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What is the advantage of going to church as opposed to not going?
I can see why most people go to church. They like to be amongst fellow believers and fellowship with them. I've been a Christian for quite some time, but have never been one to attend church. I haven't attended since the late 1980s. I'm a single guy that doesn't like to be around people, no matter what the circumstances are. People tell me that I need to find a good church to go to. I just don't see the point. I'm saved and that's what really matters in the end. I'll be judged on my faith and acceptance of Jesus Christ, not some building I went to every Sunday.
I see what you are saying. I, like you, haven't gone to church in a while. There was a point in time for me when I didn't feel the fire I once felt. Hypocrites, gossipers they are in every church. My church had gotten bad at one time. It was small as it was, and almost half of the members left due to judgements, hypocrites and gossipers. Can't say as I blame them. Who wants to be in Christian fellowship with people like that? Knowing what happened helped me lose the fire. I know it shouldn't have, but I'm not perfect. We lost some members who played instruments so we were singing a capella most of time. I don't really know how to describe it, it just wasn't the same. Anyone who does attend church can tell you that a great gospel song can move you in indescribable ways. That along with other things... it just had me feeling... blah at church. I ended up gradually stopping church altogether. I know that you do not go to church for the people. But people can most definitely make the visit unpleasureable as time goes on. I know I have should have searched for another church. The point is..I understand what you are saying. Church is not going to get you into Heaven. As you said, your faith and acceptance of Christ will. I will tell you this though. When I did go to church I was stronger in Christ. It was easier to turn away from temptation, harder to sin so easily..like say cursing, or sinning after contemplation. It was easier to do what is right, I was doing it without thinking...like not cursing, or even thinking of doing sinful things I used too. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I didn't sin. I am just saying that I didn't seem to do it as much..habitual sinning would be a decent word for what I am trying to say. Also, I am not saying that you can't be just as good out of church as in it. I'm saying that my ability to do better in Christ while I was in church, be it regarding sin, spiritual growth, etc., is God's way of showing me that I am better off in church and should be there.
I can see why most people go to church. They like to be amongst fellow believers and fellowship with them. I've been a Christian for quite some time, but have never been one to attend church. I haven't attended since the late 1980s. I'm a single guy that doesn't like to be around people, no matter what the circumstances are. People tell me that I need to find a good church to go to. I just don't see the point. I'm saved and that's what really matters in the end. I'll be judged on my faith and acceptance of Jesus Christ, not some building I went to every Sunday.
As far as salvation goes I don't think church is needed. My mother doesn't attend church either and is very strong in her faith. Although I do, at times, see areas in her life that would benefit from the support, prayer and encouragement of fellow believers. With all that said, have you looked at joining a small group attached to a church instead?
I think you should go to church because you need to fellowship with other belivers. Have you ever hear " Where ever two or more are gathered in My name. There i shall be"? (Paraphrase from the bible. I dont remeber where it is.)
Well for one, the bible tells us not to forsake the gathering together, and it was so important to the early chirstians they risk death to meet many times.
It is the lax freedom of religion that makes us not respect the honor and duty to go and be with fellow christians.
well, heres how i see it.
When i miss church/youth for a few weeks in a row, my life starts to go downhill.
yeah, some churchs have a few bad eggs, one of my friends was in a church where the new pastor was calling her a satanist because she wore black and red and listened to dark/emo sorta music.
yet, you can, and will if you try, find the right church for you, like i have
the church im in is so amazing, they have helped me so much, and on sundays (i have been pretty slack on sunday church lately) its like, i go in there, and cant wait to hear the senior pastor speak, coz i know ill learn something new about god and how to serve him and others. And worship! worship brings a smile to my face when all else fails.
edit- also, i forgot to add, when you are a lone christian, you are not helping to build up other christians and not helping the community as much as you can in a church. in a church, you can grow and learn and pray with other christians, and also do much for the community and for others, and find your special place in the world, your special role, whether it be singing in the church band, preaching, or just helping to stack the chairs occasionally.
I know how you feel. I love God, but somehow I dont feel that love in the Church that Im attending. Sadly the man ill be marrying in 4 days insists that i go to the same church as him.
Church, the concept, the church that Christ intended... is a great thing. What man has done to it sucks.
People suck.
They get all high and mighty about how much they are NOT doing then they judge you for not raising your hands or because I smoke a black n mild every 2 or 3 weeks.