I am trying to find scripture or any passages that talk about returning to the church after being away for a while. I grew up in a christian home, and attended everything dealing with the church. My daughter attended a christian school, and I worked in our church. Religion is very important to me and, I feel in this day and age that is where my family and I need to be. However we moved away and was unable to find a church that met our needs. Now we have returned and I want to get back. But don't know where to start. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, and God bless!
2006-07-19 03:03:00 · 21 answers · asked by tabbywolf 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Read the story of the prodigal son. Luke 15:11-32
You'll be welcomed back w/ open arms by a loving Father who is delighted to see you!
And then celebrate!
2006-07-19 03:07:06 · answer #1 · answered by Iridium190 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Think of yourself as the prodigal son, returning home after years away. I'm not sure what part of the New Testament the parable is in, but many Bibles have indexes in the back which can give you the correct passages.
2006-07-19 10:28:33 · answer #2 · answered by cross-stitch kelly 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is no such passage. the only one that would come close would be where Paul tells the Corinthian church to kick out a member who is engaging in blatant sexual sin in 1 Corinthians, then in 2 Corinthians instructs the church to take him back now that he's repented. this doesn't apply to your situation. i would say that it isn't dealt with in scripture because early Christians couldn't comprehend ever being away from the church.
i don't know what denomination you are, but my advice is just go! start visiting churches and see if there is one you feel comfortable in and then start going regularly. you don't have to do "penance" or earn your way back. just do it! :)
2006-07-19 10:19:18 · answer #3 · answered by WVMagpie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A church is a building. Jesus said that the kingdom of God is within you.
If you want to be closer to God go to the place where Jesus said that his kingdom was.
If you want a building go to see a realistate agent.
All forms of religion are limitations that we place on God. You can develop a relationship with God apart from the limitations of religion.
If it is fellowship that you are talking about, then religion or a civic organization like the elks or the moose is a good idea.
You need to get it straight in your mind which you are talking about.
2006-07-19 10:16:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
According to the parable of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15:11-32 , they should make you a massive party when you go back again and treat you better than those who have always been there.
2006-07-19 10:08:29 · answer #5 · answered by tammers 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hooray! Jesus will be glad to have a member of His body back. I echo the suggestion above and recommend a good Bible teaching church. Not one that gives you spiritual milk in a sermonette. I personally recommend finding a Calvary Chapel, if there is one by you. They are a non-denominational organization of churches who are deeply rooted in the Word of God.
Good luck!
2006-07-19 10:14:18 · answer #6 · answered by Samantha 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't search the scriptures for specific reasons. You search the scriptures to improve your relationship with God. Come to know him as your friend and guide. He will lead you to a place of fellowship. Keep in mind that you may have to visit a few before you find one that you can call family.
2006-07-19 10:09:32 · answer #7 · answered by Earl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
John 6:37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.
I agree with the Prodigal Son suggestions.
Also, the John verse, above, shows that if you feel a need to reach God then he must be calling you - it is your destiny - and he will not reject you.
So, come to God through Jesus and be confident of being a child of God forever.
2006-07-19 10:14:39 · answer #8 · answered by hippoterry2005 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
VISIT until you feel REALLY at home! You don't need to JOIN a church, until you have found your true "church family".
My church family is THE most increble church! I LOVE to walk into my church on Sunday, because you feel the Spirit of the Lord there, beginning His work, and getting us ready for worship.
My church staff is very prayerful-and caring. I can't thank God enough, for placing me there.
You visit until you find one, and DON'T give up. Visit more than once to the same chuch if you have to.
IMMEDIATELY volunteer again for children's choir, or putting the Sanctuary choir's music books together for the Sunday morning service. Ladies do that for us and I am forever sooo thankful to them! They do it to please God, tho, and not us. Just volunteer, doing Something.
ANY church should be pleased to have you and your family!!
And you're right--you do need to be in church---because the world surely wants to get a hold on your children's minds, so church, to me, is where it's at!!
YOU DON'T NEED A SCRIPTURE , GIRL! GOD IS WAITING FOR YOU TO RETURN! YOU'RE NOT GOING TO PLEASE THOSE PEOPLE------IT'S GOD YOU'RE AFTER, RIGHT???
Think of what you have, your family, right?
God gave it to you!
Go find somewhere to worship Him--just get that NEW OUTLOOK (on being back)--and go get you a church family!
I'm so excited FOR YOU !!
2006-07-19 10:11:05 · answer #9 · answered by bettyboop 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if you're also referring to returning to God in general, but the story of the prodigal son would be good for that.
2006-07-19 10:06:14 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋