Last year (senior yr of hs) my physiology teacher said to me "If you do not go to church you are not a true Christian. The word of God states you must go under one roof with other devoted followers to praise the name of the Lord." If that statement is true, am I not a "good" or practicing Christian? I try to lead a good life, with good morals, and a strong belief in God. but I don't have time on the weekends to go to Church. Will I be punished for this, or judged based on my sins and if i repented to the Lord above?
2007-01-23 09:58:05 · 24 answers · asked by Freddie xoxo 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The last time I went to a "good Christian church" (this was about 5 years ago) the revrend pulled up to the front doors in a limo. and did it every sunday after! I believe in God, I read the bible, I study His words, and I try to lead a good life, but the church seems so fake. That's why I quit going. Most churches that I've been too force their version of the bible down your throat. Most seem like cults rather than places of worship.
2007-01-23 10:11:08 · update #1
It is always good to have fellowship with other Christians and I strongly recommend it.
As far as the strength of your Faith in God and Jesus only you and God can know that.
Please don't judge all Preachers by the actions of a few.
I drive a ten year old pick-up truck, work a full time job and have NEVER taken one red cent from the Church.
If you were to check my web-site you won't even find a donate button anywhere.
God's grace, mercy and love were given to me freely and I share it with anyone in the same manner.
By the way I'm a Christian Preacher, writer and Evangelist.
2007-01-23 10:30:30 · answer #1 · answered by drg5609 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sigh, Your teacher is wrong about the Church thing. YOU don't need a church or religion to have a personal relationship with the Lord and walking with him. However, you show more that you care about his word if you attend church. If you don't want a home church just visit surround churches until God calls you t oone. If You have to work and can't get of working then the Lord understands. That is why they created TV and Radio preachers so if the shuts ins are not able to make it to church they can go to church in your home.
However, You could gather up family and friends and make a Home Church in your Home on a day that you have free time.
I am not in no religon nor I believe in denomination. I got to a Baptist Church because it's right down the road and nice people there and fellowship. However, Pray to God and get into his word and figure out what he wants you to do.
2007-01-23 18:05:05 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hebrews 10:24-25 does say, "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
Being together with likeminded believers is good for us because we can encourage each other and learn together. I'm not saying that this is true in your case, but when a lot of people say, "I don't have time for church on the weekends," what they really mean is, "I have things I'd rather do than spend time in worship and fellowship."
You can be a believer without going to church, but I think you're making yourself unneccesarily vulnerable. There is strength in numbers, and these days, we need each other's support and encouragement more than ever.
2007-01-23 18:06:59 · answer #3 · answered by Wolfeblayde 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you will find that Jesus said, Where two or three are gathered together in my name there will I be in their midst. The only reason people needs to follow a religious organization is for the benefit of having someone tell them what is in the Bible. This is only my view. I am a Christian that does not attend church. I am not afraid of being punished. Jesus never said that I had to attend a certain church to make it to heaven. He just said, John 3:16. Love your neighbor as yourself. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This is one of the reasons He was crucified. The Pharisees and Sadducee's all said the people needed to attend the temple and listen to them.
2007-01-23 18:09:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
actually that is NOT a true statement "going to church doesn't make you a christian any more than walking into a garage makes you a car." -unknown your not a christian just because you go to church you are a christian because you accepted Jesus as your savior. your a christian because you want to be and you have made yourself a christian. if you don't go to church God doesn't care He only cares whats in your heart don't ever let anyone say that to you again. you are what you are and nothing can change that. hope that helps God bless your heart.
2007-01-23 19:28:07 · answer #5 · answered by EMMY 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not know if not attending church is something you will be punished for, but I do know that Christ Himself said, 'those who love me will follow my commandments,' and later He said, 'fail not to assemble yourselves together to praise and worship,' This leads me to believe that going to church is something that we should do.
When I was younger, I didn't give much thought to going at all. As I have gotten a little older and grown in my relationship with God, I have developed a sincere desire to be in church, and I hope as you grow as a person and in God you will, too. I think the way an avid football fan loves to be at games, Christians will love to be in church services.
2007-01-23 18:04:27 · answer #6 · answered by kdc 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Going to church does not make you a christian- It is believing and following the Lord- Bible study is very important, because it keeps us from straying off that path with the Lord, that is why He gave us His word, to live by.
Church is important, to fellowship with other believers and God wants this from us- just like God wants us to be baptized after we are saved----It is obedience to Him. And God has much to teach us when we do fellowship with other belivers and study the word and pray and worship! This brings us closer to God and strengthens our faith in Him, it is spiritual food.
Jesus said whoever believes in Him and confesses with their mouth that He is lord will be saved. And true repentence is needed- someone who believes and repents of sin- but desires to follow the Lord- and only God knows the hearts of those people, as the Bible says "I know who are my sheep, and my sheep know Me"
2007-01-23 18:04:32 · answer #7 · answered by Mandolyn Monkey Munch 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think in Christianity its just the belief in Jesus that saves you from everything... no need of repentance... that is what i heard... its good that i aint a Christian anymore, even i practiced for so long tryied to read the bible untill i realized that there might be something wrong... each person believes in different ideas.
So i just asked God for guidance... and found Islam
2007-01-23 18:03:28 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is no such thing as a good or bad christian. As others have stated, yes you should go to church. Do you need to go to Church to attain Salvation, maybe not, if you have a personal relationship with God.
I don't think your problem with God right now is if you should go to church or not. I think first you need to set your priorities straight. Do you want a personal relationship with God or just the good christian tittle? You say you don't have time to go to church, do you have time for God at all?
All that maters is your relationship with God, not if you lived a good life, with good morals. As for the strong belief in God, let me tell you that demons believe in God and tremble according to the Bible. The difference is that they don't submit themselves to God.
I'm not tring to make you feel bad, just make you think of what you are really asking.
Bottomline, you need to spend quality time with your Saviour if you want to claim you are one of his followers (be it in church, with friends, family or by yourself).
2007-01-23 18:19:35 · answer #9 · answered by veggie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No where did I read that you worship the Lord. You live a good life, with good morals, and a strong belief in God but you do not worship Him. He is not interested in your good works but in your obedience. He said do not forsake the assembling of yourself for worship. I can't say you will be punished, but your relationship with Christ will suffer.
2007-01-23 18:06:16 · answer #10 · answered by Fish <>< 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋