Is Salvation all there is?

[seekingmuch]

Honestly, I got saved way back in 1991 and finally felt loved and accepted. Got the baptism of the Holy Spirit six months later. Six months into, know I know what happened but didn't for 25 years, the Holy Spirit deeply triggered my Bipolar and my past. Things went haywire. No longer felt loved and accepted. I lived in hell for 25+ years. Never thought I was good enough or worth anything. I thought God talked to me for years. Listen for the "still, small voice" thing. It was just my brain making things up. God maybe talked to me two or three times in 25 years. Finally, someone told me God is not a taskmaster and is not just tolerating me. For a few days I felt better, but, honestly, it just felt empty. I told God, "I don't feel loved." I know it my head, but not anywhere else. The Holy Spirit, if he ever shows up, which is rare, I immediately am fearful and wonder endlessly why he's there--what bad did I do now? type thing.

Honestly, church over the last 25 years has been one lonely place. People are friendly but they don't want anything to do with you outside of church. Much of that I think is because I'm single and not a professional, and/or not married with kids. I worked in the tv ministry at the last church, and when I decided, why am I going? It's just lonely. I quit. No one ever called or ask why I left. It was like I didn't exist. So, honestly, I have no desire for church anymore. There's no offer of friendship or community to belong to so what's the point? I actually do believe on 20% in churches are saved anyway. Half probably go because it is the right thing to do. Another group go for signs and wonders (they followed Jesus around when he was here, too). And, some go because they like the singing (or the "show" as I call it in some churches).

I told God. I don't feel loved. With meds, it's hard to feel anything sometimes anyway, and mine blocks a lot of emotion since that is what it works on. Other than salvation, what is there?

I actually believe now when you are saved, you are saved. You don't have to do a thing. You are under Grace (ask forgiveness once and day and don't worry about sin). God can't take away from you. Satan can't steal it. Believe in ACTS 16:13 and that's it. I personally think it is the most important scripture, along with John 3:16, in the Bible. And, yes, I realize very few people really understand salvation and Grace. Both are constants. They can't change or Jesus's crucifixation, death and resurrection is all a lie.

Jesus was only out of contact with God once. On the cross when he became sin. Other than that, I guess they always were together. I just feel like, besides salvation, there really is nothing. I'm still lonely. God loves me. So? He loves everybody. I've never felt God was interested in me much. I wrote my first book. God never said a thing. I was like, some friend you are. You can't say one word? LOL I thought seriously about that after finishing my 2nd book. God never said a thing.

I love God, but I really don't get what is so great about Christianity. It seems as empty as everything else. How God talks to us is beyond me. Dreams, an actual voice, impressions, the Bible, which I don't understand due to my horrible childhood. We never went to Sunday School.

 

[drjean]

I think I understand where you are at...and it is a lonely place. You are correct about salvation and grace. But there is certainly more after-the-fact.

What salvation did, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, allowed us to reconnect to God, allows us to commune with and worship God. I believe that was the whole point of creation...the fellowship with God. I believe we believers are not taken out the world immediately after accepting Christ because we are here to worship God. Yes, in that worship we share His love with others and prayerfully hope that they, too, will come to Him for salvation.

You are also correct about medication numbing emotions. But we aren't to live by emotions/feelings, we are to live by faith. If we don't feel something we are just to continue by faith anyway. (Feelings often lie to us anyway.) I find when in those areas of void that praising God and worshipping Him will "enliven" the sense of the Holy Spirit within, and give comforting peace and knowledge of God's love for us.

 

[Cement]

My only wish would be to get a taste of heavenly bliss before I get there. I have experienced both bliss and depression and I think bliss is a gift of the spirit.

 

[Bobber]

I thought God talked to me for years. Listen for the "still, small voice" thing. It was just my brain making things up. God maybe talked to me two or three times in 25 years. Finally, someone told me God is not a taskmaster and is not just tolerating me. For a few days I felt better, but, honestly, it just felt empty. I told God, "I don't feel loved."

It's hard to know how to respond to all this but I do know the type of spiritual inventory I'd be taking on my self to define my problem. Sort of like mechanical things. Had a car that wouldn't start....checked the starter, battery, the alternator....eventually going through the list I'd get the problem. Spiritually things are somewhat the same but after being a Christians for many years if there's a problem I pretty well know what it is. Point though....God never created us to not have a vital and real relationship with him. I know to you it might sound glib...(and I've been there myself) BUT the Christian life works as we seek him and be diligent That's not something we have to do either....it's something we get to do. Again all which I've said here sounds glib but it has been my experience to be true.

Honestly, church over the last 25 years has been one lonely place. People are friendly but they don't want anything to do with you outside of church.

Well I'm hearing you. It is sad that saints sometimes and maybe in many places don't seek interaction or fellowship with other believers. The issue is not how people treat us but what we can do to strengthen that same body of believers. One could talk to their pastors expressing concerns but looking for solutions and being willing to actually organize things where fellowship can take place. We're all tempted to turn inward in how everything relates to us but I think the Lord would want us to maintain an outward vision towards being a blessing to others at all times.

 

[Pilgrim]

Honestly, I got saved way back in 1991 and finally felt loved and accepted. Got the baptism of the Holy Spirit six months later. Six months into, know I know what happened but didn't for 25 years, the Holy Spirit deeply triggered my Bipolar and my past. Things went haywire. No longer felt loved and accepted. I lived in hell for 25+ years. Never thought I was good enough or worth anything. I thought God talked to me for years. Listen for the "still, small voice" thing. It was just my brain making things up. God maybe talked to me two or three times in 25 years. Finally, someone told me God is not a taskmaster and is not just tolerating me. For a few days I felt better, but, honestly, it just felt empty. I told God, "I don't feel loved." I know it my head, but not anywhere else. The Holy Spirit, if he ever shows up, which is rare, I immediately am fearful and wonder endlessly why he's there--what bad did I do now? type thing.

Honestly, church over the last 25 years has been one lonely place. People are friendly but they don't want anything to do with you outside of church. Much of that I think is because I'm single and not a professional, and/or not married with kids. I worked in the tv ministry at the last church, and when I decided, why am I going? It's just lonely. I quit. No one ever called or ask why I left. It was like I didn't exist. So, honestly, I have no desire for church anymore. There's no offer of friendship or community to belong to so what's the point? I actually do believe on 20% in churches are saved anyway. Half probably go because it is the right thing to do. Another group go for signs and wonders (they followed Jesus around when he was here, too). And, some go because they like the singing (or the "show" as I call it in some churches).

I told God. I don't feel loved. With meds, it's hard to feel anything sometimes anyway, and mine blocks a lot of emotion since that is what it works on. Other than salvation, what is there?

I actually believe now when you are saved, you are saved. You don't have to do a thing. You are under Grace (ask forgiveness once and day and don't worry about sin). God can't take away from you. Satan can't steal it. Believe in ACTS 16:13 and that's it. I personally think it is the most important scripture, along with John 3:16, in the Bible. And, yes, I realize very few people really understand salvation and Grace. Both are constants. They can't change or Jesus's crucifixation, death and resurrection is all a lie.

Jesus was only out of contact with God once. On the cross when he became sin. Other than that, I guess they always were together. I just feel like, besides salvation, there really is nothing. I'm still lonely. God loves me. So? He loves everybody. I've never felt God was interested in me much. I wrote my first book. God never said a thing. I was like, some friend you are. You can't say one word? LOL I thought seriously about that after finishing my 2nd book. God never said a thing.

I love God, but I really don't get what is so great about Christianity. It seems as empty as everything else. How God talks to us is beyond me. Dreams, an actual voice, impressions, the Bible, which I don't understand due to my horrible childhood. We never went to Sunday School.

Here's a few introspective questions that may help identify areas where you can find the joy in Christ as He desires for us. You don't have to answer publicly...

• Are you active in a Bible Study group?
• Are you following any structured plan to read the Bible?
• How would you describe your prayer life?
• What are your spiritual gifts and are you using them every day?
• Do you socialize with other believers (sinners/saved)?
• Do you tell people that you are Christian and share your testimony with them?
• What sort of music and media influence your daily life?

If you're inclined to look over some devotionals, here's a couple of links:

• Devotionals (blog)
• Daily Devotionals (forum)

You're in my prayers.

 

[Llleopard]

It's amazing to be saved. Not everybody is. What a privilege and what a wonderful thing to recieve. And you have the Holy Spirit within you - He doesn't have to show up - He's right there all the time. I also take medication which totally dulls feeling. I think.....Who cares? The Bible tells me that 'I KNOW whom I have believed'. It doesn't say 'I feel good about whom I have believed'. So I accept with my mind and get on with the job!

Christianity is all about building a deeper and deeper relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. It's a bit like a theatre - when you accept salvation, you come in off the street into the foyer. Then you begin to grow with prayer, reading the Bible and fellowship. This is like coming inside and watching the performance, while making your way gradually to the front. Then you keep praying, reading and growing......and One day, when Jesus returns, you can choose to be right there on the stage with Him. It's going to be the most wonderful thing we can imagine, but yep, there's some commitment and hard graft in having relationship - else you just stay out in the foyer and miss all the fun and rewards.

I'm curious when you say you 'don't understand the Bible' because of your childhood? Reading or listening to the Bible is VITAL to your growing relationship with God, so that's something to work on as soon as you can. My husband didn't learn to read till he was 27 - when he became a Christian and needed to read it. If you just don't get what it's all about, join a study group. Small groups are also much easier to start fellowshiping in, as you get to know the people better, faster.

God does love you, and really really wants to have a real relationship with you, but you gotta put in the work. Keep trying. It's worth it in the end.

 

[Dan1988]

Honestly, I got saved way back in 1991 and finally felt loved and accepted. Got the baptism of the Holy Spirit six months later. Six months into, know I know what happened but didn't for 25 years, the Holy Spirit deeply triggered my Bipolar and my past. Things went haywire. No longer felt loved and accepted. I lived in hell for 25+ years. Never thought I was good enough or worth anything. I thought God talked to me for years. Listen for the "still, small voice" thing. It was just my brain making things up. God maybe talked to me two or three times in 25 years. Finally, someone told me God is not a taskmaster and is not just tolerating me. For a few days I felt better, but, honestly, it just felt empty. I told God, "I don't feel loved." I know it my head, but not anywhere else. The Holy Spirit, if he ever shows up, which is rare, I immediately am fearful and wonder endlessly why he's there--what bad did I do now? type thing.

Honestly, church over the last 25 years has been one lonely place. People are friendly but they don't want anything to do with you outside of church. Much of that I think is because I'm single and not a professional, and/or not married with kids. I worked in the tv ministry at the last church, and when I decided, why am I going? It's just lonely. I quit. No one ever called or ask why I left. It was like I didn't exist. So, honestly, I have no desire for church anymore. There's no offer of friendship or community to belong to so what's the point? I actually do believe on 20% in churches are saved anyway. Half probably go because it is the right thing to do. Another group go for signs and wonders (they followed Jesus around when he was here, too). And, some go because they like the singing (or the "show" as I call it in some churches).

I told God. I don't feel loved. With meds, it's hard to feel anything sometimes anyway, and mine blocks a lot of emotion since that is what it works on. Other than salvation, what is there?

I actually believe now when you are saved, you are saved. You don't have to do a thing. You are under Grace (ask forgiveness once and day and don't worry about sin). God can't take away from you. Satan can't steal it. Believe in ACTS 16:13 and that's it. I personally think it is the most important scripture, along with John 3:16, in the Bible. And, yes, I realize very few people really understand salvation and Grace. Both are constants. They can't change or Jesus's crucifixation, death and resurrection is all a lie.

Jesus was only out of contact with God once. On the cross when he became sin. Other than that, I guess they always were together. I just feel like, besides salvation, there really is nothing. I'm still lonely. God loves me. So? He loves everybody. I've never felt God was interested in me much. I wrote my first book. God never said a thing. I was like, some friend you are. You can't say one word? LOL I thought seriously about that after finishing my 2nd book. God never said a thing.

I love God, but I really don't get what is so great about Christianity. It seems as empty as everything else. How God talks to us is beyond me. Dreams, an actual voice, impressions, the Bible, which I don't understand due to my horrible childhood. We never went to Sunday School.

It sounds like you're holding something back from God, like you haven't fully surrendered your will and life over to the care of God.

We need to abandon our own understanding, will, intellect, desires and everything else. We must bring everything into subjection to Gods will, if we hold back even 1% He will ignore us.

God has already said everything He had to say to mankind, He stopped speaking 2000 years ago. We have more than we can cope with, in His word. We can study Gods Word for the rest of our lives and we still won't hear everything He has to say.

I was also on medication at the time of my conversion, but I quickly realized that I needed to trust in God to heal me and not trust in fallen man with his drugs.

It wouldn't hurt you to start all over again, forget your first conversion and come before the Lord again with a willingness to surrender everything to Him and ask Him to send His Holy Spirit to fill you with light and joy.

When you receive the Holy Spirit, you will be complete and you won't need anybodies approval or friendship. People will be attracted to you because you will emit light and they will want to be around you.

God has a great plan for each of His children, He gives us a very exciting life with lots of brothers and sisters to share everything with. It took me a while to find a faithful Church, where the Word of God is preached faithfully.

I came into the Church with lots of problems, the people there all pitched in to help me get through my trials and tribulations. They even paid all my bills when I was unemployed for a while, so they proved to be a great blessing to my life and they encouraged my to have faith in the Lord in all things.

We visit each other and we are all involved in each others lives, our Church teaches us to live a body. Every member of the body is equally important, if one member is suffering we all suffer and help that member in whatever way necessary.

Find a faithful Church and become a member of the body of Christ, and you will find fulfillment and joy that is beyond anything this world has to offer.

 

[Serving Zion]

I love God, but I really don't get what is so great about Christianity. It seems as empty as everything else. How God talks to us is beyond me. Dreams, an actual voice, impressions, the Bible, which I don't understand due to my horrible childhood. We never went to Sunday School.

Hmmm, you shouldn't be feeling this way, it indicates that you've not really tapped into the fullness of the knowledge of what Christianity is. Can I suggest that you think carefully on the passage that Jesus spoke in John 8, where He is saying that the truth will set us free if we hold to His teaching. There is a couple of reasons I have suggested this, the first being what you've said here that shows you haven't really come to know the truth of Christianity that will set you free, and the other being what He is saying is His teaching through the preceding verses: "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world." - so whenever Christians say that we have a relationship with Jesus, (as in John 10:27), it is meant to be expressing that we have recognised Him in the heavenly realm - as it should occur to you that there is a spiritual realm that the carnal man cannot perceive until he becomes aware of the spiritual (2 Corinthians 5:16).. and I realise that you've already become aware of that, but there is something in what you have said here:
"The Holy Spirit, if he ever shows up, which is rare, I immediately am fearful and wonder endlessly why he's there--what bad did I do now? type thing."
.. that indicates perhaps you aren't quite holding full and fast to the teaching that Jesus Christ has brought to you - and I know it really can be hard to do that within the theological climate of a church if you haven't been promoted to a role in leadership (James 4:4, John 5:44, 1 Corinthians 2:15).

Jesus was only out of contact with God once. On the cross when he became sin.

I am concerned that you have believed this, because it is a false teaching, it is a fallacy that causes an irreconcilable logical problem regarding the character of God. It is only a part of a wider system of false doctrine too, that suggests there is potentially a lot of opportunity yet for you to uncover the real knowledge of the truth that will set you free.

 

[Chinchilla]

Honestly, I got saved way back in 1991 and finally felt loved and accepted. Got the baptism of the Holy Spirit six months later. Six months into, know I know what happened but didn't for 25 years, the Holy Spirit deeply triggered my Bipolar and my past. Things went haywire. No longer felt loved and accepted. I lived in hell for 25+ years. Never thought I was good enough or worth anything. I thought God talked to me for years. Listen for the "still, small voice" thing. It was just my brain making things up. God maybe talked to me two or three times in 25 years. Finally, someone told me God is not a taskmaster and is not just tolerating me. For a few days I felt better, but, honestly, it just felt empty. I told God, "I don't feel loved." I know it my head, but not anywhere else. The Holy Spirit, if he ever shows up, which is rare, I immediately am fearful and wonder endlessly why he's there--what bad did I do now? type thing.

Honestly, church over the last 25 years has been one lonely place. People are friendly but they don't want anything to do with you outside of church. Much of that I think is because I'm single and not a professional, and/or not married with kids. I worked in the tv ministry at the last church, and when I decided, why am I going? It's just lonely. I quit. No one ever called or ask why I left. It was like I didn't exist. So, honestly, I have no desire for church anymore. There's no offer of friendship or community to belong to so what's the point? I actually do believe on 20% in churches are saved anyway. Half probably go because it is the right thing to do. Another group go for signs and wonders (they followed Jesus around when he was here, too). And, some go because they like the singing (or the "show" as I call it in some churches).

I told God. I don't feel loved. With meds, it's hard to feel anything sometimes anyway, and mine blocks a lot of emotion since that is what it works on. Other than salvation, what is there?

I actually believe now when you are saved, you are saved. You don't have to do a thing. You are under Grace (ask forgiveness once and day and don't worry about sin). God can't take away from you. Satan can't steal it. Believe in ACTS 16:13 and that's it. I personally think it is the most important scripture, along with John 3:16, in the Bible. And, yes, I realize very few people really understand salvation and Grace. Both are constants. They can't change or Jesus's crucifixation, death and resurrection is all a lie.

Jesus was only out of contact with God once. On the cross when he became sin. Other than that, I guess they always were together. I just feel like, besides salvation, there really is nothing. I'm still lonely. God loves me. So? He loves everybody. I've never felt God was interested in me much. I wrote my first book. God never said a thing. I was like, some friend you are. You can't say one word? LOL I thought seriously about that after finishing my 2nd book. God never said a thing.

I love God, but I really don't get what is so great about Christianity. It seems as empty as everything else. How God talks to us is beyond me. Dreams, an actual voice, impressions, the Bible, which I don't understand due to my horrible childhood. We never went to Sunday School.

Every thing you do build on foundation which is Christ is giving you everlasting inheritance in heaven . Every soul you win you get reward for . Salvation is just the beginning .
Bible is pretty clear that God will show you what you could have and then test it in fire and you get what is left from it . That's why it says " there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth " because you will see what you lost .

 

[com7fy8]

We're all tempted to turn inward in how everything relates to us but I think the Lord would want us to maintain an outward vision towards being a blessing to others at all times.

And be pleasing to God >

"rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." (1 Peter 3:4)

This means to be quiet in God's love, not how worldly people can be quiet but getting bored and lonely and frustrated and wishing for what can not do them real good.

We trust God to have us His way, instead of trying to use Him to give us things our way.

 

[seekingmuch]

God has a great plan for each of His children, He gives us a very exciting life with lots of brothers and sisters to share everything with. It took me a while to find a faithful Church, where the Word of God is preached faithfully.

I came into the Church with lots of problems, the people there all pitched in to help me get through my trials and tribulations. They even paid all my bills when I was unemployed for a while, so they proved to be a great blessing to my life and they encouraged my to have faith in the Lord in all things.

We visit each other and we are all involved in each others lives, our Church teaches us to live a body. Every member of the body is equally important, if one member is suffering we all suffer and help that member in whatever way necessary.

Find a faithful Church and become a member of the body of Christ, and you will find fulfillment and joy that is beyond anything this world has to offer.

I'd say you got extremely, extremely lucky.

Obviously, I wasn't all that important to the body of the church I worked in and others I paid tithes to. I left and no one called, no one wrote asking where I went. I wasn't shocked. I remember the great experience I had at two other churches. Went to the big shot pastors for counseling. Told one I was suicidal, and he said, "there is nothing I can do for you." Another one told me, "you just need to see your doctor" and wanted me, the person with Bipolar, out of his office (and probably the building) as fast as possible. That same church had the singles minister and the select group, the main clique, having private prayer meetings only a few were invited to. I used to see some of them in public and they would act like they didn't know me from Adam when I said hello. It got around and many of us left the church over it and the singles minister was fired for playing favorites. He left for "other opportunities" and it was all hush-hush. God forbid their throng of ministers getting paid fancy salaries actually reach out to the ones their minister screwed over when they saw almost a third the singles group quit. Of course, when their music minister got caught...let's just say he was a closet gay and propped a cop in a park...it was all over the local news. They couldn't quietly fire him. Yeah, I'd say churches have been so wonderful. As soon as church was over, the only people happy to see me was my car.

You know, I was saved at home not in church.

I was telling someone at work about my experiences, he works with kids who have been burned out on churches like I have been, and he pretty much agreed, "churches have become country clubs" where friendship is rarely offered....unless you are a professional or married w/kids.

 

[Chinchilla]

no one wrote asking where I went.

Sounds sad .

there is nothing I can do for you." Another one told me, "you just need to see your doctor"

I saw that multiple times , it's pastor job to lift you up not doctor if he does not understand that he should not be one .

Yea we live in last days and there is apostasy . God said in the last days people wll fall away from sound doctrine for thier lusts , money and pride .

 

[Dan1988]

I'd say you got extremely, extremely lucky.

Obviously, I wasn't all that important to the body of the church I worked in and others I paid tithes to. I left and no one called, no one wrote asking where I went. I wasn't shocked. I remember the great experience I had at two other churches. Went to the big shot pastors for counseling. Told one I was suicidal, and he said, "there is nothing I can do for you." Another one told me, "you just need to see your doctor" and wanted me, the person with Bipolar, out of his office (and probably the building) as fast as possible. That same church had the singles minister and the select group, the main clique, having private prayer meetings only a few were invited to. I used to see some of them in public and they would act like they didn't know me from Adam when I said hello. It got around and many of us left the church over it and the singles minister was fired for playing favorites. He left for "other opportunities" and it was all hush-hush. God forbid their throng of ministers getting paid fancy salaries actually reach out to the ones their minister screwed over when they saw almost a third the singles group quit. Of course, when their music minister got caught...let's just say he was a closet gay and propped a cop in a park...it was all over the local news. They couldn't quietly fire him. Yeah, I'd say churches have been so wonderful. As soon as church was over, the only people happy to see me was my car.

You know, I was saved at home not in church.

I was telling someone at work about my experiences, he works with kids who have been burned out on churches like I have been, and he pretty much agreed, "churches have become country clubs" where friendship is rarely offered....unless you are a professional or married w/kids.

It wasn't luck that brought me to this faithful Church where I worship now, it was an answer to much prayer.

It took me around six months to find this Church, I visited around 15 Churches before a friend invited me to this Church. I came into this Church with a methadone addiction, the Elders prayed for me and visited me at home and gave me all the support and prayers I needed to encourage me to get of the methadone.

My Doctor and Psychiatrist said I had to remain on methadone, valium and anti depressants. But my pastor said if I trust in God, He would heal me and restore me back to health. I took his advice and I done a cold turkey detox at home, with lots of support and encouragement from the elders and other Church members.

I was my own worst enemy for limiting God, I never trusted Him enough to liberate me from depression and drug addiction. I couldn't have gone through the healing process without the support of my Church, that's why I believe it's crucial to join a body of believers.

The whole body can do anything when it works as a body, we can't achieve much as one single part of the body. Like how much can one toe do on it's own, yet when it has a whole body attached to it, it can achieve great things.

I would encourage you to pray and ask God to lead you to a faithful Church, He always answers our prayers if we ask for good things like that.

It is sad that in these last days, so many Churches have apostatized. The Bible warned us that it would happen so we shouldn't be surprised.

 

[seekingmuch]

It wasn't luck that brought me to this faithful Church where I worship now, it was an answer to much prayer.

It took me around six months to find this Church, I visited around 15 Churches before a friend invited me to this Church. I came into this Church with a methadone addiction, the Elders prayed for me and visited me at home and gave me all the support and prayers I needed to encourage me to get of the methadone.

I'm glad you got the help you needed. I think churches like yours are very few and far between. It sounds like they are actually doing the work of a church not just being a social club, which I'm afraid is becoming the norm. Or, they are so political it is sick. I was told that's just how churches are where I live. My mom has been burned on several churches and just watch on TV. She doesn't go either.

 

[seekingmuch]

Sounds sad .

I saw that multiple times , it's pastor job to lift you up not doctor if he does not understand that he should not be one .

Yea we live in last days and there is apostasy . God said in the last days people wll fall away from sound doctrine for thier lusts , money and pride .

All I wanted to do was talk. But, they couldn't be bothered. I'm sure if I had been some big donor to their churches, we could've talked for hours and hours. But, I was a nobody and didn't matter so was shown the door. After that, I was very cautious.

I was interested in trying a few churches then found out they okay'd the gays, and one has a gay pastor. I have lots of gay friends and could care less whether someone is gay or not, but the Bible is pretty specific on not allowing gay ministers and gays in leadership roles.

 

[com7fy8]

prayer

If you find a real group . . . maybe first a small home group, God will have you caring about people who are not for real. And now you possibly have had experience in not for real situations so you will know what is going on in places like these. With real Jesus people we can find out how to love and care for and relate with the not for real ones; then we won't be predators or victims, but ones with God so we can help them.

 

[Bartek Swierczek]

.

 

[seekingmuch]

prayer

If you find a real group . . . maybe first a small home group, God will have you caring about people who are not for real. And now you possibly have had experience in not for real situations so you will know what is going on in places like these. With real Jesus people we can find out how to love and care for and relate with the not for real ones; then we won't be predators or victims, but ones with God so we can help them.

That would be nice. But, honestly, I'm done with church. 25 years and not one long-term friend. They don't want me, except to do work or pay tithes. I'd love to find a local friend or two like that. I asked God for a best friend over 2 years ago. Still waiting. I guess he's busy. I'd probably would've found one if I like going to bars, probably be married, too. But, I don't drink. If you want to meet someone in P.C., the bars are it I've been told. There is way more to life than church. I usually work Sunday mornings so have a really good excuse for not going.

Do I miss church? Honestly, nope. Except to work, nobody cared if I came at all.

 

[seekingmuch]

Sister, that's an amazing statement and I can relate. I stopped going to churches as well for similar and other reasons. I could no longer stand their ignorance and sectarian mindset. I could no longer watch them following blindly man-made traditions contradicting words of God found in the Scriptures. Church isn't a pastor's family private business but belongs to all believers, and that's what many Christians seem to not understand. We all should take responsibility for our gatherings, supporting and helping one another in every way possible - financially and spiritually - and thus showing love in action. Making disciples doesn't mean creating narrow-minded church-goers.

Thank you for sharing your feelings. I'm going to pray for your well-being and His presence in your life!

Do you miss church? It sounds like you don't.

And, I really don't miss giving them 10% of my income for ignoring me every week, too.

 

[com7fy8]

Do I miss church?

Possibly, you have been going to mass production churches. If you get with some real Jesus people, you can use your experience to know what's going on in any not for real places, and appreciate the need to reach them for Jesus, but not on your lonesome but with Jesus family people to help and support you