Attending Church-The Body Of Christ

[Dee]

(04-20-2009 05:18 PM)sheep wrecked Wrote:  Thanx for starting a good thread, Mark! And the responses are really great, too!

Part of those years of "prodigal" - away from Scriptural Truth - was spent in two different "pig pens" of deception. But, I was convinced that the corn husks I was eating was real good food. So my question, after being back "home" is why wasn't I taught about the false stuff out there?

My personal opinion is that the church [church at large > organized religion - not the bride of Christ] has failed. Maybe it was never designed to be something different? It seems that God uses the church, but ultimately, the church is not about furthering the Kingdom of God as much as it is about furthering a place to serve herself.

I just know you are going to ask me about fellowship God has been good. I have lots of friends on the net. Some are real good friends and we are on the same page spiritually. God is always bringing people that I can share with - so very cool! In real life, I just let Him bring people to me that need love, attention, care, direction - whatever. Perhaps that has filled the "void" of social activity for me. Or maybe I just don't need it like some people do. I often wonder why the social end becomes more important than the spiritual

Anyway - that's where I'm at presently :tomatoes:

The pastor's wife I am having a discussion with (who said we are sinning by not meeting together as a "church"), says also that we don't need to learn all the false stuff out there, because if we just knew the truth we would know the false because it doesn't match... also that even meeting as friends together in a house, wouldn't qualify as a real "church" meeting. I'm guessing that means paid heirarchy is missing?

It is freeing that we can 'love our neighbor' by following the leading of the Holy Spirit instead of by church programming. My husband is an extrovert, and enjoys socializing (being the 'life' of the party), which I am thinking is the real reason why we went to church, because I knew even then I had to reteach the gospel at home, correctly.

Quote: pastor_chris Wrote:
The church IS the Body of Christ whether you like it or not.
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Vic,

An internet community is not a body of believers. There is no accountability, no church leadership, and there is no way to measure whether or not you are producing fruit. The apostles would be horrifed at the thought that people would reject the assemblying together of the saints to correspond on the internet. This is false teaching.

Actually Chris, they would be thrilled that believers encourage one another and are brought together-aka assembling-- because of unity of the Holy Spirit. To talk, and fellowship and share Jesus Christ. And to hold one another accountable if that is an issue--if the person is receptive. Key ingredient to that issue.

We are assembling Chris. Spiritually, emotionally and physically--just not with our bodies. Just not how you do--except wait--you are here with us.

About 10 yrs ago our church Pastor told me that praying together on an online forum or chat would not produce results because it was "fake prayers"... hmm