It's Sunday. We see many people going to church. Once there, they socialize, sing, laugh, eat, cry...compare hats, ask where he bought that blazer.
But are they there for the right reasons?
It seems, in many churches these days, it's more of a social club than a place of worship.
I've been to churches where people literally in front of me were talking bad (gossiping) about the people a few pews away.
I've seen people 'hit on' others for dates.
I've seen people cursing immediately afterwards (or before) service. I see people singing their hearts out for 1½ hours or so, but later, you wouldn't be able to tell they were Christian much less part of a church once the service is over.
To be fair, I've also seen much love and compassion. But it seems this is the exception many times more than the rule.
It makes me wonder: are churches today more of a social gathering and less of a place of worship?
What's your opinion?
What's your experience?
Church or Club?
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- Guru
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Post #12
I think the problem is that churches are made up of flawed individuals. Since I myself am a flawed individual, I'm glad of it. Otherwise, no one would let me in the door!
However, it is true that some are preferable to others. I want a church where the Holy Spirit is present, where the Bible is believed and taught rightly, where Christ is understood correctly and preached accordingly, and where people are truly trying to live out the gospel.
Christianity was meant to be practiced in a community. But, as I said, none of those communities will ever be perfect as long as imperfect people attend them.
However, it is true that some are preferable to others. I want a church where the Holy Spirit is present, where the Bible is believed and taught rightly, where Christ is understood correctly and preached accordingly, and where people are truly trying to live out the gospel.
Christianity was meant to be practiced in a community. But, as I said, none of those communities will ever be perfect as long as imperfect people attend them.
Post #13
Surely no one is perfect.Overcomer wrote: I think the problem is that churches are made up of flawed individuals. Since I myself am a flawed individual, I'm glad of it. Otherwise, no one would let me in the door!
However, it is true that some are preferable to others. I want a church where the Holy Spirit is present, where the Bible is believed and taught rightly, where Christ is understood correctly and preached accordingly, and where people are truly trying to live out the gospel.
Christianity was meant to be practiced in a community. But, as I said, none of those communities will ever be perfect as long as imperfect people attend them.
But the problem is, as I see it, when everyone in the church knows they're there to socialize and not worship. Which is fine if that's what they want to do I suppose - those that don't want to partake with that way of worship will move on to some other place.
I see so many people going to church on Sundays and it makes me wonder what is their real reason for going. Not that it matters to me directly - just something on which to ponder I suppose
Post #14
Did you ever find a Church like the original church in Jerusalem?Overcomer wrote: I think the problem is that churches are made up of flawed individuals. Since I myself am a flawed individual, I'm glad of it. Otherwise, no one would let me in the door!
However, it is true that some are preferable to others. I want a church where the Holy Spirit is present, where the Bible is believed and taught rightly, where Christ is understood correctly and preached accordingly, and where people are truly trying to live out the gospel.
Christianity was meant to be practiced in a community. But, as I said, none of those communities will ever be perfect as long as imperfect people attend them.
Acts chapter 2
44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people.
I've never seen such a church....have you?
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Post #15
What do we mean by "the Savior as the supreme head"? If we are talking about Jesus, he isn't "the supreme head." As is brought out at I Corinthians 11:3, God is the supreme head, even over Jesus.MattHoppy wrote: Too often we see church lose its original purpose for glorifying God, becoming a social gathering, a club and like others have mentioned a money collection center. Some things I believe we have lost in church.
1. Purity of ecclesiastical separation in the local church.
2. Genuine caring for people, as well as telling people about the gospel.
3. Worship and adoration of the Savior as the supreme head
Side note, money has corrupted many a church.
"I want you to know that the head of every man is the Christ; in turn the head of a woman is the man; in turn the head of the Christ is God."
Who did Jesus say that "God" is? He indicated that the Father, Jehovah, is God. He prayed to his Father at John 17:3 and said:
"This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ."
So we need to worship and adore Jehovah, the Father of Jesus and the most supreme head, along with the other things you listed.
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Post #16
True. However, there is an organization that runs closer to what God is satisfied with than any other organization. There HAS to be.Overcomer wrote: I think the problem is that churches are made up of flawed individuals. Since I myself am a flawed individual, I'm glad of it. Otherwise, no one would let me in the door!
However, it is true that some are preferable to others. I want a church where the Holy Spirit is present, where the Bible is believed and taught rightly, where Christ is understood correctly and preached accordingly, and where people are truly trying to live out the gospel.
Christianity was meant to be practiced in a community. But, as I said, none of those communities will ever be perfect as long as imperfect people attend them.
I know that JWs have flawed people within the organization, but I find that they run it by direction of the Holy Spirit, the Bible is believed and taught rightly, Christ is truly understood and his message preached, and people are truly trying to live according to Jesus' teachings, including what he said about the Gospel. I personally have not seen this in any other church or congregation.
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Post #17
Yes. Jehovah's Witnesses.Red Wolf wrote:Did you ever find a Church like the original church in Jerusalem?Overcomer wrote: I think the problem is that churches are made up of flawed individuals. Since I myself am a flawed individual, I'm glad of it. Otherwise, no one would let me in the door!
However, it is true that some are preferable to others. I want a church where the Holy Spirit is present, where the Bible is believed and taught rightly, where Christ is understood correctly and preached accordingly, and where people are truly trying to live out the gospel.
Christianity was meant to be practiced in a community. But, as I said, none of those communities will ever be perfect as long as imperfect people attend them.
Acts chapter 2
44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people.
I've never seen such a church....have you?
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Post #18
I doubt you sell your homes and give the proceeds away to others. I doubt you eat your meals together.onewithhim wrote:Yes. Jehovah's Witnesses.Red Wolf wrote:Did you ever find a Church like the original church in Jerusalem?Overcomer wrote: I think the problem is that churches are made up of flawed individuals. Since I myself am a flawed individual, I'm glad of it. Otherwise, no one would let me in the door!
However, it is true that some are preferable to others. I want a church where the Holy Spirit is present, where the Bible is believed and taught rightly, where Christ is understood correctly and preached accordingly, and where people are truly trying to live out the gospel.
Christianity was meant to be practiced in a community. But, as I said, none of those communities will ever be perfect as long as imperfect people attend them.
Acts chapter 2
44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people.
I've never seen such a church....have you?
.
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Post #19
One, I like your input here, I know a few JW's. You guys are 100% indoctrinated and controlled. You are being used by others to further their lives. No dissension ? Are you kidding me? Everyone disagrees with others around them? You guys have rules that go against scripture like simply taking wine and bread. You are right about Christmas and the abomination of Easter. There will be no unity of spirit until Yeshua returns. I ask God to open your eyes and see. No insult intended but blessings if so be it.onewithhim wrote:Yes. Jehovah's Witnesses.Red Wolf wrote:Did you ever find a Church like the original church in Jerusalem?Overcomer wrote: I think the problem is that churches are made up of flawed individuals. Since I myself am a flawed individual, I'm glad of it. Otherwise, no one would let me in the door!
However, it is true that some are preferable to others. I want a church where the Holy Spirit is present, where the Bible is believed and taught rightly, where Christ is understood correctly and preached accordingly, and where people are truly trying to live out the gospel.
Christianity was meant to be practiced in a community. But, as I said, none of those communities will ever be perfect as long as imperfect people attend them.
Acts chapter 2
44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people.
I've never seen such a church....have you?
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Re: Church or Club?
Post #20[Replying to post 3 by Red Wolf]
That's the problem: that pastor and practically every other one lies through his teeth when he says the dead go to heaven.
The Bible says the dead go into their grave.
That's the problem: that pastor and practically every other one lies through his teeth when he says the dead go to heaven.
The Bible says the dead go into their grave.