Can you be a christian without church?

[Albion]

Obviously the poster was asking whether you have to join an organization or go to a building.

You say "obviously," but I don't think he was saying that at all, nor do I think there is any reasonable way to conclude that he was. Look at the title, for instance--"Can you be a christian without church? "

Are you seriously saying that this means "Can you be a Christian without a building?" Or, "Can you be a Christian without holding membership in a congregation?"

I don't want your drama, please stop bugging me.

Very funny. The last three of your posts to me have been uninvited by me. And unnecessary.

 

[South Bound]

Ok, let's assume the OP was trying to say "can you be a Christian without a 'called out from'"

Why? What's wrong with what he actually said?

Obviously the poster was asking...

You say "obviously", but two dozen people have responded in this thread and you're the only one who finds this "obvious".

Weird, huh?

I don't want your drama, please stop bugging me.

No problem. My ignore list has plenty of room.

 

[Albion]

I answered his question using the definition of the word. Period.

Others actually said the opposite, look through the thread and you will see that others DID take the opposing view incorrectly.

I HAVE looked and can find no place where anyone insisted that the meaning of "church" is "a building."

That is precisely the OP's question. If I am in error, please supply an alternate interpretation. Clarify it for me.

I've already done that, but since you ask, I'm willing to do it again.

There are many meanings for the word "church."
1. the assembly of believers in Christ, sometimes referred to as the "body of Christ."
2. a visible organization of those people--a denomination or congregation.
3. a structure in which the activities of a local congregation take place.

In this case, we have two items by which to decide which of those meanings the writer of the OP was using.

In the title, as I've explained, he makes no mention of point 3. In fact, the title ("Can you be a christian without church?") would be ridiculous if rendered as "Can you be a christian without building?" In the title, "church" clearly does not mean an edifice.

And the OP itself asks if one needs to associate with other believers in order to qualify as a "Christian." He makes no mention of any building there. What's more, you can see that most of the replies treat the OP's question in just the way I'm explaining--that it asks if a person who doesn't ASSOCIATE with other believers can be considered a real Christian. There is nothing said about location or any certain kind of worship center. Yet this is what you "refuted."

I hope that helps...and settles this.

 

[Albion]

I did not say that either. I said building or institution/organization. South bound did indeed say it was an institution.

Maybe that's where you went wrong, then. "Institution" is not a synonym for an edifice or a dwelling.

The only meaning for the word church I want to hear is the one in strongs, I really don't need your opinion.

If so, why are you keeping this going and fighting so hard to defend your condemnation of other posters for not agreeing with you?

I've explained things to you in brief and in detail--because you asked--and now I'm done with this.

 

[Galilee63]

Hi Farfromperfectclose2truth,

Jesus' Proclamation of the Kingdom of God with His Call to conversion:

To them he presented himself alive after his passion by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days, and speaking of the kingdom of God.

Acts of the Apostles 1:3

"The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God has come near, repent and believe in The Good News".

One of Jesus' Blessed Holy Sacraments of Love - ie Confession/Repentance of sins - prior to receiving Jesus' Blessed Holy Host/Eucharist of which Jesus gives His Loving Holy Blessings, Gifts and Graces - through His Universal Church.

Jesus instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper and (Luke 22:19) directed his Twelve Apostles to "Do this in memory of me."

"Do this in Remembrance of Me".

Through most Saints that Jesus of whom Jesus has appeared, Jesus has asked for 'sinners' to trust in Him, pray to Him while opening up our hearts to Him, turning to Jesus and His Mercy...His Divine Mercy while repenting sins from our hearts and receiving His Blessed Holy Sacraments "of Love" Jesus says.

This completely reflects His Holy Word/Holy Scriptures because Jesus suffered His bitter Passion, Agony in the Garden Gethsemane, His Stations of His Cross and everything endured through His Life, including His Last Supper of which Jesus has requested all people to receive His pre-Blessed Flesh and Blood - His Holy Blessed Eucharist/Host in order for people to continue to receive His Blessings, Gifts and Graces, not only here on earth - Eternally.

Jesus reinforces His Loving Holy requests reflecting His Holy Scriptures/Jesus/God/The Holy Spirit's Holy Word within His Divine Mercy Holy messages and Divine Mercy Chaplet that we are asked to pray to Him - if you take a look at Jesus own Divine Mercy Holy messages you will read that Jesus invites and encourages every person to attend His Universal Church and receive His Blessed Holy Sacraments further strengthening by Jesus/God/The Holy Spirit our hearts while receiving His Loving Graces.

"Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ in atonement for our sins, and those of the whole world" with The Sign of The Cross, The Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be to The Father made beforehand x 5 times.

"For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, have Mercy on us and on the whole world" 3 times.

"Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have Mercy on us, and on the whole world" x 3 times.

If you choose to pray to Jesus Christ our Saviour His Divine Mercy Chaplet and The Lord's Prayer daily, asking Jesus/God/The Holy Spirit for His Loving Discernment for the right Church of His to attend receiving His Blessed Holy Sacraments while trusting in Jesus completely, you cannot go far wrong, let me assure you

and/or:

O Blood and Water which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus, as a Fount of Mercy for us, I Trust in You" x 3 times throughout the day at any time, Jesus has requested within His Divine Mercy ie "unfathomable Divine Mercy Himself" and "Sacred Heart of Jesus, have Mercy on us" x 3 times - praying and talking to Jesus in complete Trust from your heart Farfromperfectclose2truth.

Jesus says in His Divine Mercy Holy messages within the 9 Day Novena praying Jesus' Divine Mercy Chaplet (which is addressed to God The Most High as our Eternal Father) that Jesus has requested people to pray during His Easter for the entire week:

"First Day"

"Today bring to Me all mankind, especially all sinners, and immerse them in the ocean of My Mercy. In this way, you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges Me".

"Second Day"

"Today bring to Me the souls of priests and religious and immerse them in My Unfathomable Mercy. It was they who gave Me strength to endure My Bitter Passion. Through them, as through channels, My Mercy flows out upon mankind".

"Third Day"

"Today bring to Me all devout and faithful souls and immerse them in the ocean of My Mercy. These souls brought Me consolation on the way of The Cross. They were that drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness".

"Fourth Day"

"Today bring to Me those who do not believe in God and those who do not yet know Me. I was thinking also of them during My Bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My Heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My Mercy".

"Fifth Day"

"Today bring to Me the souls of those who have separated from My Church and immerse them in the ocean of My Mercy. During My Bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart, that is, My Church. As they return to unity with The Church, My Wounds heal, and in this way they alleviate My Passion".

"Sixth Day"

"Today bring to Me the meek and humble souls and the souls of little Children and immerse them in My Mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My Bitter Agony. I saw them as earthly Angels, who will keep vigils at My Altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of Grace. Only the humble soul is capable of receiving My Grace. I favour humble souls with My Confidence".

"Seventh Day"

"Today bring to Me the souls who especially venerate and Glorify My Mercy and immerse them in My Mercy. These souls sorrowed most over My Passion and entered most deeply into My Spirit. They are living images of My Compassionate Heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death".

"Eighth Day"

"Today bring to Me the souls who are detained in Purgatory and immerse them in the Abyss of My Mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly Loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all of the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only knew the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt for My justice".

"Ninth Day"

"Today bring to Me souls who have become luke warm and immerse them in the Abyss of My Mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My Soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of luke warm souls. They were the reason I cried out "Father, take this Cup away from Me, if it be Your Will". For them the last hope of salvation is to run to My Mercy".

Love and kindest wishes your sister in Jesus Christ our Saviour

Love and kindest wishes your Sister in Jesus Christ our Saviour

 

[Galilee63]

The Holy Spirit appeared at Pentecost, ten days after the Ascension of Jesus, to the Apostles and disciples in the Upper Room, and inspired them to proclaim the faith (Acts 1:13-2:4).

The Twelve Apostles at the Pentecost were Peter, Andrew, James and John, Matthew, Philip, Thomas, Nathaniel Bartholomew, James son of Alpheus, Jude Thaddeus, Simon the Zealot, and Matthias. This community of disciples of Jesus was the beginning of our Church.

The oral tradition of the Apostles was established in the infancy period of the Church, from the time of Jesus (~33 AD) to the written Gospels, and continued through Apostolic succession to subsequent Church leaders, the bishops, priests, and deacons.

The Twelve Apostles and St. Paul began their work as evangelists, as described in the Acts of the Apostles, spreading Christianity throughout the Near East and the Mediterranean world.

St. Luke portrays the missions of the Apostles, focusing primarily on Peter, upon whom Jesus founded his Church, and Paul, who was converted when he saw the risen Christ (Acts 9:1-9).

Following his conversion, Paul first preached in Damascus, Syria, traveled to Arabia, and then returned to Damascus where he stayed for three years (Galatians 1:17-18). During Paul's second missionary journey (Acts 16:7-12), the Spirit of Jesus redirected Paul and Luke to Macedonia, a journey which was the first recorded introduction of Christianity into Europe!

Jesus declared to Saint Peter:
"And I say also unto thee, that 'thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church,
and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven;
and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven".

Matthew 16:18-19


For a whole year they met with the church, and taught a large company of people;
and in Antioch the disciples were for the first time called Christians.

Acts of the Apostles 11:26


"Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. I commend you because you remember me in everything
and maintain the traditions even as I have delivered them to you".

First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians 11:1-2

For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said,‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’

In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying,‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup,
you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes".

First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians 11:23-26

 

[South Bound]

Jesus has requested people to pray during His Easter for the entire week:

"First Day"

"Today bring to Me all mankind, especially all sinners, and immerse them in the ocean of My Mercy. In this way, you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges Me".

"Second Day"

"Today bring to Me the souls of priests and religious and immerse them in My Unfathomable Mercy. It was they who gave Me strength to endure My Bitter Passion. Through them, as through channels, My Mercy flows out upon mankind".

"Third Day"

"Today bring to Me all devout and faithful souls and immerse them in the ocean of My Mercy. These souls brought Me consolation on the way of The Cross. They were that drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness".

"Fourth Day"

"Today bring to Me those who do not believe in God and those who do not yet know Me. I was thinking also of them during My Bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My Heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My Mercy".

"Fifth Day"

"Today bring to Me the souls of those who have separated from My Church and immerse them in the ocean of My Mercy. During My Bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart, that is, My Church. As they return to unity with The Church, My Wounds heal, and in this way they alleviate My Passion".

"Sixth Day"

"Today bring to Me the meek and humble souls and the souls of little Children and immerse them in My Mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My Bitter Agony. I saw them as earthly Angels, who will keep vigils at My Altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of Grace. Only the humble soul is capable of receiving My Grace. I favour humble souls with My Confidence".

"Seventh Day"

"Today bring to Me the souls who especially venerate and Glorify My Mercy and immerse them in My Mercy. These souls sorrowed most over My Passion and entered most deeply into My Spirit. They are living images of My Compassionate Heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death".

"Eighth Day"

"Today bring to Me the souls who are detained in Purgatory and immerse them in the Abyss of My Mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly Loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all of the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only knew the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt for My justice".

"Ninth Day"

"Today bring to Me souls who have become luke warm and immerse them in the Abyss of My Mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My Soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of luke warm souls. They were the reason I cried out "Father, take this Cup away from Me, if it be Your Will". For them the last hope of salvation is to run to My Mercy".

Did He ask you to bring Him the head of Alfredo Garcia, too?

 

[jimmyjimmy]

Can you be a christian without going to church..... Ever?

Your thoughts please guys!

There is no such person as a Christian who is not in a body of believers in the New Testament.

Christ refers to His churches a bodies, so I ask, can a big toe live without the foot and the rest of the body?

You must also realize that you are required to give your time and talent to the local church. It's not simply about what you get out of it, but what you give, and in giving, you will be blessed.

Having said all this, I realize that it's very difficult to find a gospel-preaching, Christ-centered church. Most churches are shallow and entertainment-driven side shows.

 

[dsaly1969]

While you can be a Christian and not be a member of a particular brick and mortar institution called "church", we are supposed to fellowship with other believers (in ecclesia) for study and shared prayer, sharing the Good News with others, and providing compassionate service to others. While this can be done "informally" at home or in a small informal fellowship, these opportunities are much easier with the combined resources available through the brick and mortar institutions.

 

[gomez2219]

it gonna be hard for me, i cant stay without it

 

[Josie Adams]

Can you be a christian without going to church..... Ever?

Your thoughts please guys!

The thief on the cross never went to church.

 

[Albion]

The thief on the cross never went to church.

Meaning that if we ever find ourselves side by side with Jesus Christ in person and a few moments from death...we may be OK with a profession of faith in him. But what of all the other scenarios that everyone in history except Dismas (the thief) has or will experience?

The point, of course, is that Christ established a church with sacraments or ordinances and leaders with certain responsibilities precisely because the thief was an exception that Christ personally dealt with. The rest of us are covered by policies or procedures set up for us by Him precisely because we will not be in the same situation as the thief was.

 

[Josie Adams]

The point, of course, is that Christ established a church with sacraments or ordinances and leaders with certain responsibilities precisely because the thief was an exception that Christ personally dealt with. The rest of us are covered by policies or procedures set up for us by Him precisely because we will not be in the same situation as the thief was.

Find me a scripture that says we should go to church, ie. attend a Church service every Sunday morning.

 

[Albion]

Find me a scripture that says we should go to church, ie. attend a Church service every Sunday morning.

"Attend a church service every Sunday morning?"

That wasn't the issue. The issue here concerned whether or not a person can be a Christian while boycotting the sacraments, corporate worship, pastoral guidance, etc. totally.

And we have already been treated to the Bible verse that you are seeking -- many times. Not only does the New Testament describe corporate worship in which the early believers engaged but we have the Scriptural admonition not to forsake assembling together with other believers.

 

[PaladinValer]

Can you be a christian without going to church..... Ever?

Your thoughts please guys!

Part of the actual religion of Christianity is being a part of a community. That community is the Holy Church.

By not participating in church, one is not really practicing Christianity but something entirely new.

 

[alexsonofmatthew]

Yes

 

[Albion]

Again, you technically can be a Christian without attending church services or having anything to do with any congregation.

However, that's like being a Christian with one hand voluntarily tied behind your back...and one wonders who would consider that to be preferable.

In addition, to do such as this defies the Biblical admonitions that we are to gather together, celebrate the Lord's Supper, etc. So it might be said that it's possible to be a Christian without a church, all right, but not a very good one.

 

[ilovejesusandbeads]

I am not big on going to church for the sake of going to church. However as a young Christian and as a social creature I really need some sort of fellowship with other believers. I think we're encouraged to go to church because WE need that interaction. It's vital to our growing and flourishing as children of God. Not because it proves anything to Him, but because we are social beings. We were made that way for a reason. We have been called to a path that isn't popular in the world we live in. We are surrounded by the enemy on all sides. Having somewhere to go where you can be with others who serve the same amazing God is vital to your spiritual health. We need each other. We are one body. The finger is still a body part when it's cut off from the body, but it doesn't fare well. I miss church when I don't go. I haven't been in awhile. This is why I haven't felt well lately. Yes I'm still in submission to Jesus. Yes, I'm still studying. My time worshiping him alone in the woods is precious beyond words. But worship with other believers refreshes me. I don't think we can be as strong as we'd like in our walk if we don't gather together in His name at least every now and then. That's just my thought though.

 

[Jesse2014]

Well, I don't go to church. But I am still believer.

 

[Jesse2014]

Part of the actual religion of Christianity is being a part of a community. That community is the Holy Church.

By not participating in church, one is not really practicing Christianity but something entirely new.

That's too bad some Christians feel this way. I am striving to have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, His Son. And I don't go to church. I hope this statement is wrong.