Do you think Two Church services a month is enough?

[Steve Epley]

I was glad when they said unto me let us go into the house of the Lord. Been that way for 45 yrs and still happy. Like the old songs, praying together, worshipping, preaching, fellowshipping. Church has been good to me and for me. Have I ever been hurt yep but folks get hurt at work they don't go to the mountains and become a hermit and quit working. My family has hurt me I have not moved to Iran hoping they will love me better. But you know what just like I have been hurt I have hurt people by my stupidity and carelessness. So I am only reaping what I have sown. Hurts eventually heal if you quit picking at them my mother used to say. Church has helped heal my hurts.

[Jekyll]

Originally Posted by Felicity

Wasn't there a post here by the mrs? Or am I seeing things?

How about over in the five fold ministry thread?

Originally Posted by COOPER

The Purpose is different from mans ways.

The purpose is what the Bible says it is and that's all that matters!

Five fold ministry?

If you'll notice from the post you quoted, I put that phrase in quotation marks. This is what people have called the list of ministries in Ephesians 4:11 (though some have suggested it's a four-fold ministry). It is simply the doctrine that God has given to the Church apostles (missionaries, who are often not doing today what they're supposed to be doing), prophets (see Agabus in Acts for an example, along with Acts 13), evangelists (they are NOT supposed to be preaching to Christians and are NOT to be used for so-called "revivals" that should never be needed because Christians have no business being dead or asleep), pastors (bishops, overseeing elders) and teachers (the four-folders say it's a combined ministry of pastor-teacher).

Has man created another doctrine by using Gods scripture?

See above.

Where in this verse does it give rank and order?

Who said anything about rank and order?

And where does it teach men receive any kind of calling to such.

Go read where Paul testified about his calling as an apostle.

Who today is an Apostle?

Missionaries.

Who is the Apostle of UPC or your Church.

Missionaries are sent out from the local church.

Are there Five seats on the platform for Five ministers?

No.

And who then is the Head or leader among-st them?

The bishop or overseeing elder (pastor).

[Michlow]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

Cult or trinity...what a completely assinine remark.

As if there were nothing else but those two extremes.

Coop, why don't you just be honest and tell us that you are too lazy and too carnal to enjoy church, but that for some reason the Lord still convicts you to the point that you have to try and come up with some spiritually legitimate sounding reasons for laying out of church ansd raising your kids without the benefit of the house of God and the preaching and teaching they desperately need?

Let me tell you something dude, if you dumb around and cause those beautiful children to be lost because you are too stubborn or too whatever to take them to church, knowing what you know, eternity is going to be a long and awful price to pay.

I have watched you squirm and mock and scoff at preachers and the whole idea of church for a long time now.

But when I look at your avatar and see those beautiful babies, it makes me nearly get sick thinking of how you are neglecting them.

They can ban me or give me an infraction if need be...that's fine.

But I will this once tell you the unvarnished truth.

As the only other person who has said that twice a month is enough, I feel the need to clarify, that I personally have no children, or anyone else in my family that is anyway effected by whether or not, or how often I go to church.

However, if I am being perfectly honest, most of the stories I have heard from those being raised in church, don't exactly give inspiration. I am not saying that it therefore doesn't matter. I am just saying that being raised in church is certainly no guarantee that one will continue to live for God.

[Subdued]

Considering the fact that we never stop learning, I'd have to say that twice/month isn't enough. I love to learn - I love doing research... and I absolutely love the things I've learned through listened to the Word being preached. I'm often amazed by the insight gained through listening to my pastor preach. Even during the times I don't seem to be getting it - or if it seems boring (hate to admit that) - or when I just can't seem to concentrate, I still get something out of it. Even the smallest things gained can end up being something giant later on, at just the right time.

Having said that, I need to get myself to church more often. I've gotten lazy, unfortunately; and I've allowed my job to get in the way... I've often used my job as an excuse to stay home. At the end of each month, I work crazy hours. It sometimes take me several days to "catch up" on the sleep I missed. It's gotten easy to convince myself that being tired is a good enough excuse to stay home. I've been missing 1-2 Sundays/month.

(This thread has made me really think about this issue.)

Originally Posted by COOPER

Do you think Two services a Month would suffice?

It depends on what is going on the rest of the days...I stay in contact and read my bible, have bible study...etc...I can't get too much of God but church is another story....going to church is not the same as being in fellowship with God, we need preaching and teaching...but mostly we need fellowship with like minded saints.

[Michlow]

Originally Posted by Sister Truth Seeker

It depends on what is going on the rest of the days...I stay in contact and read my bible, have bible study...etc...I can't get too much of God but church is another story....going to church is not the same as being in fellowship with God, we need preaching and teaching...but mostly we need fellowship with like minded saints.

See, I know people won't believe me when I say this, but I get alot more out of personal Bible study, prayer, or one-on-one discussion than I do out of "Church".

[jillian]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

I am glad I have always loved church and it has never been a burden to go. My schedule-life-habits revolve around church and not me. Always has always will. It is MY CHIEF joy.

[COOPER]

Originally Posted by Michlow

See, I know people won't believe me when I say this, but I get alot more out of personal Bible study, prayer, or one-on-one discussion than I do out of "Church".

Careful speaking like that Mich, some will fly off and say: Hmmm...so you are smarter than a Pastor???

[Whole Hearted]

How many here would be satisfied to see their spouse only twice a month? If you really love them that would never be enough. But there are those who CLAMI to be in the bride of Christ and they are satisfied with coming to worship and hear God's Word only twice a month.


Tells you something about them doesn't it. They have left their first love.