How to convince them...

[JFox1]

I've tried to convince my Mom to go to church. She used to attend the Evangelical United Brethen Church when she was a kid. She quit going to church for a while, then she visited a church in Ohio (I don't know which denomination it was) and she said she got a very cold reception while there and didn't go to church again.

I still pray for her each Sunday. I also send her devotional booklets and my church's worship bulletins. She recently bought a daily Bible in the NIV and has been reading it. Thanks be to God! But she still doesn't want to go to church. She said she doesn't want to get involved in "church politics."

 

[New_Wineskin]

She recently bought a daily Bible in the NIV and has been reading it. Thanks be to God!

Why is that ?

 

[JFox1]

Why is that ?

I don't know, but I'm glad she's reading the Bible again. She used to say it had a "lot of junk."

 

[New_Wineskin]

I don't know, but I'm glad she's reading the Bible again. She used to say it had a "lot of junk."

I meant ... why "Thanks be to God" because she bought one and was reading it ?

 

[discernomatic]

Well, all to often I've been stoned or flamed by fellow brothers and sisters in Christ for opening my mouth, or asking the akward and difficult questions. Or for disagreeing with them, especially those in leadership positions THat's the reason for the helmet WITH faceguard as well *ng*

TheAJKMan

Ha! Ha! Maybe I ought to get me a helmet too, or at least a shield.

Seriously, back to the OP.

I think that needing to go to church would depend on why you want to go. I go to meet with other Christians and discuss scripture, which I can't do with the non-Christians that I know. I want to have friends that share the same Christian interests, love of the Lord, the willingness to serve him, improvement of character, the wish to grow in Godly wisdom. All of this can be done outside of a church, and often better, because there is no format that has to be followed, more time, and more one-to-one contact.

If I were you, Jesse, I'd try an experiment. Try to meet with Christians from that church, if they are the kind you want to be with, but at their homes or yours instead of the church during the week or whenever you and they find time. Just have a cup of coffee and some cookies or whatever. If they expect you to go on Sunday's too in order to be able to meet with them at other times then I wouldn't bother with them.

You could go to a bible study without going to a church, too. I go to a bible study more often than visiting church, because it is at a more convenient time for me, during the week and also during the day. If I go on Sunday it costs me a total of four hours or more, especially if I am carpooling others that live even farther away than I do. Going to the bible study takes nearly as long, but it is when other family members are also away from home, and there are no hungry mouths to cook for or other duties I would be neglecting.

 

[stivvy]

When we think we are being led by the Holy Ghost, we may be getting led by demons. On one of the fundimental christian acts which is church worship, your decision should be an easy one and not a struggle.

It is common to not be able to decern the difference when it is a decision that leads to a "convienence" for us.

 

[strikerchris0411]

Hello,
I have had a difficult time in the past convincing my family and church brethren and sisters that I do not want to attend church. Presently I attend two churches.... one of which I brought my whole family (mother's side) to Christ through. The other church I found on my own. I am feeling led by the Holy Spirit to not be attending a Church every Sunday... preferably at all. So this leads to my questions:

1.) How can I convince my family and church group that I feel led by the Spirit to leave the church in the material sense?

2.) How can I worship our maker and have fellowship with other believers and not go to a church building?



HELP... I am in a tight spot....

--Jesse

YOu have to do what you have to do. Whether or not your family agrees with it. If you feel you would be closer to God this way then try to talk to your family. They don't control your spirtual path. Though i would not look at it that way. They can give you advice though

 

[givengrace]

Hello,
I have had a difficult time in the past convincing my family and church brethren and sisters that I do not want to attend church. Presently I attend two churches.... one of which I brought my whole family (mother's side) to Christ through. The other church I found on my own. I am feeling led by the Holy Spirit to not be attending a Church every Sunday... preferably at all. So this leads to my questions:

1.) How can I convince my family and church group that I feel led by the Spirit to leave the church in the material sense?

2.) How can I worship our maker and have fellowship with other believers and not go to a church building?



HELP... I am in a tight spot....

--Jesse

I'm sure I won't be the Popular Vote here. But I question that it is the Holy Spirit telling you to leave the church or Saten. Sounds more the last one.
In my oppion God doesn't tell you things different than He does in the Bible and If you read In Acts Jesus started the Church and after all Jesus came not only to pay our price for sin but to be our guide for us to follow. After all don't we Baptist because Jesus said to and he was and we are to do as he did? Well he started the "CHURCH" So aren't we to follow and Be a Deciple and make more like ourselves. As he did?

 

[mystery4]

Jesse,

Good to see you again. Regardless of what anyone here or your family says, the choice is ultimately between you and God. Noone else can make the decision for you.

Why is it you feel led by the Spirit to leave? What are the Biblical principles regarding this situation? What would be the benefits and drawbacks of not going to church? What would be the benefits and drawbacks of going to church? How is your church attendence going to effect those around you? Is it going to aid or hinder them in their walk with Christ (esp those who are less stable in their walk with Christ than you are)? How is your church attendence going to effect your own walk with Christ?

I personally believe that Christians should continue to go to church and be active in there as I believe that was the way God designed it to help us and others however as I said before, this is ultimately your decision and noone else can make it for you. I will be keeping you and your situation in my prayers. God Bless, Misty.

 

[TheAJKMan]

Ha! Ha! Maybe I ought to get me a helmet too, or at least a shield.

That is kinda the reason I chose those bits and pieces for my avatar.

mystery4 makes some good points as do some others. In the end you will have to face your maker and answer for every decision. If you know in your heart that it is right, then DO IT!! Just this thought in parting from me, remember that the scriptures do commend us to never forsake fellowship with the bretheren or we will die. So, be careful of making a wrong decision here.

TheAJKMan

 

[Jalfred14850]

There is a project about the meaning of life at www.projectmeaning.com

 

[PolskiKrol]

You're an adult. Love, and do as you will.

On a side note, if you're tired of church services, why not come to a High Mass? There might not be one around your area though. Masstimes.org usually has them listed.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solemn_Mass

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

Well, all to often I've been stoned or flamed by fellow brothers and sisters in Christ for opening my mouth, or asking the akward and difficult questions. Or for disagreeing with them, especially those in leadership positions THat's the reason for the helmet WITH faceguard as well *ng*

TheAJKMan

i don't know all your other posts, or any other really, but you probably recognise the irony that Jesus saw - it wasn't the irreligious nor the pagans that sought Jesus' silence and death, but the religious scholars and leaders and priests ! same today, as always - the helmet of salvation is needed more for protection from religious folk than from the so-called spiritually ignorant
who may gladly receive the Great News of Salvation.

 

[j7muniz]

I would say ''let the peace of God rule your heart". If its from God you will have peace about it.