@jimmyjimmy This is a subject I have dealt with in my walk, and I still do not like Sunday church as much as I enjoy Bible study, praise and worship or fellowship. I have never been able to find what I need in Sunday church. I have been to many churches and even attended Berean University AOG to become a Minister. I even served 3 years internship, lead worship, prayer, and even Bible studies. But I decided to not become a Minister. It wasn't there for me.
I found my church in the woods hanging out with the homeless. Showing them someone cared. Working in food lines to feed the less fortunate, or using my dodge diesel to haul food. Even going hungry for the day to buy someone on a street corner some food. even by having the homeless move into my home. This is where I found my brothers and sisters in Christ, and right here on this forum actually.
I do not believe any building nor authority on this earth is God's Church Rather we as God's Bride are the Church. As it is written, we are to be doers of the faith, not hears only deceiving ourselves. Also, our faith needs to produce works, or our faith is useless. Another paramount issue for me is we are told to go out and preach the gospel everywhere, not in just one building where some will never even cross the threshold. Go out and be a living testimony. Love. Forgive. Forbear, and preach the gospel. Lay hands on the sick, and comfort the widow in their mourning. Visit the prisoner in prison, and love the sinner in his affliction. That is the Body of Christ. Alvie, active and moving through our communities being an ever-present light of the gospel of Christ. That is the Church to me. That is the only Church I intend, to, attend.
I do not recognize any other authority
but Christ. I confess Jesus the Christ as the one and only True God. Jesus is the high priest in the order of Melchizedek and holds the keys to both heaven and hell. Jesus is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Jesus is also the Word of God that created all that is and became flesh and dwelt amongst man. I can go on and on, but the point is there is no one else more qualified to teach about God, well then... God. I am completely adherent to Sola Scriptura. Because even in that Jesus is living scripture.
I also have a real disdain for dogma, church traditions, and denominational edicts. I absolutely refuse to pray to anyone except a member of the Holy Trinity in Jesus name. The Father, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit/Ghost. The other biggie for me is those who will not confess Jesus.
1Jn 4:1-3 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
To me, this is a litmus test. I confess Jesus Christ is the Word of God made flesh. To me, it is as easy as saying: 'Hello, my name is Lee.' I have asked pastors before if they can confess Jesus and they look at me like Im an alien.
"Well of course!I'm a pastor."
" I meant can you confess Jesus for me?"
"He is Lord, and the Son of God"
"He who?"
"Jesus."
"So can you confess Jesus as Lord?"
This is ridiculous! I went to seminary for..... blah, blah, blah....... I go to church.... I read the bible.... I'm a devote Christian.
If you cannot confess Jesus. I can not confess you as a Christian. I am sure not going to sit in your congregation and hear your sermon if you cannot even confess Jesus Christ. This is not a problem for the people I fellowship with. It feels great to say it. Just look someone right in the eyes and confesses Jesus. I love it. I want to be found guilty for associating myself with Jesus. I love it, even more, when someone is in my face cursing my God. " Well I understand that is the way you feel, But I confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Can I explain to you why?"