Attending Church-The Body Of Christ

[Vic]

(05-19-2009 10:16 AM)chelsea Wrote:  Vic, I am curious, do you stopped attending a church or have you made your own church from family and friends near you in your own home? I am not sure if I understood right, but I think you said you don't go to any church. Does it feel any lonely not having a real fellowship, meetings, with an elder/ minister preaching to you etc ?

Hi Chelsea,

We have on occasion tried several churches since leaving the one in particular. We have met some lovely Christians. The problem is, we have not been able to find one that hasn't brought in Alpha, Purpose Driven etc etc. Because of the research I have done, I (nor my husband) do not feel comfortable compromising just for the sake of being in a church building. The body of Christ is not bound to church buildings or walls. I have had wonderful and encouraging dialogues with believers from all over the world. Something I could never do simply in a church setting.

Over the years, I have come to understand that God has a purpose for each of us as we grow in Christ and are prepared for that purpose by Him. For us, this website and now forum have been far more effective in reaching out to people than we could ever do, one on one or in a church setting.

I have fellowship with believers everyday, which often doesn't happen in churches. The gospel is shared every day. I invariably reprove, refute and such on an almost daily basis, either because of what is now readily avaliable or via emails, etc.

We have been part of a few online bible studies--but time and schedules usually made them not as regular as we would have liked. But with or without those things...

I don't recall the last time I felt that I was missing something. Our lives are full, we spend time with family and each other. The studying I do, along with the research and writing, God uses to teach me, because all our growth, wisdom and understanding comes from Him. I never was one to spend time reading books by Christian leaders. Just had no interest for it.

As far as missing preaching, 'preachers', 'teachers' ' and those claiming to "have what we need to hear" and such, I am constantly considering and analyzing such to the Word of God, so am missing nothing from that end, by not sitting in an actual pew.

Everyday, I expect that He will teach me more and so I have learned that He fulfills all my needs. This type of ministry is not for everybody. By ministry I mean---what ever God calls each one of us to in order to serve Him and fulfill His purposes.

Many are called to do different things which involves the physical or one on one interaction in person or in a specific church. But I think, just because I can't physically see someone's face, God has given me enough understanding to be able to help or encourage others via writing.

Some have said in emails to me, that they view this website as a lighthouse or beacon on the internet and God brings who He wants to it. Either for fellowship or encouragment or for help. I am glad it is of help to others.

For myself, I just want to do what God wants me to do. And for now, this seems to be it. The last 2 or 3 yrs I wondered if I should be doing other things. And God showed me that while I could indeed do other things....this is what He wants me to do. Although, at times, it does try my patience and becomes a trial by fire. Something we all go through.

I actually do enjoy the tasks He has given me to do, because He provides what I need to do it.

That is more satisfying than trying to fit into something I am not called to. I have learned it is fully about my relationship with Christ, being where He wants me, and doing what He wants me to do. And this seems to be it.

I love what Paul wrote:.

Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.