My First Time to Church

[sjdean]

Hi,

It was my first time yesterday to church, even though Im 32. My family aren't big on religion, in that it plays virtually no part in their life.

I have for the past 10 years wanted to do something about a religion. Even before that I was sure there was something out there, what, I couldn't say. But since then, I've been finding my faith. I have no physical proof that God and Jesus exist, I have no scientific evidence, but I feel the influence that they have on my life to guide and protect me.

Things have happened too over the past few years to make me absolutely resolutely sure that they exist.

I know.

So finally I plucked up the courage to go to one of the Church of England churches yesterday. Met some wonderful people and discussed quite a lot with the people afterwards. Im definitely going to go back again.

When I stepped out of the church though, I was beaming, I was so content and happy, and even now, Im still content and happy. I have a little reflection to do and I've been recommended to read the chapter of Mark (I think it was).

Im really loving this.

But at the same time, Im disappointed with Christianity in that it's so easy to be Christian without attending church. It means that church numbers dwindle and so does the collection plate. I wish that more people would attend church. Perhaps we should all make an effect to take one more person with them, and so on.

 

[Sketcher]

I'm glad you had a good experience.

But at the same time, Im disappointed with Christianity in that it's so easy to be Christian without attending church. It means that church numbers dwindle and so does the collection plate. I wish that more people would attend church. Perhaps we should all make an effect to take one more person with them, and so on.

Well, that's the English situation. In America, where I'm from, you see less of that. People that skip church because it's "not required" are really just making excuses on a technicality. If you can't make it for a legitimate reason (you're sick, or you've been abducted or something) then you do not cease to be Christian. God's grace is with you. But if you skip it when you can make it, then it's like skipping a meal. Church provides food for our souls. The worship, the togetherness, the message, the news of what God has been doing, the prayer for each other, the communion - Christians need that. We also need fellowship beyond attending the Sunday service. That's why there are a lot of small group Bible studies and so forth - it's much more personal.

More people should attend, and more people that attend should give. As my late grandfather used to say, "If you can't live on 90%, then 100% will never be enough." He was not wealthy, but he was never in need. He was also the kind of Christian man that everyone should meet at least once in their lives. He gave money, he gave a lot of time, and he had this humility and quiet joy about him. He was a giving person, and giving to church and other Christian causes was part of that. As someone else said, giving is a great way to kill greed.

 

[Big Country]

But at the same time, Im disappointed with Christianity in that it's so easy to be Christian without attending church.

It's actually not that easy.

"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it." Matthew 7:13-14

Unfortunately many people call themselves Christians when in fact they are not. They just don't seem to know the difference.

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; Depart from me, you who practice lawlessness.'" Matthew 7:21-23

The real difference is whether you're obedient to Christ or not (See Matthew 7:24-27).

 

[sjdean]

That's kind of off on a tangent. What I mean is, there are people who do good work, or lead otherwise wholesome lives, but they never visit church. They say christianity is more about going to church, christianity is more like, a way of life.

In some respects they probably are right, but I think you should always at least try to make time to go to church.

 

[Sketcher]

Following Christ is a way of life, and part of that includes going to church.

 

[Mister_Al]

Being in Church doesn't make you a Christian any more than being in a garage makes you a car. Going to Church isn't a requirement to be saved, believing in Jesus is. Also, Going to Church isn't a requirement to live a Christian Life. Jesus didn't go to church and I don't think it hurt His relationship with God.

Blessings,

Alan

 

[sjdean]

I don't know what happened to my previous post. You know what I mean though don't you twistedsketch.

The thing I admire about other religions, is their togetherness.

While I agree it isn't necessary to go to church to be a christian, going to church I think offers so much more.

The problem is kind of like being an armchair soccer supporter "Yay, I support my local team" but never going down to watch them. And that's similar to Christianity, there are lots of "christians" who don't go to church, don't put into the collection plate, don't increase the numbers, and I think its a loss.

I got such a great experience from my first visit, I hope it will continue. I'd love to see more people in church, learning, sharing their lives, helping each other etc.

 

[drich0150]

Church is a big part of Christianity no doubt, just know it's not Christianity in of itself..

The Church is not a building, a place or a preacher/minister. The Church, The true Church are the gathering of people for one expressed purpose, and that is the praise and worship of God.

I know how you feel I've been there myself. I just want you to know that as good as things are now the Church is not God Himself. Be mindful not to get caught up in the worship of your church as so many others have. The Church is a tool left by God so that all who seek Him have a place to go and find Him. All I'm saying is don't get caught worshiping the method of worship (The Masters tools) over that of the Master Himself.

 

[sjdean]

It's that thing isn't it. Church is wonderful. But going to Church isn't a pre-requisite of being a Christian, which I find a real shame.

The Church (or at least the building that I go to), I like to think of it as a vehicle, at least something to aid my worship and understanding of God and Jesus.

It's Tuesday, and Im still on a high, that's at least 48 hours after going to Church.

Is that the spirit?

I feel great.

If that building helps me to focus on God and "channel the spirit" then that's the one for me.

Im just sorry that there's very few other people want to try it, or experience it!

 

[texastig]

Hi,
I have no physical proof that God and Jesus exist, I have no scientific evidence

There's all kinds of proof for Christ. See Dr. Gary R. Habermas - Online Resource for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Also see this true and scientific deliverance book called, "The devil and Karen Kingston"
THE DEVIL and KAREN KINGSTON : Hegewisch Baptist Church

Thanks,
TT

 

[sjdean]

Sorry, I guess I mean I have no proof, no scientific evidence that God exists, or necessarily that Jesus is indeed the son of God. But somehow, I just know.

 

[texastig]

Sorry, I guess I mean I have no proof, no scientific evidence that God exists, or necessarily that Jesus is indeed the son of God. But somehow, I just know.

Go to those links I sent you and read. Your doubts will go away.

Thanks,
TT

 

[christandisrael]

You may have a point. I'm a Christian. Our problem is that many believers act contrary to what the Lord says. We, as the body, of Christ, need help and prayer. Christ does want us. Now, this is my advice. Love the brethren, but put your focus on Jesus first. Read the New Testament first and then the Old Testament. I don't want you to just read it, but to study it and that way, you will grow in Christ. And also, keep praying! Good luck!

 

[suzeequeue]

sjdean, i just wanted to say i think it is wonderful that you believe in Christ. you "just know it's true!" amen to that. may God lead you and bless you as you continue to seek Him.

and i agree, more people should be in church. the Bible teaches that we should not forsake gathering together with other believers. so, it's really important (and i get so much joy from it) to have fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

[Mister_Al]

Sorry, I guess I mean I have no proof, no scientific evidence that God exists, or necessarily that Jesus is indeed the son of God. But somehow, I just know.

That's called faith. And, without it you cant please God.

Be Blessed,

Alan

 

[freeport]

But at the same time, Im disappointed with Christianity in that it's so easy to be Christian without attending church. It means that church numbers dwindle and so does the collection plate. I wish that more people would attend church. Perhaps we should all make an effect to take one more person with them, and so on.

Christianity is about becoming a child of God... not about some church or another. It is about all the time. Not just Sunday mornings.

It is about heart and life, not friends and appearances.