I am just trying to be a better person, too many traps to fall into I find if you go full on Christian. What does that even mean? To me it means attending a church and pushing and policing others, that to me is fake big church that achieves nothing but isolation. I think privately trying to become a better person through your own personal relationship is the goal, too many of you emulate the very big church police attitude that pushes people away from Jesus because they want to get away from big church. I consider attending church the same way I consider seeing a shrink, I like the idea of it but I cannot trust any of them.
I recommend starting with small churches. Just don't idolize anyone, even the most saintly person needs Jesus forgiveness on a frequent basis. But communal worship, support, prayer, fellowship, they're all super important.
Church is also full of sinners who have become saints who still struggle with sin and are imperfect. I would agree that the goal is getting to know Christ personally, but He designed the church for believers to rub shoulders with one another while doing life (sharpen iron with iron).
I am struggling with being disenchanted with church too right now, but I know from past experience, the wrong thing is to go it alone.
Find a small church preaching the Word and forsaking worldly wisdom. I know of no perfect church and these times are even more challenging, but the real true gospel is uniting to believers and as a part of relationship with Jesus, it is very important to be a part of an active church.
What is being a 'better person?' What is good enough? Jesus said nobody is good.
"God, if you really do exist, I want to know you. I want to know the truth. Please, reveal yourself to me." A simple little prayer like that is all it takes as long as you humble yourself and pray sincerely. No mocking. And as for disliking big churches, you know, there are plenty of small ones out there. Many more than the big ones, even. God bless.
I don't go to church as it's too formal for me. I grew up in church and that laid the foundation for my relationship with the Lord. I speak to him almost daily. Ask for things I/we need and thank for what I've received and most importantly, I ask for forgiveness.
I am just trying to be a better person, too many traps to fall into I find if you go full on Christian. What does that even mean? To me it means attending a church and pushing and policing others, that to me is fake big church that achieves nothing but isolation. I think privately trying to become a better person through your own personal relationship is the goal, too many of you emulate the very big church police attitude that pushes people away from Jesus because they want to get away from big church. I consider attending church the same way I consider seeing a shrink, I like the idea of it but I cannot trust any of them.
OTOH, "Where 2 or 3 have gathered in my name, I am there" I have experienced this personally and can testify I did feel a great Presence.
I recommend starting with small churches. Just don't idolize anyone, even the most saintly person needs Jesus forgiveness on a frequent basis. But communal worship, support, prayer, fellowship, they're all super important.
Church is also full of sinners who have become saints who still struggle with sin and are imperfect. I would agree that the goal is getting to know Christ personally, but He designed the church for believers to rub shoulders with one another while doing life (sharpen iron with iron).
I am struggling with being disenchanted with church too right now, but I know from past experience, the wrong thing is to go it alone.
Find a small church preaching the Word and forsaking worldly wisdom. I know of no perfect church and these times are even more challenging, but the real true gospel is uniting to believers and as a part of relationship with Jesus, it is very important to be a part of an active church.
What is being a 'better person?' What is good enough? Jesus said nobody is good.
"God, if you really do exist, I want to know you. I want to know the truth. Please, reveal yourself to me." A simple little prayer like that is all it takes as long as you humble yourself and pray sincerely. No mocking. And as for disliking big churches, you know, there are plenty of small ones out there. Many more than the big ones, even. God bless.
I don't go to church as it's too formal for me. I grew up in church and that laid the foundation for my relationship with the Lord. I speak to him almost daily. Ask for things I/we need and thank for what I've received and most importantly, I ask for forgiveness.