Choosing a Church by flesh or by faith?

[David]

 

[Yesua888]

View attachment 266

BTF

 

[bobinfaith]

Good morning,

Early in our Christian walk many chose a Church by this method. It was the beginning of learning and understanding why we gather for Church.

Hebrews 10:23-25, 23 Let’s hold firmly to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24 and let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, 25 not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. - NASB

We've heard the many comments why believers go to Church;

"I get a good feeling when I'm in this Church."

"I really enjoy the music. It makes me want to worship."

"I go to this Church because of the programs for my children or my spouse."

"I really like the sermon, Bible study or Sunday school, where I can express myself."

I'm being constructive and would like to receive other's thoughts, Scriptures and discuss further for personal learning.

1. Does Scripture command us, or encourage us to attend Church?

2. Does God allow us to "choose a Church" or does God lead us to "serve at a specific Church?"

3. Why do believers end up at a cultic or Church that teaches false doctrines? Is this because they don't know any better?

God bless everyone.

Bob

 

[David]

I'm being constructive and would like to receive other's thoughts, Scriptures and discuss further for personal learning.

1. Does Scripture command us, or encourage us to attend Church?

2. Does God allow us to "choose a Church" or does God lead us to "serve at a specific Church?"

3. Why do believers end up at a cultic or Church that teaches false doctrines? Is this because they don't know any better?

Question 1: Does Scripture command us, or encourage us to attend Church?

Scripture commands us to assemble, never to attend a building or an institution. The church is people, it is not property. God defines the church as the people who are born again in Christ. “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house” ~1 Peter 2:5. Hebrews 10: 24–25 commands us not to forsake assembling together. But we can see clearly the reason why. It is to exhort one another in love, to persevere and be faithful as Christ returns. The New Testament never treats the church like a business or brand to visit each week. It paints a picture of the church as living-breathing bodies joined together in truth and Spirit. Where two or three gather around the doctrines of Christ in prayer, fellowship, and obedience ~Matthew 18: 20 you will find the church whether in a home, field, prison, or public building.

Question 2: Does God allow us to "choose a Church" or does God lead us to "serve at a specific Church?"

Scripture does not encourage consumer Christianity. We are not told to go shopping for a church that will bless us the way we want to be blessed. God places His sons and daughters into His body as He sees fit. “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him” ~1 Corinthians 12:18. He places us there to serve, to grow up, and mature in our faith. Not so we can be comfortable or entertained. Ephesians 4: 11–16 explains that Christ places leaders over the church to equip believers to do ministry so that the body may grow in truth and unity. When churches behave like businesses trying to increase attendance numbers, budgets, brands, and programs they abandon their biblical purpose. God directs His people to gather where the church ought to be…where the Word is faithfully taught, sin is boldly confronted, Christ is exalted, and believers are equipped to serve others.

Question 3: Why do believers end up at a cultic or Church that teaches false doctrines? Is this because they don't know any better?

Ignorance can contribute to the problem, but Scripture reveals a much deeper issue at hand. Many people do not want God’s truth. Paul foresaw teachers rising that would preach what people want to hear ~2 Timothy 4:3. Jesus predicted that many would be led astray by false prophets ~Matthew 24:11. False churches prosper when believers replace biblical teaching with emotional experiences, motivational messages, prosperity teachings, and loyalty to an institution. When profits, growth, and image become more important than truth…you can bet that integrity has been compromised somewhere along the way. Scripture commands believers to test every teaching and examine what we hear against the Word of God ~Acts 17:11, ~1 John 4:1. Churches have become so institutionalized that attendance numbers and weekend revenues are often placed before biblical truth. Once religion is elevated above Christ you have opened the door for deception. The church of Christ is built on truth, not marketing. It is built on obedience, not revenue.

 

[Yesua888]

Good morning,

Early in our Christian walk many chose a Church by this method. It was the beginning of learning and understanding why we gather for Church.

Hebrews 10:23-25, 23 Let’s hold firmly to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24 and let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, 25 not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. - NASB

We've heard the many comments why believers go to Church;

"I get a good feeling when I'm in this Church."

"I really enjoy the music. It makes me want to worship."

"I go to this Church because of the programs for my children or my spouse."

"I really like the sermon, Bible study or Sunday school, where I can express myself."

I'm being constructive and would like to receive other's thoughts, Scriptures and discuss further for personal learning.

1. Does Scripture command us, or encourage us to attend Church?

2. Does God allow us to "choose a Church" or does God lead us to "serve at a specific Church?"

3. Why do believers end up at a cultic or Church that teaches false doctrines? Is this because they don't know any better?

God bless everyone.

Bob

I cannot bring myself to go to a church now ... BTF is my place of learning (big time!)
If I were to find a church or group of like-minded Christians (in the physical) that are deeply connected to God ... I would jump at it : ) xxx