Don't get me wrong, I still believe in God and read the Bible and try to follow his commandments. But now, everytime I go to he church, most of the times they are talking about the devil, no to this, no to that... Everything is becoming so extremesit and orthodox... I feel as if I'm being dragged into a sect or cult, where the most important thing is the church or ministry itself... not God... Has someone ever felt the same?
2007-12-19 05:34:53 · 36 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Remember... Tolerance is bliss! Don't get mad if people here write or ask things you don't like!
2007-12-19 05:45:57 · update #1
It is very commendable that you read your Bible and try to follow God's commendments. But have you ever thought of examining your religion to see if what it teaches is in harmony with the Bible. Ask yourself questions such as:
(1) On what are its teachings based? Are they from God, or are they largely from men? ( 2 Tim. 3:16; Mark 7:7) Ask, for example: Where does the Bible teach that God is a Trinity? Where does it say that the human soul is immmortal?
(2) Consider whether iit is making known the name of God. Jesus said in prayer to God: I have made your name manifest to the men you gave me out of the world. (John 17:16) He declared: "It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.". (Matt.4:10) Has your religion taught you that: "it is Jehovah you must worship"? Have you come to know the Person identified by the name-his purposes, his activities, his qualities--so that you feel you can confidently draw close to him?
(3) Is true faith in Jesus Christ being demonstrated?
This involves appreciation of the value of the sacrifice of Jesus' human life and of his position today as heavenly King (John 3:36; Ps.2:6-8) Such appreciation is shown by obeying Jesus-sharing personally and zealously in the work that he assigned to his followers. True religion has such faith that is accompanied by works. James 2:26.
(4) Is it largely ritualistic, a formality, or is it a way of life?
God strongly disapproves of religion that is merely a formalism. (Isa. 1:15-17) True religion upholds the Bible's standard of morality and clean speech instead of weakly going along with popular trends. (1Cor 5:9-13; Eph. 5:3-5) Its members reflect the fruits of God's spirit in their lives. (Gal.5:22,23) So, those who adhere to true worship can be identified because they sencerely endeavor to apply Bible standards in their lives not only at their places of meeting but in their family life, at their secular work, in school, and in recreation.
(5) Do its members trulyl ove one another? Jesus said: "By this all will know that you are my desciples, if you have love among yourselves." (John 13:35) Such love reaches across racial, social, and national boundaries, drawing people together in genuine bortherhood. So strong is this love that it sets them apart as being stuly different. When the nations go to war, who have enough love for their Christian brothers in other lands that they refuse to take up arms and kill them? That is what early Christians did.
(6) Is it truly separate from the world? Jesus said that his true followers would be "no part of the world." (John 15:19) To worship God in a manner that he approves requires that we keep ourselves "without spot from the world." (James 1:27) Can that be said of those whose clergy and other members are involved in politics, or whose lives are largely built around materialistic and fleshly desires? (1John 2: 15-17).
(7) Are its members active witnesses concerning God's Kingdom? Jesus foretold: "This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come." (Matt.24:14) What religion is really proclaiming God's Kingdom as the hope of mankind instead of encouraging people to look to human rulership to solve their problems? Has your religion equipped you to share in this activity, and to do it from house to house as Jesus taught his apostles to do?--Matt. 10:7,11-13; Acts 5:42; 20:20.
If your religion does not do all these things then you need to look elsewhere.
2007-12-19 09:58:51 · answer #1 · answered by Joan B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's too bad you've had such negative experiences with church. It's great that you've kept your faith though. So many people get so burnt by church people that they lose faith in God. People aren't perfect and many people misrepresent the word of God. Not all churches are bad, hopefully one day you can find a better one. I've only been a Christian for about a year now, so I don't know much about different churches. I know my church puts a focus on making people feel comfortable so they can find God on thier own accord. Loving Jesus goes so far beyond rules and threats. Good luck with everything!
2007-12-19 05:48:24 · answer #2 · answered by Katie P 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Orthodox Christians do not approve of what happened in Colorado. Jesus himself said to judge men by their works and not by what they say. Ted Haggard said a lot of things that swayed and persuaded people to part with their money except that he did not live a Christian lifestyle.
By blaming Christianity for being sexually molested, the Colorado shooter bought into the poison sold by Ted Haggard's deceptive ministry.
The website below is an introduction to the Orthodox Christian faith established by the 12 Apostles on Pentecost in 33 AD, not by Ted Haggard dressing up as a biker to be serviced by a man in Denver or any molesting Catholic priest or any materialistic oriented televangelist.
2007-12-19 17:03:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why not try to find another church. I fell like that at a church I belong to. I haven't been there in years. It seems now that everyone is turning to the huge mega churches where there is no real worship with Christ. It is just a big get together and an okay story. It is so frustrating. I would like to find a small God Centered Church around here that actually worships God. I think that is what we need to do.
I am sorry for going off on a rant, but you are not alone and I just felt that I needed to share that with you.
2007-12-19 05:43:21 · answer #4 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Hebrews 10:25 says "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." one of the devil's jobs is to divide and confuse. you can't make the church do what you think the church should do during service but if you keep your mind and eyes on the Lord, then it will all work out at least for you.
2007-12-19 06:00:54 · answer #5 · answered by chad p 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have felt this way but you know, every Church is not for everyone. Maybe you need to explore churches until you find one that you are comfortable with and display the same values that you have. You're still doing your part by having faith in God and reading the Bible. Don't let the outside world, even if it is a church, alter how you feel - which it seems that you haven't since you are still a believer. :-)
2007-12-19 05:40:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Why don't you try a different church then? There are lots of Christian denominations out there. Many are not the "fire & brimstone" type at all. If it's the church you have a problem with and not the faith, i.e. how they're teaching you, not what they're teaching you, look elsewhere.
)O(
2007-12-19 06:08:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I did that and years later found the perfect church! It's perfect b/c they don't act like a Church but rather focus on the entire church (believers). I've never heard the word "hell" and yet it's very Biblically-based. I hope you can find such a place! Check us out at www.enewhope.org and www.nhdh.org.
2007-12-19 06:29:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anna P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, but i think i would if i went to your church i would feel that way. I think you should find a church that teaches more about love. my church still tells the truth about what the bible says but they are really positive. i think God wants us to be the best we can be, but he knows we can't be perfect. that's why we are only righteous through faith and not by obeying the laws of the church.Please don't stop going to church, just find a different one. ask other people you know about their church or just go visit some. God bless!
2007-12-19 05:44:15 · answer #9 · answered by me 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It sounds like you need to find a church that teaches the saving message instead of the condemning message. I don't know where you live but you might try and find a "Reformed Episcopal Church (REC)" in your area. My husband and I have been attending one since 2003 when the mainstream Episcopal church took a left turn. Our minister bases his sermons on the Gospel lessons and teaches the Bible as the Word of God.
2007-12-19 05:42:59 · answer #10 · answered by 9_ladydi 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Not all churches are alike, but I quit attending about ten years ago, for much the same reason.
We are to have faith in God and His Christ, and not a church.
.
2007-12-19 08:10:02 · answer #11 · answered by Hogie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋