Well I wouldn't exactly call it a bowl of cherries
I have been on the verge of this place for years, and rather than going through it and coming out the other side, I keep trying to stuff myself back into the little box that I came out of, because its comfortable and familiar. Well, I can't do that anymore, and so I just have to deal with it. Scary and depressing or not.
Besides, I am not completely alone. I have Jesus
And I believe that eventually in His timing, he will bring into my life, others whom I can trust.
Just keep believing Sis, no matter what anyone tells you.
I haven't voted, and don't plan to. The only thing I want to say is that there seems to be a growing number of people that have realized that there has to be more to "being in church" than being in church. What profit is there to God if all His church produces are people that are faithful to a set of four walls? It seems that the focus in many churches is one of being faithful to the church, rather than teaching people how to go out and win the world around them. It seems to me that if more churches taught people how to go out and do what it is they were saved to do, rather than just how to be faithful to church services, then there would be no need to teach people how to be faithful to church services. It, faithfulness to church services, would be a natural by-product of winnning the lost. Just my two cents. Carry on.
I haven't voted, and don't plan to. The only thing I want to say is that there seems to be a growing number of people that have realized that there has to be more to "being in church" than being in church. What profit is there to God if all His church produces are people that are faithful to a set of four walls? It seems that the focus in many churches is one of being faithful to the church, rather than teaching people how to go out and win the world around them. It seems to me that if more churches taught people how to go out and do what it is they were saved to do, rather than just how to be faithful to church services, then there would be no need to teach people how to be faithful to church services. It, faithfulness to church services, would be a natural by-product of winnning the lost. Just my two cents. Carry on.
I haven't voted, and don't plan to. The only thing I want to say is that there seems to be a growing number of people that have realized that there has to be more to "being in church" than being in church. What profit is there to God if all His church produces are people that are faithful to a set of four walls? It seems that the focus in many churches is one of being faithful to the church, rather than teaching people how to go out and win the world around them. It seems to me that if more churches taught people how to go out and do what it is they were saved to do, rather than just how to be faithful to church services, then there would be no need to teach people how to be faithful to church services. It, faithfulness to church services, would be a natural by-product of winnning the lost. Just my two cents. Carry on.
You mean like actually BEING the Church instead of just going to church? Now there's a novel concept. Ah, but we can't have that because then saints in the pews wouldn't get to sit on their blessed assurance and just be fed and ministered to and entertained while they criticize the leadership for trying to get them to get off their blessed assurance. We wouldn't be able to have all these little church fiefdoms that get passed on from father to son down through the generations.
This may have been said but it bears repeating if it has been said.
I may be terribly wrong, but I would guess that you have never really worn a yoke or you would not see the trivialities you often reference as yokes.
As a man who has been truly yoked and whipped and enslaved, I see the things you identify as yokes as a verdant pasture with peaceful babbling brooks that bring peace and soothing to my once burdened and yoked soul!
Brother, I would never encourage anyone to go into the depths of sin that I plumbed in my backslidden days, but I do think a season of real bondage would do some of you whiners a world of good!
You remind of my kids who think they have it rough when Dad only pays 95% of their living expenses and all their bills instead of 100%!
It truly is sad that you see these petty issues through such a jaundiced eye of selfishness!
Keep in mind that you were only allowed to listen, not to ask questions or participate. That's not learning, that memorizing. Scripture is one thing. But the Pastor's opinion is another.
Hey, Mich!
i see the pendulum is still swinging.
I pray you find the place of stability and balance that will satisfy your soul!
The bottom line for those of you who dont need churchs, but still say you are part of the church is this.
you better be winning people! if you arent part of a church, helping that church to bring the Gospel, then you better be converting people left and right because my bible teaches me that the branch that does not bare fruit will surely be cut off and burnt up.
All this talk about the church not being necessary or an "outdated model" or not meeting needs is just an excuse if you are not personally doing what the church is supposed to be doing.
__________________ If I do something stupid blame the Lortab!
The bottom line for those of you who dont need churchs, but still say you are part of the church is this.
you better be winning people! if you arent part of a church, helping that church to bring the Gospel, then you better be converting people left and right because my bible teaches me that the branch that does not bare fruit will surely be cut off and burnt up.
All this talk about the church not being necessary or an "outdated model" or not meeting needs is just an excuse if you are not personally doing what the church is supposed to be doing.
I don't have the power to "win" or "convert" people, I thought only God had the power to do that.