Attending Church-The Body Of Christ

[heb13-13]

(06-23-2009 12:56 PM)Vic Wrote:   heb13-13 ,

Glad to see you jumped right in to posting. I would love to have you post your testimony in the testimony section as well--towards the bottom of the forum, so it is not missed. Also, consider a quick hello in the Introduce Yourself--so members can say hi to you there.

You actually didn't 'stumble' onto my website. God brings each person He wants to it...those in Christ and those against Christ. So glad the information has been of help to you.

Quote:The Church is a living organism with Christ as its Head. It is not an organization. Man does not "organize" the Holy Spirit, neither does the Lord allow man to usurp His authority on earth. But man has tried anyway and succeeded in creating something that he calls "church".

We don't "go to Church", we are the Church. We were not called to be Spectators but rather active Participants in the Kingdom of God. Everyone called by God thru Jesus Christ has a PART. God help us all if church is only about attending a "service", fellowshipping with the back of someone's head for 2 hours and then shaking hands or hugging and saying, "that was great fellowship, see ya next Sunday."

Exactly. Well said.

Quote:The Lord was our Shepherd. (I think I have read that somewhere). He led us, and ministered to us through His Word and His Spirit. He taught us His Word and showed us how to bear one another's burdens and minister to each other.

This is the crux of what it means to live for Christ and rest in Him, and allow HIm to teach each of us. And it is foundational for the edification of the Body of Christ.

Quote:This doesn't seem too hard at this point, does it? Just share with people and love them.

When I started "attending Church" for the first time because I wanted to be a "good Christian" and everyone in America "goes to Church" on Sunday, I began to observe some things over time. We only have our experiences to compare new experiences with, but we also should always compare any experience we have with God's Word.

I noticed that Church services were run by a few people.
Our get togethers on ship were open to all to share.

Only a few people did the "work of the ministry."
On ship, all the brothers went back to their particular job and led an active Christian walk, witnessing and standing up for righteousness with the love of God.

Church was Spectator oriented not Participatory.

Jesus was the Guest of Honor not the HOST (the Head). I don't say Host in terms of Romishness (i.e. the Eucharist). I mean the one in charge, the one leading the meeting.

This is so true and the experience of so many...many are content to be spoonfed by the minister and never get past being babes..never pick up their cross and find what God wants them to do ..everything becomes tied to the building, the inner group etc. Missing is that each of us is called to share Christ, and the equipping of the saints is something that is done to help each arrive at what God has called each to. It's not to be a lifetime of equipping--we are to become equipped to serve Christ and share the gospel, and do what God wants each to do.

Quote:I continue to actively witness and engage unbelievers and religious people in conversation about the Lord and eternal things. I keep myself built up in the Lord. This is OUR RESPONSIBILITY. We cannot blame our surroundings or conditions. Someday you may be in solitary confinement for Jesus sake. Are you going to hold onto Him?

Please do not let religious spirits condemn you. We are called to please God and obey His Word.

Praise God He works and has worked and given you such insight to share.

Quote: Often, Jesus is not to be found in the CAMP, but rather "without the camp".

This is normal. Let me repeat THIS IS NORMAL. Read your Bible. The Religious system and in fact all the Systems of the World want nothing to do with the True Jesus and if you follow the True Jesus, the Word, the Living Christ, the systems of the world will want nothing to do with you.

Jud 1:20-25 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

Be at peace, love Jesus, obey His Word, love the brethren and remember, wherever you go, if you can't find fellowship, MAKE IT.

Tell someone about Jesus. Be free in Jesus and begin living Galatians 5:1

God bless you, today.

P.S. God runs His Church like a family, not a business. And don't seek to be an extraordinary Christian, because being a Christian is extraordinary in itself. Too many are seeking the "higher Christian life", but I have not found anything higher than picking up my cross daily and following Him.

For those who do not understand what it means to pick up our cross daily, I have a study done about ten years ago > http://www.seekgod.ca/carrying.htm

for sharing all these thoughts. I am sure many will be blessed and encouraged reading them. I hope you will enjoy the fellowship and discussions here.

Thank you, Vic, very happy to be here. You are right, we don't "stumble" through life. The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Psa 37:23

When I get some time, I will post my testimony and introduce myself.

Psa 31:23-24 O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.