(Unchurched)

[9-iron]

Ok . I don't think of those things as motivators except to focus on religious things instead of the Lord . But , that is for me .

I go to a Southern Baptist Church and it all works pretty well for those folks. You and I would have a hard time operating in that method, but they do okay. It keeps everyone focused. Most of the folks are very comfortable with the method of operation. Plus, I have noticed with several of the people there has been a great eye-opening in the last 5-6 years. Many are starting to see things differently. Perhaps { forbidden word here } they are seeking some "changes" and open to new ideas. Truly, while the system keeps them on trap, they are seeing how serving the church isn't always serving God. It is a big step for most of these folks. More than anything else I see is that the programs, activities, out-reach, services and such keep everyone plugged in. Everyone finds a place to fit and it all works out.

They do produce fruit, I see in salvations, people being restored the God, etc., etc.. For me and my family we use it as a place of fellowship, but don't really fall in the mainstream of things. Definately don't get involved in the politics or anything like that.

Only in the last 7-8 months have I truly seen that there is value in 'institutional' churches. It has a been a big step for me to even accept them, but then again, God accepts them and operates to the degree they seek Him. I have seen the Spirit move in this church. One Sunday they scrapped the service and allow the musicians to play while the pastor and deacons ministered to people. Total shock and that wouldn't have happened just 8-10 years ago.

God is wanting to move, I don't think He is prejudice to where or what group He moves in, if the people are willing to receive Him.

 

[StevenL]

My sister and brother-in-law go to a church like that. A country Baptist church that has been like on the edge of the Spirit for years now. They have some drums in the church..allow guitars...mandolin...etc. In fact several years ago, when I was still a wild-eyed, tongue-preachin', baptism with the Holy-Ghoster....(I've settled down and changed some views since then)....my brother and I went and preached the Baptism with the Spirit to a group in this church and one by one....they all were filled with the Spirit...I think they even all spoke in tongues. The preacher, who had hidden behind a door and listened, received the Spirit, spoke in tongues, and began to minister in healings and other manifestations. The dyed-in-the-wool Baptists eventually ran him off...but even so, they still remained in a strange, right-on-the-edge state, even to this day. I have no doubt the Spirit will move in a Catholic church, a Methodist church, even a Pentecostal church...I've even seen the Spirit move in a room filled with dope smokers. God moved on Balaam....a madman. God made a donkey talk. I too don't think He's limited to any certain place or type of people in His movements.

I'd still like to see His people generally begin to understand the foundational teachings of the Word in the Spirit and conform to them though. I think we, the members of the Body, have made it much harder than it really is.

 

[Sally Wren]

There's a rebellious spirit alright, but I don't think it is among those who go to home churches.

Sally

 

[watchman7]

Being "unchurched" ( I really do not like that title we have been given ) for about 20 years has brought me to a closer walk with Christ. I have been able to see beyond the building walls. I have used my time for intense Bible study and seeking God's will.
We conduct our church from home. This does not make it any less of a church.
I do not advocate leaving any assembly, institutional or home, that teaches Biblical truth.
From the views I read from you ( my brethren in Christ ) on this website, I believe we all see a little further than the "building walls". In churches that I have attended in the past, the focus tended to be on organizational activities rather than the Word of God.
I agree with you who said that we cannot use this web communication as a gathering.
However, since we share a common condition, we can exhort each other in Christ. Sharing our experience is very encouraging.
I think the main reason for Christians becoming "unchurched" is the lack of real Biblical teaching in the institutional church.
It is the utmost of importance to know what we as Christians believe and to be prepared to make a defense for it.
I think we, as the unchurched body of Christ, should use our experience to improve our walk with God.

 

[mrs.wilde]

I was in a salvation thread. i believe America's humongus churches are caused by OSAS(once saved always saved) theory. i attended so many fruitless churches filled with OSAS supporters. i dont know exactly what the Bible says about it but if what we say attracts false convers isnt that sin? i stopped attending because church lerders really didnt seem to care about their people's walk with God. i lost my son in this theory and he believes he is saved without any fruit of cristianity. i am so angry about people who support this because of my son.

 

[Albion]

I was in a salvation thread. i believe America's humongus churches are caused by OSAS(once saved always saved) theory. i attended so many fruitless churches filled with OSAS supporters. i dont know exactly what the Bible says about it but if what we say attracts false convers isnt that sin? i stopped attending because church lerders really didnt seem to care about their people's walk with God. i lost my son in this theory and he believes he is saved without any fruit of cristianity. i am so angry about people who support this because of my son.

I'd only want to add that what you've described under the label of OSAS is not what those who understand the concept say it means (or John Calvin, with whom it is usually associated).

No doubt there are those who say that they accept OSAS and so let their committment to Christian living slip away, just as there are Christians who subscribe to the idea of the sacrament of Penance making everything "OK again" so that they can resume their careless lives as before.

On the other hand, I don't know why taking the easy way to salvation by either of these mistaken routes would cause the churches to overflow on Sunday. It would seem, logically, that the opposite would occur.

 

[Jemina]

Hallo brothers and sisters in the Lord!


I am new here, my question is: Don't you use the scripture to discuss about the truth concerning the body of Christ? There are so many bible verses which tell us how to live a normal church-life as His members of the glorious body of Jesus Christ! And if we compare these verses with the actual situation of churches all over the world - we feel there must be a mistake!

1.Cor.12:12.13
12For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

 

[mrs.wilde]

I'd only want to add that what you've described under the label of OSAS is not what those who understand the concept say it means (or John Calvin, with whom it is usually associated).

No doubt there are those who say that they accept OSAS and so let their committment to Christian living slip away, just as there are Christians who subscribe to the idea of the sacrament of Penance making everything "OK again" so that they can resume their careless lives as before.

On the other hand, I don't know why taking the easy way to salvation by either of these mistaken routes would cause the churches to overflow on Sunday. It would seem, logically, that the opposite would occur.

My son's and my husband's pastor is the same one (althogh he got married to a Catholic girl and joined Catholic) His pastor told them their salvation is secured. I just don't get leaders who give this kind of assurance to people who are leading fruitless lives. They are confusing people with their hypocricy. Why don't American people understand hypocricy? The Bible makes it very clear live a spotless life. Of course no one is perfect but it's not so easy to spot hypocricy. I hope you don't brush me off saying I am judgemental. That's another tactic that hypocrites use to keep people's mouth shut.

 

[*Soulwings*]

Hey all, first time I'm posting here.
For the unchurched here, have you all left the church, or have you never attended one?

I have never gone to church before, although I have been a Christian for over a year. Should I go, or should I just stay where I am?
I wanted to go once with my mom. We went there, but were both too chicken to go in... we both felt out of place seeing everyone so dressed neatly. (I was wearing jeans and a pink t-shirt )
I'm thinking of going to one, but I'm still afraid....:o

 

[Sally Wren]

If you are really serious about knowing. I would recommend staying out of the churches. If you haven't gone to one don't start. Read the bible throughly first, maybe several times through. Spend time in prayer and fasting and seeking God. The bible says if you seek you will find.

I went to church for the first 26 years of my life. Then I started to realize there are some serious problems with the churches. I haven't attended a "church" like we have around us today for about 10 years now. And wow, I'm not dying spiritually.

There are a lot of out of the church christians now. Some are walking in truth and some are a bit confused. There are several websites that will even help you locate a home church close to you. I believe www.theealychurch.com will do that. And their website tells you how the real church really functioned too. It is a very good website.

It is nice to assemble with other people, but in times like we live in that are so perilous. You have to becareful and not let any deceive you. This is just my opinion, but as times and circumstances change so can how we assemble change too. How did Paul assemble when he was in prison? You know he had to with a few people, but it certainly wasn't a regular assembly meeting in a house. So let's be led by the Spirit not the letter. The Spirit gives life the letter kills.

You know in all the 4 end time chapters that Jesus spoke to his disciples in, not one time did he say to assemble together, He said let no man deceive you. He said many false prophets will come and will deceive many. He said to endure until the end and you will be saved. I don't know about you, but being told to endure until the end is a lot different than being told to make sure you assemble together even until the end even if you can deceived. It's a big difference.

Sally

 

[mrs.wilde]

Hey all, first time I'm posting here.
For the unchurched here, have you all left the church, or have you never attended one?

I have never gone to church before, although I have been a Christian for over a year. Should I go, or should I just stay where I am?
I wanted to go once with my mom. We went there, but were both too chicken to go in... we both felt out of place seeing everyone so dressed neatly. (I was wearing jeans and a pink t-shirt )
I'm thinking of going to one, but I'm still afraid....:o

I don't recognize your flag and don't know any countries' church situation. But in America most i believe in my experience they're not really concerned of their congregtions walk with God. If you are not whole heartedly commited Christian you will be decieved easily. Actually you will be decieved easily no matter where you are. Because if we are not commited you don't really care about your walk with God is fruitful or not. I hope you are a commited Christian and i urge to start read New Testament thoroughly from beginning to end until you get the basic idea what Jesus is teaching to us. if you are a commited one you will find out how wonderful His teaching and start change your life according to His teaching.
May God be with you,
love, mrs. wilde

 

[Bevlina]

Hey all, first time I'm posting here.
For the unchurched here, have you all left the church, or have you never attended one?

I have never gone to church before, although I have been a Christian for over a year. Should I go, or should I just stay where I am?
I wanted to go once with my mom. We went there, but were both too chicken to go in... we both felt out of place seeing everyone so dressed neatly. (I was wearing jeans and a pink t-shirt )
I'm thinking of going to one, but I'm still afraid....:o

We always encourage people to go to church if they can Soulwings. Please don't feel ashamed or afraid of what you are wearing. People don't go to church to see what other's are dressed in, they go for fellowship and to get to know like minded people.

 

[Bevlina]

If you are really serious about knowing. I would recommend staying out of the churches. If you haven't gone to one don't start.

We never, but never tell people not to go to church. Nor do we recommend it.

Read the bible throughly first, maybe several times through. Spend time in prayer and fasting and seeking God. The bible says if you seek you will find.

You can do that if you also go to church.

I went to church for the first 26 years of my life. Then I started to realize there are some serious problems with the churches. I haven't attended a "church" like we have around us today for about 10 years now. And wow, I'm not dying spiritually.

Yes, there are some problems within some of the churches, but not all of them. We have to be careful when we say those things.

There are a lot of out of the church christians now. Some are walking in truth and some are a bit confused. There are several websites that will even help you locate a home church close to you. I believe www.theealychurch.com will do that. And their website tells you how the real church really functioned too. It is a very good website.

There are literally thousands of home churches today. Many are excellent, but, we also have to be very careful that anyone who tries to lead a Home Church does not form a cult, or get the wrong slant on the Bible.

It is nice to assemble with other people, but in times like we live in that are so perilous. You have to becareful and not let any deceive you. This is just my opinion, but as times and circumstances change so can how we assemble change too. How did Paul assemble when he was in prison? You know he had to with a few people, but it certainly wasn't a regular assembly meeting in a house. So let's be led by the Spirit not the letter. The Spirit gives life the letter kills.

We also have to remember that the letters Paul wrote give us food, and life.
And, it's important to be led by the Holy Spirit.

You know in all the 4 end time chapters that Jesus spoke to his disciples in, not one time did he say to assemble together, He said let no man deceive you. He said many false prophets will come and will deceive many. He said to endure until the end and you will be saved. I don't know about you, but being told to endure until the end is a lot different than being told to make sure you assemble together even until the end even if you can deceived. It's a big difference.

Sally

Yes, Jesus did state many false prophets would come. And, they have been around for ages past. They are around today and spread their word fast on the Internet and through TV. But, we must also be aware that there are many wonderful churches out there, and we must never discourage people from attending a church of their choice if they so wish.
But, be aware just the same for many can deceive. I for one am anti the Prosperity Gospel. TV Evangelism like that of Benny Hinn etc; this is where it pays for us to pray for wisdom, and to seek wisdom.

 

[*Soulwings*]

I think I might go. If I have never gone, how can I judge how it is?

I guess it's also the fear of meeting luke-warm Christians.
My walk with Jesus is amazing... He speaks to me and helps me in every way.
I can't stand seeing Christians who don't have, or don't seek Life like this... some don't even know what it is... and I don't want to get influenced by anything.

 

[mrs.wilde]

I think I might go. If I have never gone, how can I judge how it is?

I guess it's also the fear of meeting luke-warm Christians.
My walk with Jesus is amazing... He speaks to me and helps me in every way.
I can't stand seeing Christians who don't have, or don't seek Life like this... some don't even know what it is... and I don't want to get influenced by anything.

May God bless you for your fire on the Lord! Thats the only way to know true blessing comes from Him.
Love, mrs wilde

 

[Sally Wren]

Yes, there were false prophets in the days of the early church, but we are in the days of the falling away now. And that is very different than the days of the early church and the problems the early church had or even 100 years later. This is the falling way, days that the bible warns us that even the elect of God would be decieved (if possible), perilous days, that it is hard for flesh to even live, the days will be shortened because of these kind of days. That is very different than the days of the early church even with their struggles.

I have no problems warning people of the problems that are in the churches. And many people are choosing rather to go into home churches. And yes, there can be problems in a home church too. You have to becareful even in home churches.

Soulwings, at the website www.theearlychurch.com they will tell you if there is a home church close to you. And I especially encourage you to read the website. The website of www.theearlychurch.com actually has the true doctrine of the early church, the way the church really is suppose to function. It would do anyone good to read about them. Ways that the churches today are totally ignoring. The churches today want to hear what they want to hear, not what the truth really is.

Just my opinion and not afraid to say it

Kim

 

[Bevlina]

I think I might go. If I have never gone, how can I judge how it is?

I guess it's also the fear of meeting luke-warm Christians.
My walk with Jesus is amazing... He speaks to me and helps me in every way.
I can't stand seeing Christians who don't have, or don't seek Life like this... some don't even know what it is... and I don't want to get influenced by anything.

If you do go to church Soulwings, let the Holy Spirit guide you in all matters. He is your teacher according to the Bible.
I also have a fear of meeting lukewarm christians. My walk is also amazing. Simply astonishing really! But, that's because I always heed the direction of the Holy Spirit. It's just little prompting you have from Him.
I encourage you to go along to a church, but pray first and seek Holy Guidance.

 

[New_Wineskin]

I think I might go. If I have never gone, how can I judge how it is?

I guess it's also the fear of meeting luke-warm Christians.
My walk with Jesus is amazing... He speaks to me and helps me in every way.
I can't stand seeing Christians who don't have, or don't seek Life like this... some don't even know what it is... and I don't want to get influenced by anything.

If you are going because the Lord told you , then continue to listen to only Him and you won't be influenced by anything . If you are going *not* because of the Holy Spirit telling you , then I would say that you have already been influenced and have started down that path .

 

[mrs.wilde]

If you are going because the Lord told you , then continue to listen to only Him and you won't be influenced by anything . If you are going *not* because of the Holy Spirit telling you , then I would say that you have already been influenced and have started down that path .

Amen!

 

[*Soulwings*]

I'm going... either this Sunday or the Sunday after (depends on my mom).

I'm going to follow some of your advise, pray before I go.

I will try to have a clear mind, so I won't judge everything I see.



New_Wineskin
I don't totally agree with you . I do understand what you are saying, but I don't think I have been influenced into going to Church.
I can't tell if God is calling me to go, but pehaps He is.

In my heart I do want to go, because there is a chance that I will meet someone who is greatly dedicated to Jesus and who I can learn from.
Jesus walks amoung His children and I want to follow Him wherever He is