Where I live there is too much segregation and discrimination for my liking at different churches we have attended, and we have looked for mega-churches, but the ones we have seen don't preach my beliefs. Is it necessary to go to church to be a great chrisitian, or should I continue to look for a clone of Joel Osteen.
Please quote new testament if refrenecing the bible!
2007-03-26 18:25:01 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I feel that early Christians just gathered because they wanted to, not because they felt any sense of duty. In those gatherings they encouraged each other, disciplined one another, prayed with each other, and fellowshipped with each other, bound by an awe of God, and this can't be done alone. It's not a "Must" issue, it's a "Gotta!" issue, if you catch my meaning. Good luck in finding a community of believers near you.
2007-03-26 18:48:17 · answer #1 · answered by ccrider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, no. We are saved by faith through grace and not by works so that none may boast. Going to church is a good thing because we are to fellowship with one another, however church and fellowship is where you find it.
Second, why only the New Testament? The New Testament does not negate the Old Testament, it fulfills it.
Quote from the book waiting for the galactic bus: "Religion is what you sing on Sunday, faith is what you practice during the week."
Oh well, I guess we all have our bits of dogma, I'm just amazed by how many "Christians" out there want to pretend the Old Testament doesn't exist or isn't valid.
2007-03-27 01:32:33 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
That's a good question! I think that one could still live a good life and live according to the way God wishes for all mankind without attending church every week. But attending church is a time that you give God back to thank him and praise him with fellow Christians. Church should be something that all Christians want to attend if just for a time set aside when we can talk with God. Those i my thoughts, I hope that they are helpful!
2007-03-27 01:32:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I may get into trouble with my fellow Christians, but No, I do not believe you have to go to a specific church to be a good Christian. Churches were not made by God or by Jesus. They were made by man and they include a great many "man" ideas as well as Jesus ideas. I do not attend church on a regular basis and I feel my Christian life has actually gotten better and more powerful. If you find one that is good though, please do go because it is always helpful to have a community with whom you have similar beliefs. It is sometimes very hard going it alone but I have found the most wonderful Christians in the strangest circumstances and they have helped me immensely not to feel so isolated.
2007-03-27 01:34:10 · answer #4 · answered by Poohcat1 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, the only thing you need to be a good Christian (or a good person for that matter) is to be honest, kind and loving. You don't have to go to a certain building to study the bible or worship. You can stay at home and discuss the bible with your family or friends if you feel more comfortable. God doesn't give brownie points because your butt is sitting in a seat every Sunday.
2007-03-27 01:29:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would continue to look for a church that shares your beliefs or one you feel comfortable at. Not because I am calling people who do not attend church sinners, but because I feel that we can learn a lot and grow closer to God by worshipping him in church. The support system provided helps us to maintain faith or strengthen us when we are down.
I personally attend my church, because I believe that the priesthood has been restored and is passed through authority. I have felt a comfirmation of the my beliefs in God, and in the leaders of the church I attend. The support is just a helpful side effect.
2007-03-27 01:31:18 · answer #6 · answered by moonman 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Going to church doesn't make you a Christian. I am a Christian and I'm fed up with the hypocrites I come in contact with when I'm there.
I teach my kids what the Bible says. I am a very straight forward person who doesn't beat around the bush. I try to live my life the best I can and try to teach the kids to do the same, emulating what Christ taught.
I find those who go to "worship" are usually not ready to "serve" and do not live the life of a Christian from Monday through Saturday.
2007-03-27 01:33:35 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
TM: NO - you do not "have to go to church". As long as you are cultivating a RELATIONSHIP with God, the Father, through Jesus Christ, and you have the Holy Spirit working within you - you ARE a Christian ! Going to church does not make you a Christian. If you can go to church, this affords you another opportunity to worship God, as well as, fellow shipping with those of a like mindset. Remember; Christianity is who you ARE - not what you do !
2007-03-27 01:35:28 · answer #8 · answered by guraqt2me 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you are christian wether or not you go to church.
Church is there for our good, you dont even have to go to a big church or a typical church if you dont want, my parents used to hold worship service out of their house before they found a building.
Hebrews 10:24-25. “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.”
2007-03-27 01:29:55 · answer #9 · answered by A Gabbi 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Going to church does not make you a Christian nor do you have to go to church to become a Christian. But the Bible tells us to meet together with other Christians where we can learn and encourage each other. Hebrews 10:24,25.
JB
2007-03-27 01:35:28 · answer #10 · answered by J B 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋