore creating it's own downfall.

On the other hand, I have found the home church movement to be out of balance as well. It to has been subject to false doctrine, abuse and lack of structure.

The main issue is that the church as whole lacks true, Godly, servant, humble and honest overseers in my opinion. The leaders we are either abusive or have been given into the false doctrines pasted down over the decades.

Walking in unity and love is addressed by Paul over and over. We must find some common ground and unity. We can do this and we do it without each one comprimising their core believes. It will take a little giving on both sides on issues that are irrelavant to the great commission.

[New_Wineskin]

On the other hand, I have found the home church movement to be out of balance as well. It to has been subject to false doctrine, abuse and lack of structure.


Perhaps , it just isn't for you . The home churches are as varied as the nondenoms . The only difference is the setting . That is all . That of course means there will be abuse since there is abuse o matter what the setting , no matter how many members , no matter how many levels of "authority , and no matter how long the group has been in existance . False doctrine ? The same can be applied . Structure ? Is structure needed ? What type and why ?


The main issue is that the church as whole lacks true, Godly, servant, humble and honest overseers in my opinion. The leaders we are either abusive or have been given into the false doctrines pasted down over the decades.


I see that we agree . Except that I wouldn't say that the church lacks these but groups calling themselves "churches" lack them .

[9-iron]

Perhaps , it just isn't for you . The home churches are as varied as the nondenoms . The only difference is the setting .




My personal home church experience has been with two groups. I also work with others who have tried cell church/home church type of fellowships. From what I gather most have a shelf life of 10-12 months on average. For whatever reason they don't seem to hold together. Or least in my limited experience.

The question is posed by the Apostle Paul and the commandment is to walk in love and in unity. How can we do that if we become exclusive of one another? In fact, I see more and more division occuring throughout the Body of Christ with each passing year it seems.

[9-iron]

I see that we agree . Except that I wouldn't say that the church lacks these but groups calling themselves "churches" lack them .




I think these people are out there. Unfortunately most are discouraged, caught up in false doctrine, under religious systems that hold them back or just have flat out thrown in the towel.

[New_Wineskin]

My personal home church experience has been with two groups. I also work with others who have tried cell church/home church type of fellowships. From what I gather most have a shelf life of 10-12 months on average. For whatever reason they don't seem to hold together. Or least in my limited experience.


Yeah , there are a lot out there that have existed for quite some time . I wonder what the shelf life is of new nondenoms . I can see why many fail . One reason is that they continue to think that they must meet . When you start with the Law , other laws are added .


The question is posed by the Apostle Paul and the commandment is to walk in love and in unity. How can we do that if we become exclusive of one another? In fact, I see more and more division occuring throughout the Body of Christ with each passing year it seems.

Well , I find two contraditory doctrines among many Christians . First , they quote a phrase of one sentence that is out of context with the rest of the book ... "do not fasake" the assmbling together . Then , they insist that one *must* join a singular group and "church hopping" is forbidden . These two doctrines contradict each other as the second is an intentional forsaking of groups other than that one . Even if they allow for people to attend the meetings of other groups , those visits are secondary and not primary .

No matter how many people with whom you associate or "meet" , you cannot meet with all believers . This "unity" thing is not really about the unity of believers . These are organizations . Their doctrinal differences don't indicate a disunity among believers except when believers look to their organization as speaker for the church instead of al believers being the Church . The whole concept ofthe necessity of meetings in buildings on scheduled times with scheduled religious things to do misses the whole point of being with one another . This is a big cause of what people consider "disunity" .

[watchman7]

Hello Brothers and Sisters in Christ.
I commend each of for sharing your views in the love of Christ.
I really do not understand the importance of where Christians gather to worship.
The most important element is that we gather in Christ.
I agree that there differences of views and sometimes the duration is short.
We can share more similar views if seriously begin and continue with personal and corporate Bible study. I believe this is a critical factor that is often avoided.
We shouldn't be too concerned of the longevity group meetings. The early churches founded by Paul ceased to exist after a few years. This does not mean that they were wrong or inscriptural. Many of the instutional churches began scripturally but now are little more than museums on the street corners.
God will always have a remnant people. They may even be scattered as Israel experienced in the past. I believe the institutional church and the "unchurched" ( I really don't like this title) both contain some of God's remnant people.
Maybe we should look at Paul's work with the Church. His most important focus was maintaining unity between churches without sacrificing the truth of Scripture.
Let's search and pray for God's will for us today. The unbeliever will question, We should have a defense for the Gospel with love.
The institutional church has invented the word "unchurched" for those of us who do not attend. My connotation for our group is Christian Church.
This is not to imply that there are not Christians in the institutional church because there are, of course, and I know many of them personally.
We should be known for our fruit of the Spirit and our love for one another.
Let'slook forward. Any suggestions?

[9-iron]

The whole concept ofthe necessity of meetings in buildings on scheduled times with scheduled religious things to do misses the whole point of being with one another .


:D I have found a lot of people need structure or they are too lazy and unmotivated to move on their own. Myself included at times.

[New_Wineskin]

:D I have found a lot of people need structure or they are too lazy and unmotivated to move on their own. Myself included at times.

Ok . I don't think of those things as motivators except to focus on religious things instead of the Lord . But , that is for me .

[9-iron]

Ok . I don't think of those things as motivators except to focus on religious things instead of the Lord . But , that is for me .



I go to a Southern Baptist Church and it all works pretty well for those folks. You and I would have a hard time operating in that method, but they do okay. It keeps everyone focused. Most of the folks are very comfortable with the method of operation. Plus, I have noticed with several of the people there has been a great eye-opening in the last 5-6 years. Many are starting to see things differently. Perhaps { forbidden word here } they are seeking some "changes" and open to new ideas. Truly, while the system keeps them on trap, they are seeing how serving the church isn't always serving God. It is a big step for most of these folks. More than anything else I see is that the programs, activities, out-reach, services and such keep everyone plugged in. Everyone finds a place to fit and it all works out.

They do produce fruit, I see in salvations, people being restored the God, etc., etc.. For me and my family we use it as a place of fellowship, but don't really fall in the mainstream of things. Definately don't get involved in the politics or anything like that.

Only in the last 7-8 months have I truly seen that there is value in 'institutional' churches. It has a been a big step for me to even accept them, but then again, God accepts them and operates to the degree they seek Him. I have seen the Spirit move in this church. One Sunday they scrapped the service and allow the musicians to play while the pastor and deacons ministered to people. Total shock and that wouldn't have happened just 8-10 years ago.

God is wanting to move, I don't think He is prejudice to where or what group He moves in, if the people are willing to receive Him.

[StevenL]

My sister and brother-in-law go to a church like that. A country Baptist church that has been like on the edge of the Spirit for years now. They have some drums in the church..allow guitars...mandolin...etc. In fact several years ago, when I was still a wild-eyed, tongue-preachin', baptism with the Holy-Ghoster....(I've settled down and changed some views since then)....my brother and I went and preached the Baptism with the Spirit to a group in this church and one by one....they all were filled with the Spirit...I think they even all spoke in tongues. The preacher, who had hidden behind a door and listened, received the Spirit, spoke in tongues, and began to minister in healings and other manifestations. The dyed-in-the-wool Baptists eventually ran him off...but even so, they still remained in a strange, right-on-the-edge state, even to this day. I have no doubt the Spirit will move in a Catholic church, a Methodist church, even a Pentecostal church...I've even seen the Spirit move in a room filled with dope smokers. God moved on Balaam....a madman. God made a donkey talk. I too don't think He's limited to any certain place or type of people in His movements.

I'd still like to see His people generally begin to understand the foundational teachings of the Word in the Spirit and conform to them though. I think we, the members of the Body, have made it much harder than it really is.

[Sally Wren]

There's a rebellious spirit alright, but I don't think it is among those who go to home churches.

Sally

[watchman7]

Being "unchurched" ( I really do not like that title we have been given ) for about 20 years has brought me to a closer walk with Christ. I have been able to see beyond the building walls. I have used my time for intense Bible study and seeking God's will.
We conduct our church from home. This does not make it any less of a church.
I do not advocate leaving any assembly, institutional or home, that teaches Biblical truth.
From the views I read from you ( my brethren in Christ ) on this website, I believe we all see a little further than the "building walls". In churches that I have attended in the past, the focus tended to be on organizational activities rather than the Word of God.
I agree with you who said that we cannot use this web communication as a gathering.
However, since we share a common condition, we can exhort each other in Christ. Sharing our experience is very encouraging.
I think the main reason for Christians becoming "unchurched" is the lack of real Biblical teaching in the institutional church.
It is the utmost of importance to know what we as Christians believe and to be prepared to make a defense for it.
I think we, as the unchurched body of Christ, should use our experience to improve our walk with God.

[mrs.wilde]

I was in a salvation thread. i believe America's humongus churches are caused by OSAS(once saved always saved) theory. i attended so many fruitless churches filled with OSAS supporters. i dont know exactly what the Bible says about it but if what we say attracts false convers isnt that sin? i stopped attending because church lerders really didnt seem to care about their people's walk with God. i lost my son in this theory and he believes he is saved without any fruit of cristianity. i am so angry about people who support this because of my son.

[Albion]

I was in a salvation thread. i believe America's humongus churches are caused by OSAS(once saved always saved) theory. i attended so many fruitless churches filled with OSAS supporters. i dont know exactly what the Bible says about it but if what we say attracts false convers isnt that sin? i stopped attending because church lerders really didnt seem to care about their people's walk with God. i lost my son in this theory and he believes he is saved without any fruit of cristianity. i am so angry about people who support this because of my son.

I'd only want to add that what you've described under the label of OSAS is not what those who understand the concept say it means (or John Calvin, with whom it is usually associated).

No doubt there are those who say that they accept OSAS and so let their committment to Christian living slip away, just as there are Christians who subscribe to the idea of the sacrament of Penance making everything "OK again" so that they can resume their careless lives as before.

On the other hand, I don't know why taking the easy way to salvation by either of these mistaken routes would cause the churches to overflow on Sunday. It would seem, logically, that the opposite would occur.

[Jemina]

Hallo brothers and sisters in the Lord!
:groupray:

I am new here, my question is: Don't you use the scripture to discuss about the truth concerning the body of Christ? There are so many bible verses which tell us how to live a normal church-life as His members of the glorious body of Jesus Christ! And if we compare these verses with the actual situation of churches all over the world - we feel there must be a mistake!

1.Cor.12:12.13
12For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

[mrs.wilde]

I'd only want to add that what you've described under the label of OSAS is not what those who understand the concept say it means (or John Calvin, with whom it is usually associated).

No doubt there are those who say that they accept OSAS and so let their committment to Christian living slip away, just as there are Christians who subscribe to the idea of the sacrament of Penance making everything "OK again" so that they can resume their careless lives as before.

On the other hand, I don't know why taking the easy way to salvation by either of these mistaken routes would cause the churches to overflow on Sunday. It would seem, logically, that the opposite would occur.My son's and my husband's pastor is the same one (althogh he got married to a Catholic girl and joined Catholic) His pastor told them their salvation is secured. I just don't get leaders who give this kind of assurance to people who are leading fruitless lives. They are confusing people with their hypocricy. Why don't American people understand hypocricy? The Bible makes it very clear live a spotless life. Of course no one is perfect but it's not so easy to spot hypocricy. I hope you don't brush me off saying I am judgemental. That's another tactic that hypocrites use to keep people's mouth shut.

[*Soulwings*]

Hey all, first time I'm posting here.
For the unchurched here, have you all left the church, or have you never attended one?

I have never gone to church before, although I have been a Christian for over a year. Should I go, or should I just stay where I am?
I wanted to go once with my mom. We went there, but were both too chicken to go in... we both felt out of place seeing everyone so dressed neatly. (I was wearing jeans and a pink t-shirt :D)
I'm thinking of going to one, but I'm still afraid....:o

[Sally Wren]

If you are really serious about knowing. I would recommend staying out of the churches. If you haven't gone to one don't start. Read the bible throughly first, maybe several times through. Spend time in prayer and fasting and seeking God. The bible says if you seek you will find.

I went to church for the first 26 years of my life. Then I started to realize there are some serious problems with the churches. I haven't attended a "church" like we have around us today for about 10 years now. And wow, I'm not dying spiritually.

There are a lot of out of the church christians now. Some are walking in truth and some are a bit confused. There are several websites that will even help you locate a home church close to you. I believe www.theealychurch.com (http://www.theealychurch.com) will do that. And their website tells you how the real church really functioned too. It is a very good website.

It is nice to assemble with other people, but in times like we live in that are so perilous. You have to becareful and not let any deceive you. This is just my opinion, but as times and circumstances change so can how we assemble change too. How did Paul assemble when he was in prison? You know he had to with a few people, but it certainly wasn't a regular assembly meeting in a house. So let's be led by the Spirit not the letter. The Spirit gives life the letter kills.

You know in all the 4 end time chapters that Jesus spoke to his disciples in, not one time did he say to assemble together, He said let no man deceive you. He said many false prophets will come and will deceive many. He said to endure until the end and you will be saved. I don't know about you, but being told to endure until the end is a lot different than being told to make sure you assemble together even until the end even if you can deceived. It's a big difference.

Sally

[mrs.wilde]

Hey all, first time I'm posting here.
For the unchurched here, have you all left the church, or have you never attended one?

I have never gone to church before, although I have been a Christian for over a year. Should I go, or should I just stay where I am?
I wanted to go once with my mom. We went there, but were both too chicken to go in... we both felt out of place seeing everyone so dressed neatly. (I was wearing jeans and a pink t-shirt :D)
I'm thinking of going to one, but I'm still afraid....:oI don't recognize your flag and don't know any countries' church situation. But in America most i believe in my experience they're not really concerned of their congregtions walk with God. If you are not whole heartedly commited Christian you will be decieved easily. Actually you will be decieved easily no matter where you are. Because if we are not commited you don't really care about your walk with God is fruitful or not. I hope you are a commited Christian and i urge to start read New Testament thoroughly from beginning to end until you get the basic idea what Jesus is teaching to us. if you are a commited one you will find out how wonderful His teaching and start change your life according to His teaching.
May God be with you,
love, mrs. wilde

[Bevlina]

Hey all, first time I'm posting here.
For the unchurched here, have you all left the church, or have you never attended one?

I have never gone to church before, although I have been a Christian for over a year. Should I go, or should I just stay where I am?
I wanted to go once with my mom. We went there, but were both too chicken to go in... we both felt out of place seeing everyone so dressed neatly. (I was wearing jeans and a pink t-shirt :D)
I'm thinking of going to one, but I'm still afraid....:o

We always encourage people to go to church if they can Soulwings. Please don't feel ashamed or afraid of what you are wearing. People don't go to church to see what other's are dressed in, they go for fellowship and to get to know like minded people.

[Bevlina]

If you are really serious about knowing. I would recommend staying out of the churches. If you haven't gone to one don't start.
We never, but never tell people not to go to church. Nor do we recommend it.



Read the bible throughly first, maybe several times through. Spend time in prayer and fasting and seeking God. The bible says if you seek you will find.
You can do that if you also go to church.

I went to church for the first 26 years of my life. Then I started to realize there are some serious problems with the churches. I haven't attended a "church" like we have around us today for about 10 years now. And wow, I'm not dying spiritually.
Yes, there are some problems within some of the churches, but not all of them. We have to be careful when we say those things.

There are a lot of out of the church christians now. Some are walking in truth and some are a bit confused. There are several websites that will even help you locate a home church close to you. I believe www.theealychurch.com (http://www.theealychurch.com/) will do that. And their website tells you how the real church really functioned too. It is a very good website.
There are literally thousands of home churches today. Many are excellent, but, we also have to be very careful that anyone who tries to lead a Home Church does not form a cult, or get the wrong slant on the Bible.

It is nice to assemble with other people, but in times like we live in that are so perilous. You have to becareful and not let any deceive you. This is just my opinion, but as times and circumstances change so can how we assemble change too. How did Paul assemble when he was in prison? You know he had to with a few people, but it certainly wasn't a regular assembly meeting in a house. So let's be led by the Spirit not the letter. The Spirit gives life the letter kills.

We also have to remember that the letters Paul wrote give us food, and life.
And, it's important to be led by the Holy Spirit.

You know in all the 4 end time chapters that Jesus spoke to his disciples in, not one time did he say to assemble together, He said let no man deceive you. He said many false prophets will come and will deceive many. He said to endure until the end and you will be saved. I don't know about you, but being told to endure until the end is a lot different than being told to make sure you assemble together even until the end even if you can deceived. It's a big difference.

Sally

Yes, Jesus did state many false prophets would come. And, they have been around for ages past. They are around today and spread their word fast on the Internet and through TV. But, we must also be aware that there are many wonderful churches out there, and we must never discourage people from attending a church of their choice if they so wish.
But, be aware just the same for many can deceive. I for one am anti the Prosperity Gospel. TV Evangelism like that of Benny Hinn etc; this is where it pays for us to pray for wisdom, and to seek wisdom.

[*Soulwings*]

I think I might go. If I have never gone, how can I judge how it is?

I guess it's also the fear of meeting luke-warm Christians.
My walk with Jesus is amazing... He speaks to me and helps me in every way.
I can't stand seeing Christians who don't have, or don't seek Life like this... some don't even know what it is... and I don't want to get influenced by anything.

[mrs.wilde]

I think I might go. If I have never gone, how can I judge how it is?

I guess it's also the fear of meeting luke-warm Christians.
My walk with Jesus is amazing... He speaks to me and helps me in every way.
I can't stand seeing Christians who don't have, or don't seek Life like this... some don't even know what it is... and I don't want to get influenced by anything.May God bless you for your fire on the Lord! Thats the only way to know true blessing comes from Him.
Love, mrs wilde

[Sally Wren]

Yes, there were false prophets in the days of the early church, but we are in the days of the falling away now. And that is very different than the days of the early church and the problems the early church had or even 100 years later. This is the falling way, days that the bible warns us that even the elect of God would be decieved (if possible), perilous days, that it is hard for flesh to even live, the days will be shortened because of these kind of days. That is very different than the days of the early church even with their struggles.

I have no problems warning people of the problems that are in the churches. And many people are choosing rather to go into home churches. And yes, there can be problems in a home church too. You have to becareful even in home churches.

Soulwings, at the website www.theearlychurch.com (http://www.theearlychurch.com) they will tell you if there is a home church close to you. And I especially encourage you to read the website. The website of www.theearlychurch.com (http://www.theearlychurch.com) actually has the true doctrine of the early church, the way the church really is suppose to function. It would do anyone good to read about them. Ways that the churches today are totally ignoring. The churches today want to hear what they want to hear, not what the truth really is.

Just my opinion and not afraid to say it

Kim

[Bevlina]

I think I might go. If I have never gone, how can I judge how it is?

I guess it's also the fear of meeting luke-warm Christians.
My walk with Jesus is amazing... He speaks to me and helps me in every way.
I can't stand seeing Christians who don't have, or don't seek Life like this... some don't even know what it is... and I don't want to get influenced by anything.

If you do go to church Soulwings, let the Holy Spirit guide you in all matters. He is your teacher according to the Bible.
I also have a fear of meeting lukewarm christians. My walk is also amazing. Simply astonishing really! But, that's because I always heed the direction of the Holy Spirit. It's just little prompting you have from Him.
I encourage you to go along to a church, but pray first and seek Holy Guidance.

[New_Wineskin]

I think I might go. If I have never gone, how can I judge how it is?

I guess it's also the fear of meeting luke-warm Christians.
My walk with Jesus is amazing... He speaks to me and helps me in every way.
I can't stand seeing Christians who don't have, or don't seek Life like this... some don't even know what it is... and I don't want to get influenced by anything.

If you are going because the Lord told you , then continue to listen to only Him and you won't be influenced by anything . If you are going *not* because of the Holy Spirit telling you , then I would say that you have already been influenced and have started down that path .

[mrs.wilde]

If you are going because the Lord told you , then continue to listen to only Him and you won't be influenced by anything . If you are going *not* because of the Holy Spirit telling you , then I would say that you have already been influenced and have started down that path .Amen!

[*Soulwings*]

I'm going... either this Sunday or the Sunday after (depends on my mom).;)

I'm going to follow some of your advise, pray before I go.

I will try to have a clear mind, so I won't judge everything I see.



New_Wineskin
I don't totally agree with you :). I do understand what you are saying, but I don't think I have been influenced into going to Church.
I can't tell if God is calling me to go, but pehaps He is.

In my heart I do want to go, because there is a chance that I will meet someone who is greatly dedicated to Jesus and who I can learn from.
Jesus walks amoung His children and I want to follow Him wherever He is ;)

[Bevlina]

That's wonderful news Soulwings! We like to just go to our Home Churches, but, it is good to do what you are doing. Remember Jesus said " Ask, Seek, Knock" The initials of those three letters spell. A.S.K.

[watchman7]

Hello to everyone,
I just wanted to post within this thread to encourage the home churched to keep sharing experiences, questions, fellowship, etc. and to help educate those who are outside the home church and also outside the church for that matter.
IHS

[mrs.wilde]

If you are going because the Lord told you , then continue to listen to only Him and you won't be influenced by anything . If you are going *not* because of the Holy Spirit telling you , then I would say that you have already been influenced and have started down that path .editted

[New_Wineskin]

first time i read this i misunderstood it. i totally disagree with you. God is unlimited. you may be misunderstanding about church tradition system. attending church is just tradition. the way they pursuading the people to go to or insisting to go is so wrong! they dont care about being obedient to His teaching but they rebuke christians if they dont attend church. something is weird about the way they insist to attend the church.

I have no idea how you got that from what I wrote . You misunderstood what I wrote . I in no way wrote anything about people needing to "attend church" or anything similar .

[mrs.wilde]

I have no idea how you got that from what I wrote . You misunderstood what I wrote . I in no way wrote anything about people needing to "attend church" or anything similar .then what are y ou really saying? can you clarify?

[New_Wineskin]

Ok . I said :

If you are going because the Lord told you , then continue to listen to only Him and you won't be influenced by anything . If you are going *not* because of the Holy Spirit telling you , then I would say that you have already been influenced and have started down that path .

Nothing in there states that I think that people should "go to church" . It is all about knowing the Lord and following *His* lead . If that so happens to be meeting people on a regular basis , so be it . If that so happens to be *not* meeting people on a regular basis , that is fine as well . And , if He says nothing on the topic , it doesn't matter - it is a personal choice . There is no insisting or persuading and no limiting the Lord .

[mrs.wilde]

Ok . I said :



Nothing in there states that I think that people should "go to church" . It is all about knowing the Lord and following *His* lead . If that so happens to be meeting people on a regular basis , so be it . If that so happens to be *not* meeting people on a regular basis , that is fine as well . And , if He says nothing on the topic , it doesn't matter - it is a personal choice . There is no insisting or persuading and no limiting the Lord .oh, ok i am sorry, thats what i thought you are saying the first time. thanks.

[New_Wineskin]

oh, ok i am sorry, thats what i thought you are saying the first time. thanks.

That's cool . :):cool:

[mrs.wilde]

editted