Is God angry if you don't go to church because of a work schedule?

[meowmie]

If you have to work during the time your church has Sunday services and does not offer an alternative for attending another time, is God angry?

[ZiSunka]

If you have to work during the time your church has Sunday services and does not offer an alternative for attending another time, is God angry?

No. God is not angry at you, even if you can never go to church.

[Joykins]

I would not say God is angry, but perhaps there is a good church that offers services at a time you could attend? It's important, I think, for your spiritual growth to attend regularly.

[catch21wide]

If you have to work during the time your church has Sunday services and does not offer an alternative for attending another time, is God angry?

Do you have access to the internet or a radio at work? If so, a lot of churches offer these types of services. I know mine does. If you can watch on the internet, here is my church website if you would like to watch a service on Sunday morning. The website is www.fbcjax.com (http://www.fbcjax.com). The service starts airing online at 10:30 AM.

[SwampFox86]

Church is more important than work.

Putting work over church and the congregating of the saints is putting an idle up before God.

Money didnt die for anyones sins, Jesus Christ did. He loved his church enough to give up his life for it, we need to love it enough to give up a little bit of extra money for it.

[mesue]

The Bible says to not forsake the assembling of ourselves. It doesn't specify what day.

Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
We all are not fortunate enough to work Monday through Friday 9-5. Some people have to work on Sundays. One would be calling a lot of nurses "idol worshippers" because the hospital chooses to stay open on Sunday mornings. For some, saved God fearing people, having every Sunday off is not an option. We're also called to support our families. We are also called to be good employees.
meowmie, there are churches that have Sunday service both in the morning and in the evening. There are also services on Wednesday evenings as well.
:prayer: praying God leads you to a church where you can serve.

[mlqurgw]

If you have to work during the time your church has Sunday services and does not offer an alternative for attending another time, is God angry?If a person is in Christ God can never be angry with them unless He can be angry with Christ. Because of the work of Christ on behalf of His people we are pleasing to God. Does He chastize us to correct us? Yes, but never as a punisment or out of anger but lovingly teaches us to forsake sin and look to Christ. For the believer, God spent His wrath and anger at our sin on Christ at the cross. He completely satisfied all that justice and righteousness demands because of our sin. He no longer deals with us as sinners but as saints.
When we experience the chastening rod from God we ought never to think of it as being used in anger but in love and mercy.

To answer your question concerning working when others are meeting for worship; It depends on why you are working whether it is wrong or not. If you are doing it because you have too to keep your job then we must make a living and it is Ok. I changed positions in my company and took much less pay to be able to attend regularly but I do not condemn those who stay in their postion which requires them to be there on weekends. Gather with the Lord's people when you can as often as you can and leave it to God to change you heart as to whether you ought to change jobs or to change your circumstances so you can attend.

[edb19]

If you have to work during the time your church has Sunday services and does not offer an alternative for attending another time, is God angry?

I think it depends on the situation.

We are called to fellowship - it is an important part of our Christian life.

When my daughter was looking for a part time job to help with her college tuition she knew that she could not work on Sundays. She made that clear when applying and accepting a job, and it has never been an issue.

However, she's not supporting a family and some jobs simply don't have the flexibility to not work Sundays (medical, police, firefighting, military come to mind right off the bat). I think it is incumbent on those who can't avoid working on Sundays to find a viable alternative. We don't attend Sunday services simply for ourselves - we attend them to worship God, He dictates the means and methods. It is the Lord's Day after all.

edie

[ZiSunka]

Speaking as a person who often has to work on sundays, it sometimes can't be helped, if you want to keep your job, to miss sunday services.

But, it doesn't matter what day of the week you fellowship with other Christians, so if you can go on mondays, tuesdays, wednesdays, thursdays or fridays, or even saturdays, that's good enough. If your church doesn't have weekday services, find one that does, even if it is another denomination.

Also, you can learn as much about God, the Bible and life from listening to Christian radio like Moody as you can from going to church on sundays. You can learn even more from joining a small group Bible study or a cell group, and they give you the fellowship and "assembling together" that you need.

Don't feel guilted into quitting your job to satisfy the prejudices of people here. There are many alternatives to the sunday morning service.

[arunma]

If you have to work during the time your church has Sunday services and does not offer an alternative for attending another time, is God angry?

I'm no pastor, and I'm not even an experienced Christian yet. But in my humble opinion: no. That said, I find that church is very helpful to my spiritual growth as a Christian. Does your church do Wednesday night services?

[JPPT1974]

When I had a job, I used to work about 90% Sundays
Sometimes it just can't be helped you know
There is nothing you can do about it!

[DeaconDean]

Jesus said "Render unto Caesar what is Caesars." Unfortunatly, my Caesar says I have to work on Sundays. Hey, my church understands that you have to do what you have to do. If you have to, I see no problem with it.

[AtTheCross011306]

I would not say God is angry, but perhaps there is a good church that offers services at a time you could attend? It's important, I think, for your spiritual growth to attend regularly.

i agree with this. i did not think i would be able to attend church because of my new job, but i talked to my manager and its been cleared up. so, whenever she can give me a day off or let me come in at 2 i go to church. i, too, see it as being important for our spiritual growth because there are so many important factors involved with going to church.

[trinityisunity]

Rest assured God is not angry with you. He loves you; you are His child. Try to find a Sun. night or church service that you can get to. It is very important to fellowship and worship with other Christians reguarly. As others have said if you have to work you have to work.

[SwampFox86]

Jobs are not more important than Church.

[Andyman_1970]

Jobs are not more important than Church.

You're making an assumption that "church" can only be on Sunday........that's a rather large assumption with little Biblical substantiation, not to mention a very narrow understanding of what church is. I would invite you to read all the "on anothers" in the New Testament (there are about 45 of them).......that is church. The Sunday services are an event of the church, and according to all those 45 "one anothers" only about 3 of them can be done in a corporate gathering.

Might I suggest encouraging your sister in the faith rather than condeming her.......

[mesue]

You're making an assumption that "church" can only be on Sunday........that's a rather large assumption with little Biblical substantiation, not to mention a very narrow understanding of what church is. I would invite you to read all the "on anothers" in the New Testament (there are about 45 of them).......that is church. The Sunday services are an event of the church, and according to all those 45 "one anothers" only about 3 of them can be done in a corporate gathering.

Might I suggest encouraging your sister in the faith rather than condeming her.......
:thumbsup:

[SwampFox86]

You're making an assumption that "church" can only be on Sunday........that's a rather large assumption with little Biblical substantiation, not to mention a very narrow understanding of what church is. I would invite you to read all the "on anothers" in the New Testament (there are about 45 of them).......that is church. The Sunday services are an event of the church, and according to all those 45 "one anothers" only about 3 of them can be done in a corporate gathering.

Might I suggest encouraging your sister in the faith rather than condeming her.......

I am not making an assumption Church can only be on sunday, But her church is. She has to make a choice, church or work. If she is more concerned with her Job, she will work, if she is more concerned with her church, she will go to Church.

Look again at the references in the NT, they didnt choose work of the congregating of the saints. Remember the Sabbath, and keep it Holy.

[mlqurgw]

Jobs are not more important than Church.No, jobs are not more important than church but both are very needful in this existence we call life. David said that he had never seen the Lord's people begging bread but Paul also tells us that if a person will not work they shouldn't eat. It seems to be becoming increasingly difficult to find a job that doesn't require some weekend work. If we neglect the gathering with others of like precious faith because we just don't want to do it it is a problem. If we simply cannot because we are required to be at work to support our families then we should gather with them when we can. It isn't an either or issue. I hold very highly the public worship of God as essential to spiritual growth ( see my sig. ) at the same time I do understand that we sometimes just can't be there.

[mesue]

I am not making an assumption Church can only be on sunday, But her church is. She has to make a choice, church or work. If she is more concerned with her Job, she will work, if she is more concerned with her church, she will go to Church.

Look again at the references in the NT, they didnt choose work of the congregating of the saints. Remember the Sabbath, and keep it Holy.
Or, find another church. Chances are, the church she's currently unable to attend isn't the only one out there. A church is a place to learn and grow in God's word. You can't learn and grow if you can't go. There are a lot of Bible believing churches out there, she just has to find one that suits her schedule.

[SwampFox86]

Or, find another church. Chances are, the church she's currently unable to attend isn't the only one out there. A church is a place to learn and grow in God's word. You can't learn and grow if you can't go. There are a lot of Bible believing churches out there, she just has to find one that suits her schedule.

Church is not about us. We dont make church fit our schedules. We make our schedules fit church.

Also, God isnt angry ebcause you dont go to church because of work, He is angry because you have made work more important than Him. When we say our Job and paycheck is more important than the meeting of his people, you have made your Job your Idol.

Our God is a Jealous God.

[ZiSunka]

Church is not about us. We dont make church fit our schedules. We make our schedules fit church.

Also, God isnt angry ebcause you dont go to church because of work, He is angry because you have made work more important than Him. When we say our Job and paycheck is more important than the meeting of his people, you have made your Job your Idol.

Our God is a Jealous God.

My sister is a nurse. She works at a hospital and is on permanent sunday morning shift. She can't ever go to church when everyone else goes because she has to be at work.

Now, she could quit her job, but then she wouldn't be able to have a witness with the dying people she helps. I guess in your way of thinking, she is defiling sunday morning by working, but in her way of thinking, sunday morning is when dying people are most responsive to talking about the hereafter and she gets to be there for them when they are open to the gospel.

She could quit so she can go to church when YOU want her to, but I think she's probably doing more for God and is being less selfish than you are.:(

[SwampFox86]

My sister is a nurse. She works at a hospital and is on permanent sunday morning shift. She can't ever go to church when everyone else goes because she has to be at work.

Now, she could quit her job, but then she wouldn't be able to have a witness with the dying people she helps. I guess in your way of thinking, she is defiling sunday morning by working, but in her way of thinking, sunday morning is when dying people are most responsive to talking about the hereafter and she gets to be there for them when they are open to the gospel.

She could quit so she can go to church when YOU want her to, but I think she's probably doing more for God and is being less selfish than you are.:(

I would like to start by saying that I never took a personal attack at you, but if thats a road you want to go down, thats fine, but its a lonely one.

Second, does your sister worship with other believers regularly?

Note this, I enver said you must come to church on Sunday. Only that you must attend a gathering of Believers. If you neglect that, than you are neglecting the assembling together of the Body of Christ, the Body that Jesus Christ loved enough to ransom his life for.

[ZiSunka]

I would like to start by saying that I never took a personal attack at you, but if thats a road you want to go down, thats fine, but its a lonely one.

Second, does your sister worship with other believers regularly?

Note this, I enver said you must come to church on Sunday. Only that you must attend a gathering of Believers. If you neglect that, than you are neglecting the assembling together of the Body of Christ, the Body that Jesus Christ loved enough to ransom his life for.

Sweetie, there was no personal attack at you.

And you DID indeed say this woman should quit her job so she can go to church on sundays because if she doesn't quit her job to go to church on sundays, YOU said it is idolatry, her job is her idol.

And I don't mind taking the lonely road, ask anyone around here. Bring it on, if you can.

[SwampFox86]

Sweetie, there was no personal attack at you.

And you DID indeed say this woman should quit her job so she can go to church on sundays because if she doesn't quit her job to go to church on sundays, YOU said it is idolatry, her job is her idol.

And I don't mind taking the lonely road, ask anyone around here. Bring it on, if you can.

Calling me selfish is a Personal attack.

I never said you could only go to church on Sunday. I said if she had to quit her job to attend church she should, God will reward those who walk by faith. I said this woman should, i didnt bring up your sister, or advise her to quit her job.

I cant make you take the lonely road, thats why its the lonely road, its alone.

[ZiSunka]

Calling me selfish is a Personal attack.

I never said you could only go to church on Sunday. I said if she had to quit her job to attend church she should, God will reward those who walk by faith. I said this woman should, i didnt bring up your sister, or advise her to quit her job.

I cant make you take the lonely road, thats why its the lonely road, its alone.

Say goodnight Gracie. Goodnight Gracie.

[Andyman_1970]

I am not making an assumption Church can only be on sunday, But her church is. She has to make a choice, church or work. If she is more concerned with her Job, she will work, if she is more concerned with her church, she will go to Church.

Since our authority is not the church what’s the problem? As followers of Jesus our authority is the Living God and His Son.

Look again at the references in the NT, they didnt choose work of the congregating of the saints. Remember the Sabbath, and keep it Holy.

First, Sunday is not the Sabbath, no Scripture changes the Sabbath God defined in the OT to Sunday.

Second, the concept that work is not “holy” or “spiritual” as opposed to attending an event at a church is dualism which is a cousin to Gnosticism. Remember what Paul said in Colossians 3:17 “whatever you do in word or deed do in the Name of Jesus”. Your comment about the NT and their corporate gathering vs. work is moot since there is not reference to such an issue in the NT. Jesus does say that we are under the authority of those “above us” which includes our bosses where we work.

Did you ever stop to think that God may be using her there on a Sunday to tell/show others that she works with about the Creator God and His Son?

[Andyman_1970]

I never said you could only go to church on Sunday.

But your posts are implying that "good Christians" go to church on Sunday, as opposed to a different day.

[mesue]

Church is not about us. We dont make church fit our schedules. We make our schedules fit church.

Also, God isnt angry ebcause you dont go to church because of work, He is angry because you have made work more important than Him. When we say our Job and paycheck is more important than the meeting of his people, you have made your Job your Idol.

Our God is a Jealous God.
Umm ...
Yes it is about us. We are the church. It's how we serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
Nobody, myself included, has said a job and paycheck are worth more than God. Perhaps you should go back to the first post and re-read this thread. And when you do, you'll notice you have yet to give a Book, Chapter and verse to back up this pompus legalistic immature stance on this mandatory Sunday morning worship.
I hope in your following 20 years you never have to eat the words you have spewn here. But if you do, I hope someone will show you more grace in your struggle than you have shown here.

[arunma]

Church is not about us. We dont make church fit our schedules. We make our schedules fit church.

Also, God isnt angry ebcause you dont go to church because of work, He is angry because you have made work more important than Him. When we say our Job and paycheck is more important than the meeting of his people, you have made your Job your Idol.

Our God is a Jealous God.

Brother, idolatry is a serious charge. People often quote St. Matthew 7:1 ("Judge not."). But the next verse is, in my opinion, even more important,
For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. (St. Matthew 7:2)
Being but 22 years of age, it would be hypocritical of me to join these older sisters in criticizing you for being young and arrogant, so I certainly do not. But I would like to remind you, as you brother in Christ, that the time may come when you will be forced to choose between a Sunday job, and not putting food on your own table. Financial hardship can afflict all of us, which is why we trust in Christ and not in our finances. Now, I wish that this day would never come to you, but if it does, then God will judge you for choosing food over a Sunday church service. Not that it's wrong to make such a choice (I'm sure that James or Paul would do the same thing), but you are judged by the same measure with which you judge others. Therefore, for your own benefit, do not judge.

As believers we have freedom in Christ. Now I very respectfully disagree with our beloved brother Andyman, in that I think Sunday is the proper Sabbath. But nevertheless, we are free in Christ to choose a job over a traditional church service. So then, does that mean we should neglect meeting with the body of Christ? Certainly not! I think that such a person should not forsake Bible study and other small group activities. It says,
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2)
And what does the law of sin and death say? It says,
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. (Exodus 20:8-10)
As the Apostle says by the Holy Spirit, the Law is not sin. But because Christ Jesus is our Sabbath, there is no longer any legalistic requirement to "go to church," simply for its own sake.

And the point is that forcing a person to choose church over his or her job is legalism. Saying "God will provide" will do nothing if you don't go to work and make money. Yes, sometimes God works in mysterious ways. But the majority of the time he works in very obvious ways. He provides us with employment and money, so that we can afford our living expenses. And if we forsake this, it is very unlikely that God will supply us with manna from heaven. It says,
If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:15-17)
Saying "have faith, God will provide," will probably not work if we demand that God do a miraculous sign for us. God often works in very mundane ways, and a person must see him through Christ Jesus in order to understand that God is still sovereign.

[SwampFox86]

Before one more person says im Pompus or Legalistic or immature, PROVE WHERE I SAID YOU HAD TO ATTEND THE SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE TO BE A CHRISTIAN. Not Implied or what you assumed I meant, but that I said that word for word.

Until you do, get off my case. I am saying that anyone, ANYONE, who chooses work over meeting with other believers, is in the wrong. I have not spewed one hateful word, yet you have.

And no Ma'am, it is not about us. Not one bit of it is about us. It is all about Jesus Christ, not us.

And also, playing the age card hasnt worked on me yet, You wont be the one to change that.

[arunma]

First, Sunday is not the Sabbath, no Scripture changes the Sabbath God defined in the OT to Sunday.

Just a random factoid which I thought might interest you. It turns out that the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (one of the oldest churches in the world) recognizes both the Sabbath Day and the Lord's Day. So both Saturday and Sunday hold significance to them. I'm still convinced that the Sabbath Day and the Lord's Day are the same thing, but I just thought I'd give you some ammo too. :D

[arunma]

And also, playing the age card hasnt worked on me yet, You wont be the one to change that.

Well, I think that age does play a role. These people, being older than us, are more experienced. We could learn quite a bit from listening to them. You do not necessarily need to agree with what they say, but the Bible does teach us to respect the older people in the church. Even the church office of "elder" evokes notions of advanced age.

[SwampFox86]

I am very aware that Idolatry is a serious charge. I am also aware that I am the only person that has told our sister that she needs to be in church when the Pastor, The Man that teh Lord has anointed and Appointed to lead his people, has assigned. If the pastor says his congregation meets at 4 am on tuesday mornings, you meet at 4 am on Tuesday mornings.

Everyone wants to respond with this "no, church isnt as important as your job" nonsense that is totally contrary to Scripture and the teachings of the Church. If people want to give out bad advice regarding church and the forsaking of the Believers thats fine, but I will NOT be part of it.

[SwampFox86]

I appreciate it, but Im not concerned with the actual day of the week whether it be sunday or thursday or whatever, just that you observe a sabbath in which you dont work and Fellowship with other believers.

For whatever reason, people automatically want to peg me as "Sunday Service or your going to Hell" which is untrue, but Im not willing to forsake Doctrine, Tradition and Theology because someones feelings might get hurt.

[mesue]

Before one more person says im Pompus or Legalistic or immature, PROVE WHERE I SAID YOU HAD TO ATTEND THE SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE TO BE A CHRISTIAN. Not Implied or what you assumed I meant, but that I said that word for word.

Until you do, get off my case. I am saying that anyone, ANYONE, who chooses work over meeting with other believers, is in the wrong. I have not spewed one hateful word, yet you have.

And no Ma'am, it is not about us. Not one bit of it is about us. It is all about Jesus Christ, not us.

And also, playing the age card hasnt worked on me yet, You wont be the one to change that.

Jobs are not more important than Church.
Church is more important than work.

Putting work over church and the congregating of the saints is putting an idle up before God.

Money didnt die for anyones sins, Jesus Christ did. He loved his church enough to give up his life for it, we need to love it enough to give up a little bit of extra money for it.

I am not making an assumption Church can only be on sunday, But her church is. She has to make a choice, church or work. If she is more concerned with her Job, she will work, if she is more concerned with her church, she will go to Church.

Look again at the references in the NT, they didnt choose work of the congregating of the saints. Remember the Sabbath, and keep it Holy.


Church is not about us. We dont make church fit our schedules. We make our schedules fit church.

Also, God isnt angry ebcause you dont go to church because of work, He is angry because you have made work more important than Him. When we say our Job and paycheck is more important than the meeting of his people, you have made your Job your Idol.

Our God is a Jealous God.


I would like to start by saying that I never took a personal attack at you, but if thats a road you want to go down, thats fine, but its a lonely one.

Second, does your sister worship with other believers regularly?

Note this, I enver said you must come to church on Sunday. Only that you must attend a gathering of Believers. If you neglect that, than you are neglecting the assembling together of the Body of Christ, the Body that Jesus Christ loved enough to ransom his life for.
This is the United States of America we are free to worship where we want to. Not you, or anyone else has the right to tell her where to go to church. Nobody. She is free to find a Bible believing church that has Service when she can attend. Your saying she's stuck with a current church and pastor. You keep insisting that there is no choice for this woman but to quit her job and go to the same church. She married Jesus, not the pastor. Who are you to tell her that she can't go to the church down the street?

[mesue]

I appreciate it, but Im not concerned with the actual day of the week whether it be sunday or thursday or whatever, just that you observe a sabbath in which you dont work and Fellowship with other believers.

For whatever reason, people automatically want to peg me as "Sunday Service or your going to Hell" which is untrue, but Im not willing to forsake Doctrine, Tradition and Theology because someones feelings might get hurt.
One has to understand Doctrine before one can forsake it.
Theology and tradition are man's conception.

[arunma]

I am very aware that Idolatry is a serious charge. I am also aware that I am the only person that has told our sister that she needs to be in church when the Pastor, The Man that teh Lord has anointed and Appointed to lead his people, has assigned. If the pastor says his congregation meets at 4 am on tuesday mornings, you meet at 4 am on Tuesday mornings.

Everyone wants to respond with this "no, church isnt as important as your job" nonsense that is totally contrary to Scripture and the teachings of the Church. If people want to give out bad advice regarding church and the forsaking of the Believers thats fine, but I will NOT be part of it.

Forgive me, but you have to admit that "if the pastor says 4 am, you meet at 4 am" does sound quite a bit like legalism, which is a Christian heresy. Now, I am not a fan of antinomianism either (it is also a heresy). But requiring people to worship at any specific time is legalism, and it nullifies the Gospel.

[SwampFox86]

This is the United States of America we are free to worship where we want to. Not you, or anyone else has the right to tell her where to go to church. Nobody. She is free to find a Bible believing church that has Service when she can attend. Your saying she's stuck with a current church and pastor. You keep insisting that there is no choice for this woman but to quit her job and go to the same church. She married Jesus, not the pastor. Who are you to tell her that she can't go to the church down the street?

I never said she couldnt go to the church down the street. Not once. I am not saying she is stuck with anything, Do NOT put words in my mouth. Where did I say "you must quit your job and attend your churches sunday service to be a real christian"

I never said it, dont put words in my mouth. If you want to prove me wrong, do it by proving me wrong, not by claiming I said something I didnt and proving it wrong. Logical Fallacy anyone?

She never said anything about wanting to leave the church, why are you trying to get her to leave her church?

[SwampFox86]

Forgive me, but you have to admit that "if the pastor says 4 am, you meet at 4 am" does sound quite a bit like legalism, which is a Christian heresy. Now, I am not a fan of antinomianism either (it is also a heresy). But requiring people to worship at any specific time is legalism, and it nullifies the Gospel.

Its not legalism or Heresy. I said 4 am to prove the point that as a church you have a pastor who is in charge, and what he says goes.

And you didnt actually say I am for the nullifying of the Gospel, but you are getting very close. Corporate Worship should be at a specific time, its not saying that you have to have your personal time with the Lord at 4 AM or when your Pastor says to, but when he says Corporate Worship as a body will be at a certain time, its at that certain time.

[SwampFox86]

One has to understand Doctrine before one can forsake it.
Theology and tradition are man's conception.


Theology is the study of God, and God ordained Tradition.

"Do this in remembrance of Me". Sounds like something Jesus Said, and since Jesus is God, he has ordained tradition. Also, the Bible tells us to follow tradition.

[mesue]

I never said she couldnt go to the church down the street. Not once. I am not saying she is stuck with anything, Do NOT put words in my mouth. Where did I say "you must quit your job and attend your churches sunday service to be a real christian"

I never said it, dont put words in my mouth. If you want to prove me wrong, do it by proving me wrong, not by claiming I said something I didnt and proving it wrong. Logical Fallacy anyone?

She never said anything about wanting to leave the church, why are you trying to get her to leave her church?
I'm not trying to get her to leave her church. Why are you trying to make her stay?
Another church is a viable option. If her heart's desire wasn't to worship the Lord, I don't think she would have bothered to ask. Where is your empathy? Can you not see her struggle? Do you know her personally that you know her financial situation? For all you know she could be a single/divorced parent with 4 children to feed earning minimum wage. How can you tell her
we need to love it enough to give up a little bit of extra money for it.
What if she has no extra money? What if her offering is the widow's mite? And she has to earn that mite by working on a Sunday? You don't think Jesus would honor that?
When you say that if her pastor says to be there by 4AM she should be there; componded with your insistance that we're somehow idol worshipers for woking on Sunday instead of being in church implies that you feel this woman should stay at her current church. Did you say so in those excact words? No, you didn't need to.

[arunma]

Its not legalism or Heresy. I said 4 am to prove the point that as a church you have a pastor who is in charge, and what he says goes.

And you didnt actually say I am for the nullifying of the Gospel, but you are getting very close. Corporate Worship should be at a specific time, its not saying that you have to have your personal time with the Lord at 4 AM or when your Pastor says to, but when he says Corporate Worship as a body will be at a certain time, its at that certain time.

You are correct, indeed I did say that legalism nullifies the Gospel, not that you are. Perhaps you do seek to nullify the Gospel, and perhaps not. If so, I think you would be doing so unknowingly, so I am not trying to imply that you have any malicious intent. But you must be careful to avoid the heresy of legalism.

Now as to your point of corporate worship, indeed corporate worship is important, but if we must bend over backwards to be able to make it to church, then how can we have any joy in Christ? It says,
Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
If someone can't make it to church on Sunday morning, and a fellow Christian requires it of her anyway, then that fellow Christian is violating the law of Christ.

[mesue]

Theology is the study of God, and God ordained Tradition.

"Do this in remembrance of Me". Sounds like something Jesus Said, and since Jesus is God, he has ordained tradition. Also, the Bible tells us to follow tradition.
Theology, literally is the study of the gods.
Where does grace fall under tradition?

[SwampFox86]

I'm not trying to get her to leave her church. Why are you trying to make her stay?
Another church is a viable option. If her heart's desire wasn't to worship the Lord, I don't think she would have bothered to ask. Where is your empathy? Can you not see her struggle? Do you know her personally that you know her financial situation? For all you know she could be a single/divorced parent with 4 children to feed earning minimum wage. How can you tell her

What if she has no extra money? What if her offering is the widow's mite? And she has to earn that mite by working on a Sunday? You don't think Jesus would honor that?
When you say that if her pastor says to be there by 4AM she should be there; componded with your insistance that we're somehow idol worshipers for woking on Sunday instead of being in church implies that you feel this woman should stay at her current church. Did you say so in those excact words? No, you didn't need to.

No, you are wrong, for you to claim I said something I needed to have said it in those exact words. Otherwise you are making up lies about me.

And I never said you or anyone else was an idol worshipper because they worked on Sunday, I said someone is an Idol worshipper for putting work over the meeting of believers.

Dont tell me I imply anything. Either I said it or I didnt.

I'm not telling her to stay at this church or leave the church, just that Church needs to be more important than work.

[SwampFox86]

Theology, literally is the study of the gods.
Where does grace fall under tradition?

Again, you assume I am saying thigns I am not. I bet that if you read waht I posted and realized that I say waht I say, and nothing more, you wouldnt be in such disagreement with me.

I never said Grace was a tradition. But I will say this, should we not worry about anything because grace covers all?

[arunma]

Two Scriptures to consider regarding tradition:

You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men." And he said to them, "You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition! (St. Mark 7:8-9)

Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. (2 Thessalonians 3:6)

There are God's traditions, and man's traditions. All of God's traditions are good. Some of man's traditions are also good, but others are evil.

[mesue]

No, you are wrong, for you to claim I said something I needed to have said it in those exact words. Otherwise you are making up lies about me.

And I never said you or anyone else was an idol worshipper because they worked on Sunday, I said someone is an Idol worshipper for putting work over the meeting of believers.

Dont tell me I imply anything. Either I said it or I didnt.

I'm not telling her to stay at this church or leave the church, just that Church needs to be more important than work.
So, then, are you saying she, or anyone else is putting work before Christ?

[SwampFox86]

So, then, are you saying she, or anyone else is putting work before Christ?

If she, or anyone else myself included, puts work over church, than they are putting work before Christ.

[mesue]

Again, you assume I am saying thigns I am not. I bet that if you read waht I posted and realized that I say waht I say, and nothing more, you wouldnt be in such disagreement with me.

I never said Grace was a tradition. But I will say this, should we not worry about anything because grace covers all?
I didn't say you said grace was over tradition. I asked you a question; where does grace fall under tradition?
I have read what you posted and am still in disagreement with you.

[SwampFox86]

I didn't say you said grace was over tradition. I asked you a question; where does grace fall under tradition?
I have read what you posted and am still in disagreement with you.

Grace isnt part of Tradition.

My major point is that Work is not more important than church. Are you in disagreement with that?

[mesue]

If she, or anyone else myself included, puts work over church, than they are putting work before Christ.
You're right. But no one, except you, implied this. I don't think she's putting work over church. I think she's struggling with this. Some of us, myself included, come from very ritualistic backgrounds. Perhaps a legaistic, well meaning, person told her she's out of God's will and in sin for not being in church on Sunday. Like saying someone's sick because they're out of God's will. These staements aren't necessarily true. Some people have to work on Sunday. Some people are sick so that God is glorified. There is no sin involved in either case.

[SwampFox86]

You're right. But no one, except you, implied this. I don't think she's putting work over church. I think she's struggling with this. Some of us, myself included, come from very ritualistic backgrounds. Perhaps a legaistic, well meaning, person told her she's out of God's will and in sin for not being in church on Sunday. Like saying someone's sick because they're out of God's will. These staements aren't necessarily true. Some people have to work on Sunday. Some people are sick so that God is glorified. There is no sin involved in either case.

See, when you just look at what I say, and will read it for what it is, Im not some legalistic jerk, I am jsut not going to sugarcoat anything.

Also, perhaps someone did say that to her, but I'm not that someone, and shouldnt be treated as such.

and Noone HAS to work on Sunday. Noone has to work at all. Not trying to start another debate, just pointing out that noone has to work, And I'm not advocating anyone quit their job either.

[mesue]

Grace isnt part of Tradition.

My major point is that Work is not more important than church. Are you in disagreement with that?
Yes.
Work is not more important than Jesus.
I worked on Sundays for many years and was at peace about it. Why, because it didn't stop me from fellowshiping with my brethren. It didn't stop me from reading my Bible. It didn't stop me from worshiping my Savior. Where 2 or more are gathered in His name, there He is in the midst. I don't need a building for that. I do need my Jesus and my brethren.

[SwampFox86]

Yes.
Work is not more important than Jesus.
I worked on Sundays for many years and was at peace about it. Why, because it didn't stop me from fellowshiping with my brethren. It didn't stop me from reading my Bible. It didn't stop me from worshiping my Savior. Where 2 or more are gathered in His name, there He is in the midst. I don't need a building for that. I do need my Jesus and my brethren.

So you think that Work is on par with Church? Simple yes or no please.

[mesue]

See, when you just look at what I say, and will read it for what it is, Im not some legalistic jerk, I am jsut not going to sugarcoat anything.
there's never a need to sugar coat anything but consider this the words you sew will be the ones you get back.

Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.


Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Leviticus 19:32 Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.

Pro 16:31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.


Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

[mesue]

So you think that Work is on par with Church? Simple yes or no please.
I didn't say that. I said work was not as important as Jesus.

[mesue]

...
and Noone HAS to work on Sunday. Noone has to work at all. Not trying to start another debate, just pointing out that noone has to work, And I'm not advocating anyone quit their job either.
And how does one keep a roof over their head and the family fed if they're not working? Where does the money come in to support the church? How do we send missionaries with out money?

[SwampFox86]

I didn't say that. I said work was not as important as Jesus.

What about Church. Which is more Important. Church or work?

[SwampFox86]

And how does one keep a roof over their head and the family fed if they're not working? Where does the money come in to support the church? How do we send missionaries with out money?

Jesus told the Apostles that God took care of the Birds, and surely he would take care of us.

Again, I'm not advocating people not working, I work 35 hours a week plus 15 hours of school, Im not advocating anyone being a Bum.

I was simply stating that we dont have to work on Sundays.

[mesue]

What about Church. Which is more Important. Church or work?
The job God gave me to do is more important. My job is my ministry. Where else would I get the money to give tithes and offer gifts?


Ephesians 6:5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

[SwampFox86]

I just read the Original post, she never mentions herself as the person in the situation, its a hypothetical situation.

[mlqurgw]

I am jsut not going to sugarcoat anything.
Young man, I commend you for being willing and zealous to speak the truth but you will learn that speaking the truth in love isn't necessarily sugarcoating. There is a time for blunt forcefulness and a time for compassionate understanding. As you grow you will learn to recognize when each is needed. I just hope it doesn't take you as long to learn as it did me.

[mesue]

Jesus told the Apostles that God took care of the Birds, and surely he would take care of us.

Again, I'm not advocating people not working, I work 35 hours a week plus 15 hours of school, Im not advocating anyone being a Bum.

I was simply stating that we dont have to work on Sundays.
Tell your pastor that. What do you think he's doing on Sunday morning? His job. He's at work, he's getting paid to stand in front of you on Sunday morning.

[mesue]

:sigh:

[SwampFox86]

Young man, I commend you for being willing and zealous to speak the truth but you will learn that speaking the truth in love isn't necessarily sugarcoating. There is a time for blunt forcefulness and a time for compassionate understanding. As you grow you will learn to recognize when each is needed. I just hope it doesn't take you as long to learn as it did me.

I appreciate your concern, and Kind words as well, and if I was face to face with a person in this situation and not adressing a hypothetical question I would use more tact and compassion. But a hypothetical situation on a message board doesnt require mercy.

[SwampFox86]

Tell your pastor that. What do you think he's doing on Sunday morning? His job. He's at work, he's getting paid to stand in front of you on Sunday morning.

He is leading the Congregation. Totally seperate issue. Besides, my pastor gets paid for the 60 hours he spends a week preparing and ministering, Preaching on Sundays is just a continuation. And its not his Job, its his calling.

[SwampFox86]

By the way, the passage you quoted from Ephesians is out of context, its in reference to slaves and masters and how to ober involuntary service. Not a job you choose to work at.

[mlqurgw]

I appreciate your concern, and Kind words as well, and if I was face to face with a person in this situation and not adressing a hypothetical question I would use more tact and compassion. But a hypothetical situation on a message board doesnt require mercy.I only ask that you remember that there are actual people on the other end of the discussion. They can either be helped by your words or hurt by them. We never really know who we are influencing by what we say. :)

[mesue]

Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

Therfore I leave.
SwampFox86 I wish you well. May God bless you richly.

[Andyman_1970]

Corporate Worship should be at a specific time,................

Chapter and verse please where God or Jesus commands corporate worship to be at a specific time.......otherwise you're just sharing your preference, which is great, but it's just that your preference.

[pdudgeon]

there are two points relating to the OP that need to be made...
the reason for the Sabbath was so that man could have time to both rest and remember his creator.
Our pastor has shared that since he is working on Sunday as a preacher, something that can onlybe done that day, he takes a day in the week off as his sabbath.

On that day he does no church work, merely doing daily devotions. He answers no phones, and cannot be reached by the office unless it is an absolute emergency,because being available 24/6 is enough.
He devotes the time to relaxation, recreation, and his family.

separate from that is the advice given not to forsake the assembling of yourselves together. We need each other to be accountable to and for, and also to support and help each other. We are in the world 6 days a week and by the 7th we need to come apart from that alien place and be God's people assembled together. :groupray:

[mesue]

I'm glad you feel that

Christians do NOT have to work on Sundays to keep their jobs.

I'm here to say, yes they do.
And I'm glad that you have seen

every job application

To know for certain that they all have that little box to check.
I can tell you, as a nurse, I have never seen such an application. I have seen it on cashier's and clerk applications, but not in the medical field.

[RajunCajun86]

amen pdudgeon

i for one worked very hard to find a job and occupation that will not conflict with the gathering of saints in organized worship which my church schedules every week on sunday...the bigger point than working on sundays is are you taking a DAY to rest, fellowship with the saints, fellowship with your family, and spend time with our Creator, for me this is the issue at hand and it is a heart issue not an issue of legalism

[catch21wide]

Let me just say that as a man God as anointed to be a pastor, the church will not get you to heaven. The only thing that will get you to heaven is your faith in Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord. As long as you worship him, wherever you are, you will still be in heaven with him when you die. I can't believe that I am seeing christians argue about whether a person should give up her job to go to church or how she should handle going to church. It is their decision not ours. We as fellow believers should be giving them support in this matter rather than aruing amongst ourselves.

[pdudgeon]

.

[mesue]

and as someone who used to work in the medical field i can assure you that there are nurses who don't have to work on Sundays.
What part of the medical field?

[arunma]

Let me just say that as a man God as anointed to be a pastor, the church will not get you to heaven. The only thing that will get you to heaven is your faith in Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord. As long as you worship him, wherever you are, you will still be in heaven with him when you die. I can't believe that I am seeing christians argue about whether a person should give up her job to go to church or how she should handle going to church. It is their decision not ours. We as fellow believers should be giving them support in this matter rather than aruing amongst ourselves.

You know, this reminds me of a brother in my small group (there are five of us) who works night shifts. We meet on Thursday nights, and in the middle of the semester, he got a job which required him to work on some Thursday nights. The thought of saying "you're choosing your job over God" did not occur to any of us. And if we did say something of this nature, I doubt it would have been very helpful to his faith, since he is a rather new believer.

It turned out that he only had to miss our group once the whole semester. God is faithful, so long as we get man-made legalisms out of the way.

[pdudgeon]

.

[arunma]

support in their decision not to go to church, or support in saying that it is possible to find a job that doesn't require you to work on Sunday?

What about finding an alternative to Sunday church services? One could be an active member of a particular church, but attend services at another church which has services on other days of the week. This isn't an either/or issue. And I don't think anyone is suggesting not attending church services at all. We all agree that these services are very helpful to the Christian's faith.

[pdudgeon]

.

[mesue]

the kind that brings in the money ;)
Billing?

[pdudgeon]

,

[mesue]

bingo. and yes there were RN.s that worked with us. we had all holidays off, all weekends off, all benefits, regular hours. the RN's were of course paid more than i was, so they could take the cruise vacations, and drive the new cars.

not every RN works on Sunday.
That would be nice if all the RN's in the world worked in billing. The truth is those are "appointed" positions that not all RN's qualify for. There are very few billing positions for RNs. The reality is; the facility that bills for the patient care that the nurse preforms bills for the work done on Sunday as well as the rest of the week.
FWIW, I never minded working on Sunday. God used me in mighty ways to minister to my patients on quiet Sunday afternoons before I went home. I don't think He minded me ministering to His people when they couldn't be at a church.

[pdudgeon]

Firstly my most humble appologies to the members of this forum. I clicked on the thread title not realizing that I was not in my usual forum, but a guest in yours.

I understand fully that i should only be posting either questions or friendship posts in here, but i simply did not realize where i was. :blush:

I am going to go back and either edit or delete my previous posts in order to come into compliance with CF's posting policy.

again, i beg your forgiveness and understanding. :sorry:

[mesue]

Firstly my most humble appologies to the members of this forum. I clicked on the thread title not realizing that I was not in my usual forum, but a guest in yours.

I understand fully that i should only be posting either questions or friendship posts in here, but i simply did not realize where i was. :blush:

I am going to go back and either edit or delete my previous posts in order to come into compliance with CF's posting policy.

again, i beg your forgiveness and understanding. :sorry:
not a problem :)

[ZiSunka]

Firstly my most humble appologies to the members of this forum. I clicked on the thread title not realizing that I was not in my usual forum, but a guest in yours.

I understand fully that i should only be posting either questions or friendship posts in here, but i simply did not realize where i was. :blush:

I am going to go back and either edit or delete my previous posts in order to come into compliance with CF's posting policy.

again, i beg your forgiveness and understanding. :sorry:

No problem, it happens. :)

[inHisgripkim]

Church is more important than work.

Putting work over church and the congregating of the saints is putting an idle up before God.

Money didnt die for anyones sins, Jesus Christ did. He loved his church enough to give up his life for it, we need to love it enough to give up a little bit of extra money for it.
In ancient times BC, there was no such thing as a church. Worshippers of Jehova worshipped Him in the wilderness without a church. The important thing is to worship the Lord. Our bodies are the Temple of the Holy Spirit, so the body of Christ is in us. We should be worshipping Him all day long. We should be Praising Him all day long. The important thing is to worship.

I cant't make it to Sunday services because I work. We are to seek the Lord with all our heart, mind, and soul. Because I thirst for the Word, I have found a viable option. I attend Bible Study on Wednesday night to keep learning and seeking the "Word." Learning and seeking is of utmost importance to me.

What is important is to worship the Lord and give praise to Him. Remember, our body is His temple, so praise and worship can occur within us anywhere at anytime. However, the best and ultimate worship is to do so in every breath and heartbeat.

I worship you Lord right now and I praise you right now.
Clinging to You Lord,
Kim

Church is the assembly of God. It is for worship and praise and for the strengthening of our faith through fellowshipping. Assembly is not the only way to give praise and worship.

[DJB]

I consider going to church like going to a gas station. After "driving" around all week trying to live a blameless life in a disgusting world, you need to stop and get your tank filled up. Some people also say that you should keep the Sabbath day holy. Now, I have very close friends that work on Sunday's, and they live spirit-filled lives. I wouldn't say that God is going to be mad at you, but if at all possible I'd try to not work on Sunday's. For your own good...

[Tappanga]

Wow. Several posts in this thread made me mad right off the bat.

As with all my posts, this is my opinion. Others may disagree, but that's their opinion as well.

1) God isn't angry if you don't attend church. However, God is hurt when you don't work on your relationship with him. Spend extra time (when you can) reading and talking with God.

2) To counteract your guilt (I'm assuming) over missing church, you could always host a bible study with a few friends in your home (or in a friend's home). I've done that for a while off and on. We started with Purpose Driven Life, just to get a Godly idea and to be comfortable with each other, then started with handouts on this site - http://www.lovethelord.com/studies.html -.

3) I don't believe you are wrong for working on Sundays if your job requires it. I know others who wouldn't agree, but come on, we're Baptists and we all go out to eat after church on Sunday. Do we really think everyone who fries our "Baptist Birds" on Sundays are agnostic? Plus a wise pastor once pointed out to me that everyone who was called by God in the bible was WORKING when they were called (For example, Matt 4:18-20. Notice it was AS they were casting a net. They were working.). I'm not sure if he was right, but he knows the bible better than I do, and its inspired me to volunteer more.

But more important than what any of US say, ask God if He is angry with you. He is the only one that matters anyway.

[Tappanga]

One last thing (and this may have been mention in this thread already)...


Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, they asked him, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?"

He said to them, "If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."


Jesus "worked" on the Sabbath.

[inHisgripkim]

Wow. Several posts in this thread made me mad right off the bat.

As with all my posts, this is my opinion. Others may disagree, but that's their opinion as well.

1) God isn't angry if you don't attend church. However, God is hurt when you don't work on your relationship with him. Spend extra time (when you can) reading and talking with God.

2) To counteract your guilt (I'm assuming) over missing church, you could always host a bible study with a few friends in your home (or in a friend's home). I've done that for a while off and on. We started with Purpose Driven Life, just to get a Godly idea and to be comfortable with each other, then started with handouts on this site - http://www.lovethelord.com/studies.html -.

3) I don't believe you are wrong for working on Sundays if your job requires it. I know others who wouldn't agree, but come on, we're Baptists and we all go out to eat after church on Sunday. Do we really think everyone who fries our "Baptist Birds" on Sundays are agnostic? Plus a wise pastor once pointed out to me that everyone who was called by God in the bible was WORKING when they were called (For example, Matt 4:18-20. Notice it was AS they were casting a net. They were working.). I'm not sure if he was right, but he knows the bible better than I do, and its inspired me to volunteer more.

But more important than what any of US say, ask God if He is angry with you. He is the only one that matters anyway.
God Bless You. You are wise soul.
Gentleness and love to you,
Kim

[Tappanga]

God Bless You. You are wise soul.
Gentleness and love to you,
Kim


Thank you. Gentleness and love to you as well. :thumbsup:

[JPPT1974]

Sometimes it can't be helped
You know how it is with businesses
They put big bucks over people
Sad but true though!:cry:

[meowmie]

I would not say God is angry, but perhaps there is a good church that offers services at a time you could attend? It's important, I think, for your spiritual growth to attend regularly.
I have thought of attending another church but it would mean my husband and I having to attend different churches. PLUS, my church is very special to me...I am growing there and I get "fueled" for the week.

I have done enough "church hopping" before I found this church and really don't want to go anywhere else.

Besides, my husband is disabled and the only way he can get to church is if I take him at 9:15. The van brings him home. Leave for work at 10:15... an awful lot of running for a 58 year old with Lupus and 2 forms of thyroid disease and sleep apnea...I just can't do it all and then work all day. Not an excuse...just a simple fact.

I was able to go today, my first time in a month!!!

[meowmie]

The Bible says to not forsake the assembling of ourselves. It doesn't specify what day.


We all are not fortunate enough to work Monday through Friday 9-5. Some people have to work on Sundays. One would be calling a lot of nurses "idol worshippers" because the hospital chooses to stay open on Sunday mornings. For some, saved God fearing people, having every Sunday off is not an option. We're also called to support our families. We are also called to be good employees.
meowmie, there are churches that have Sunday service both in the morning and in the evening. There are also services on Wednesday evenings as well.
:prayer: praying God leads you to a church where you can serve.
I don't get off work Wednesdays til after church starts...believe me, I have thought of that. No other services offered unfortunately.

[meowmie]

If a person is in Christ God can never be angry with them unless He can be angry with Christ. Because of the work of Christ on behalf of His people we are pleasing to God. Does He chastize us to correct us? Yes, but never as a punisment or out of anger but lovingly teaches us to forsake sin and look to Christ. For the believer, God spent His wrath and anger at our sin on Christ at the cross. He completely satisfied all that justice and righteousness demands because of our sin. He no longer deals with us as sinners but as saints.
When we experience the chastening rod from God we ought never to think of it as being used in anger but in love and mercy.

To answer your question concerning working when others are meeting for worship; It depends on why you are working whether it is wrong or not. If you are doing it because you have too to keep your job then we must make a living and it is Ok. I changed positions in my company and took much less pay to be able to attend regularly but I do not condemn those who stay in their postion which requires them to be there on weekends. Gather with the Lord's people when you can as often as you can and leave it to God to change you heart as to whether you ought to change jobs or to change your circumstances so you can attend.
I have worked retail for over 21 years and am nearing 60. I also have numerous health problems. It would be VERY difficult for me to find another job.

Thought of that one too...LOL.

[meowmie]

i agree with this. i did not think i would be able to attend church because of my new job, but i talked to my manager and its been cleared up. so, whenever she can give me a day off or let me come in at 2 i go to church. i, too, see it as being important for our spiritual growth because there are so many important factors involved with going to church.
I was able to "work out" something so I could come in late and did so for quite a while. Then, the first of May, we had a financial problem and have lost HALF our monthly income. So, I was forced to work the whole Sunday, in fact, whatever they can give me (I am part time and they are helping me out by giving me full time hours). I need every hour I can get or we will lose our house....

[meowmie]

Since our authority is not the church what’s the problem? As followers of Jesus our authority is the Living God and His Son.



First, Sunday is not the Sabbath, no Scripture changes the Sabbath God defined in the OT to Sunday.

Second, the concept that work is not “holy” or “spiritual” as opposed to attending an event at a church is dualism which is a cousin to Gnosticism. Remember what Paul said in Colossians 3:17 “whatever you do in word or deed do in the Name of Jesus”. Your comment about the NT and their corporate gathering vs. work is moot since there is not reference to such an issue in the NT. Jesus does say that we are under the authority of those “above us” which includes our bosses where we work.

Did you ever stop to think that God may be using her there on a Sunday to tell/show others that she works with about the Creator God and His Son?
I know that God has used me MANY times in my lowly retail job to witness to others. I sometimes think that is why I am still there. I can't tell you how many times someone comes into my life that I have been able to witness the love of Christ to.

I AM probably doing more for the Kingdom of God at work than I would be doing sitting in a pew. That is one thing that is getting me through this financial/spiritual crisis!

[meowmie]

Brother, idolatry is a serious charge. People often quote St. Matthew 7:1 ("Judge not."). But the next verse is, in my opinion, even more important,
For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. (St. Matthew 7:2)
Being but 22 years of age, it would be hypocritical of me to join these older sisters in criticizing you for being young and arrogant, so I certainly do not. But I would like to remind you, as you brother in Christ, that the time may come when you will be forced to choose between a Sunday job, and not putting food on your own table. Financial hardship can afflict all of us, which is why we trust in Christ and not in our finances. Now, I wish that this day would never come to you, but if it does, then God will judge you for choosing food over a Sunday church service. Not that it's wrong to make such a choice (I'm sure that James or Paul would do the same thing), but you are judged by the same measure with which you judge others. Therefore, for your own benefit, do not judge.

As believers we have freedom in Christ. Now I very respectfully disagree with our beloved brother Andyman, in that I think Sunday is the proper Sabbath. But nevertheless, we are free in Christ to choose a job over a traditional church service. So then, does that mean we should neglect meeting with the body of Christ? Certainly not! I think that such a person should not forsake Bible study and other small group activities. It says,
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2)
And what does the law of sin and death say? It says,
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. (Exodus 20:8-10)
As the Apostle says by the Holy Spirit, the Law is not sin. But because Christ Jesus is our Sabbath, there is no longer any legalistic requirement to "go to church," simply for its own sake.

And the point is that forcing a person to choose church over his or her job is legalism. Saying "God will provide" will do nothing if you don't go to work and make money. Yes, sometimes God works in mysterious ways. But the majority of the time he works in very obvious ways. He provides us with employment and money, so that we can afford our living expenses. And if we forsake this, it is very unlikely that God will supply us with manna from heaven. It says,
If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:15-17)
Saying "have faith, God will provide," will probably not work if we demand that God do a miraculous sign for us. God often works in very mundane ways, and a person must see him through Christ Jesus in order to understand that God is still sovereign.
VERY well spoken...thank you.

[meowmie]

In ancient times BC, there was no such thing as a church. Worshippers of Jehova worshipped Him in the wilderness without a church. The important thing is to worship the Lord. Our bodies are the Temple of the Holy Spirit, so the body of Christ is in us. We should be worshipping Him all day long. We should be Praising Him all day long. The important thing is to worship.

I cant't make it to Sunday services because I work. We are to seek the Lord with all our heart, mind, and soul. Because I thirst for the Word, I have found a viable option. I attend Bible Study on Wednesday night to keep learning and seeking the "Word." Learning and seeking is of utmost importance to me.

What is important is to worship the Lord and give praise to Him. Remember, our body is His temple, so praise and worship can occur within us anywhere at anytime. However, the best and ultimate worship is to do so in every breath and heartbeat.

I worship you Lord right now and I praise you right now.
Clinging to You Lord,
Kim

Church is the assembly of God. It is for worship and praise and for the strengthening of our faith through fellowshipping. Assembly is not the only way to give praise and worship.
Well spoken...thank you. Pretty much my sentiments exactly.