Attending Church-The Body Of Christ

[Vic]

(04-20-2009 08:45 AM)Mark Wrote:  Good morning everyone!

I have been out of church for about 4 months now. Without getting too involved as to why, I will simply say that it was a Oneness Pentecostal church and I was there for 7 years and felt that their doctrines were not exactly "God inspired" and that I felt led to leave.
I am wanting to get back into a church, but I am having a hard time finding one that I feel is where I need to be. A lot has to do with what many denominations believe. One of the big ones for me is tithing.:what: Many churches believe in it and I personally do not.
I guess what I want to know is am I being disobedient to God for not attending a church? Am I rebelling? Am I cut off from him? ::Am I not pleasing Him? That sounds like a lot of questions, but it's weighing heavy on my heart these days. I feel like I'm doing something wrong. :what:Any encouragement, advice is very welcome. Have a great day!

Hi Mark,

I have heard from many people who have left churches because of finally understanding what was being taught was not of the Scriptures. Some hang on and try to refute it, but in most cases, its not accepted.

Part of growing in Christ is being able to test those things and know whether they are of God. It is part of maturing in ourselves, with our relationship with Christ. And obedience to Him. It definitely does not mean you are cut off from God. Nor does it mean you are disobedient in seeking to find a fellowship that is sound in the faith. It is not an easy task. I hear from people from all over world who struggle to find one. They aren't being picky in the sense it has to be perfect. It merely needs to preach from the Scriptures and live Christ.

Looking for a solid church home is not the same as rejecting church and fellow believers. In other words, your desire says you want to be with true believers who desire to live for Christ and weigh things to the Word of God, and you are not willing to compromise with junk doctrine just to have fellowship. And that is a good thing.

It can take time to find a fellowship that you have peace about being there. Just remember that Jesus said,

Mat 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

The Church is the body of believers worldwide. Some have told me they do fellowship online. Others, who are uncomfortable with available church choices, join Bible studies or, start their own, and reach out to unbelievers and develop ministries of sharing Christ.

In reality we all are to have a ministry in reaching others for Christ. Many will sit in a pew and never grow past feeding themselves. And growth is stunted. The saints are to be equipped in the churches and then as each matures they are fit for serving and doing the things God has purposed for them.

It doesn't mean we go it alone. We go with Christ first, and then share Him where He will take us. And if it takes time to find a fellowship to join, consider the time with Him, the sweetest fellowship.

Colossians 3:15-17 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Ephesians 5:19-20 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;