Church versus Church Building

I just got blocked on somebody's website who is telling them that they need to go to church in order to be a good Christian.

She accused me of having a hard heart. Anyone who knows me knows that I do not have a hard heart.

If I did I wouldn't have taken offense at that.

But, I simply reminded her that going to church does not make you a Christian. My God is not displeased with me when I don't go to church. He is displeased with me when I don't act like I am a part of the church.

I will never tell anyone that they have to go to church in order to be a Christian. I will tell them they have to follow Jesus. I will never tell someone they have to go to church in order to learn God's word. I will, however, tell them that they have to read the Bible to learn God's word.

The church building is for those who need extra counseling. Some people do not like continuing their week without at least one day at the church in worship and praise alongside others who are there for the same reason. It is also for those who have questions that need answers about the Bible. The best place to get those answers is a Bible believing Church.

Some people are called to work inside the church building for that purpose. But not all people are called to the same. Everyone has a different calling.

Jesus said "Where two or more gathered together in my name there will I be also." Assembling with others does not have to be 100 people. It can only be you and one person in the car who are glorifying and praising the Lord together. It can be me and my passengers stopping to pray over their needs when they ask for it.

My church is wherever Jesus is. And He is not trapped in a church building.

Not one time in the whole Bible did Jesus ever say to go to church. His ministry was based on teaching believers how to BE the church.

I will never tell anyone not to go to church. But I will never tell them that going to church is the mark of a good christian.

And I am very appalled at the number of so-called Christians out there who are very adamant that if you are not going to church you are not a true Christian.

Being the Church VS Going to Church

Show me in the bible where I HAVE to go to church to be called a true follower of Christ? Church is good. Church is needed for those who are young in the faith and need the instruction. It is also great for re-charging your spiritual batteries when needed. It is great for fellowship and group worship. But there is NOTHING in the Bible that says I have to be present with a bunch of people in a BUILDING on one or two days of the week.

The Bible says in Hebrews 10:25:
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

This does not mean we are required to meet once a week. It means that we all need the association of believers at some time. It means that we could visit with our fellow believers anywhere. Anytime. Have worship and feast together at our homes, as families, friends getting together and remembering that the most honored guest is our Lord and Saviour.

It means that we join together during special events and feasts. It means that we celebrate each others successes and encourage each other in our failures.

THAT is what is said, and THAT is what is meant!

Let me ask you...when you throw a party, who do you invite? A bunch of people who are unrepentent sinners, or people who believe as you do who are your TRUE friends and extended family? And when you get invited to an event by another Christian, do you turn it down because you think it will be too stuffy? or do you go, in order to strengthen and form the bonds you need when you are in need of encouragement and hope? And do you go for YOU, or do you go for the one who invited you?

Side Note: All the preachers in the Bible preached on the streets, not in a church building.

Jump Start

Hello, World!

Today was the worse day ever. Well, okay, it wasn't TOO bad. I did get to go to church. LOL

I walked ALL the way up the street (7 blocks) knocking on doors in 95+ degree weather. I was SOOO hot. And, no relief once I got back to my car, because I don't have air-conditioning. I didn't sell ANYTHING and I gave out about 6 brochures.

I decided to go to the Crazy Horse and rest and have a coke (and MAYBE someone might want some Avon while I am there...) but, no sale. I did rest up, though. The Bartender took one look at me and when I told her I had just finished door to door and needed to cool off, she exclaimed, "OH, I was wondering!" I was soaking wet with sweat and I know my face was redder than a beet. She bought me a coke.

I had the money. I tipped her with it.

I drank two cokes and left to try to sell again...but it was nearly 6 PM and God nudged me and said, "It's Wednesday night. You are here in town...." so I went to church.

I saw Miss Marcy (what a unique blessing she is!) and I told her about my day and what I was up to. When it came time to leave, I told her, "I haven't sold anything today. I can't go home until I do. So, I better get going..." She bought a $4.00 shower gel from me, so I could say I sold something and go home. LOL

I love Miss Marcy.

She even said a special prayer with me before I left.

I got in my car and the key was still in the "on" position. CLICKCLICKCLICK said my car. Sigh...

I went back into the church to ask for a jump. "Does anyone have cables? I'm stuck!"

Praise God for a guy who had some and came to help me out.

I came home and was looking forward to scrounging up something to eat and getting out of these pasted on clothes and fixing a gigantic glass of sweet iced tea.

After turning off my car in my drive and re-starting it three times to make sure it would start, I came in the house.

Fred informed me that food was on the stove, ready for me to eat. Praise GOD! He had even just let the dogs out so I wouldn't be bothered while I settled in.

I got comfortable, ate and then let the dogs, who REALLY smell good from the skin-so-soft and bath I gave them earlier today, in.

Milo and Otis fought over loves from me for a few minutes, then I made them "GET OFF ME, YA'LL! Go play! Go on, get down!" They did.

Here I am, now realizing how much God loves me, in spite of a hot, tiring, unprofitable day. He reminds me that I am SO blessed!

Mark 8:36
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

As for today, I am not discouraged. I know my Lord rewards hard work sooner or later.

Have a blessed night!

Church

You know the old joke: If a tree falls in the forest and you are not there to see it, does it make a sound?

Makes me think. If there were no churches for people to congregate at on Sunday, would there still be Christians?

If there was no church to go to, would it lessen your responsibility to do what God has commanded? What Jesus instructed? Would we still be required and able to love one another as God has first loved us? To do good to one another? To help one another? To tell everyone about Jesus?

Why then, do some Christians couple going to church with being a Christian? Why do they judge others who do not congregate on Sunday? Some even say it is a sin not to attend church.

The Bible doesn't say that.

The Bible says that we should have fellowship with other believers. It doesn't set aside a specific day and time, or say how many have to be there, or tell you that your prayers are not answered if you are not in church to pray them. I have searched and searched the Bible for such verses to support that thought, and found none.

I believe firmly, therefore, that if people would concentrate more on BEING the church instead of GOING to church, the world would be a better place.