but believe in my own heart. What do you think? If I go but don't like the sermon, etc. what is the point? Right??? Just curious. There is one on television I like - Joel Osteen.
2007-07-22 11:35:00 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No, absolutely not. It is quite possible to pursue your spiritual journey without going to church. However church or any spiritual community can provide a support network, a safe place to discuss spiritual topics with people who are also on a spiritual journey (have you ever tried discussing God with a stranger? Often times the response is not encouraging) and a place to find new questions and answers of a spiritual nature. I have studied religion and spirituality since my early teens and have never been seriously involved in a church or like entity. However more and more I feel the need to discuss the topic with others. I find myself craving that interaction with other spiritual people. I think of church as a good place to get started but don't mistake it for the journey itself. That's a good way to get brainwashed. Trust your heart and follow your Truth and you will find what you need.
With love
Shane K.
2007-07-22 11:53:03 · answer #1 · answered by Shane K 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Pastor Osteen is pretty good. I've seen his show a few times and He's very dynamic. The Bible warns us, though, not to forsake the fellowship of [fellow believers]. It's very difficult to maintain a Godly perspective when you're constantly surrounded by secular people. You need to refuel your spirit by being around God's people. Now, I know it can be hard to find a place where you feel like you belong. I'm having the same problem. But it is as vital to the Christian life as fuel is to your car. I hope you find a place, but keep looking until you do (yes, that's advice I should probably take myself. I stand reprimanded).
2007-07-22 18:56:27 · answer #2 · answered by Steve 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Please remember that attending a church is not only for you to be fed, it is a place for you to serve God. Joel Osteen might be fine to listen to, but you will end up a fat baby in the Lord. A person needs to connect with other Christians in a personal way and encourage one another. You are not just in church to be fed. Your growth depends on service and ministry. I suggest you keep looking for a church where you can dig in and work out. that way you will be strong in the Lord. Hope this helps.
2007-07-22 18:44:22 · answer #3 · answered by Yo C 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Please do not get offended; I know when I say this there will be a lot to not agree with me, but that is ok. I do think it is necessary to attend a gathering with other believers that believe the same way you do. We are the church; it is God's people that carries His church, the true church. You will never find the perfect church here on earth in a building. Comimg together and being taught the truth underneath a leader who has been called of God and will be obedient to what God is leading them to do, is hard to find. My husband and I are having difficulties in finding a place where we can just attend and get spriitually feed and grow in the Lord. God puts us under tutors, teachers, and leaders for a season and He also does not want us to be away from other believers. He does exspect us to fellowship with others to share our testomonies and encourage and lift them up. We do gain strength, wisdom, and spiritual blessings when we attend a gathering with others of the same faith. Where there is two or three gathered in my name I shall be in the midst of them; is a verse that might help. Reading God's word, meditating up on Him and His word, studying, praying and asking Him where He would have you to go, might be another sugestion. Two, three or more gathered together is stronger when they come and agree in one mind and accord for the soul purpose of worshiping, obeying and exhortations, and can break bondages, lead people to Christ, healings, and strengthening. I do not discourage at all to try and find a family oriented group of people who brings the truth and are positive rolemodels of Christians that will accept you and take you under their wings to protect, teach and help you grow in Christ so you may be effective in your purpose God has called you to do.
2007-07-22 19:09:38 · answer #4 · answered by † White-Eagle Prayer Warrior † 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
no it is not a requirement to join a church; as a matter of fact in these days when there is so much apostasy and hypocricy in many congregations, God has risen up the internet so that believers can gather from all over the world in forums such as this and other online forums and websites.
You don't need a church, just be the best person you can be, love, do unto others as you would have done unto you and keep spreading the good news of the LORD Jesus Christ.
2007-07-22 18:46:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Necessary? Maybe not.
But I do know that the Bible tells us to "not forsake the gathering of ourselves together, as is the manner of some." That describes fellowship, which give us the opportunity to grow more in faith.
Olsteen's media church (and all media churches) keep the believer isolated and alone, which in the end, will stunt the growth of any Christian.
Keep looking for a church. You will find one eventually. If, as your name implies, you are in CA, there are so many out there ! Network with a friend(s) or google for churches in your county.
2007-07-22 18:45:22 · answer #6 · answered by Bobby Jim 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You need to find 'believers' you can fellowship with. If you are staying close to the scripture commandments and Yahshua, try a Messianic fellowship. They would be at least a bit closer to the truth, and observe the sabbath day. And don't take anyone as 'teacher'/rabbi. Yahshua alone should be your teacher, and He taught the Old testament. So if you read both together, you'll gain a good understanding.
Pray for Abba to lead you where you need to go.
2007-07-22 18:43:07 · answer #7 · answered by witnessnbr1 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes it helps your faith to grow. If you cant find one you like try a Bible Study or a Home study group this will give you some support from other Christains.
It is hard to find a Church that ministers to you keep looking its out there you will find it.
Seek and you will find , knock and the door will be open
Best Wishes in your search.
2007-07-22 18:41:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm Catholic and yes, Church is necessary.
For us it is the Eucharist, the body and blood of Christ which must be received weekly. Also, it's important to come together as a community and worship God.
Church also gives your spirtual life structure, much the same way your skeleton gives your body structure.
2007-07-22 18:52:11 · answer #9 · answered by Misty 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yea i understand how u feel sometimes if ur not at the right church you don't feel like going but think about it ur not going for the church ur going for God to give worship and praise to God not to anyone else. No matter what church you are in if ur there for the right reasons God will notice that, until u find that right one for you.
2007-07-22 19:34:05 · answer #10 · answered by samie<3 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋