Here's something to consider for those of you that are not religious or on the fence.
🗣️ DISCUSSION 💬
Logically either all religions are either false or only ONE is true since they conflict.
If one is true and the world is being run by evil that is lying to us then that true religion would be disproportionally attacked while false ones would be left alone or encouraged.
I can only think of one religion that is attacked above all others.... Christianity.
If it's being attacked / misrepresented by the people trying to enslave / kill me then it must be a threat to them / their plans.
Ergo you should examine Christianity.
My parents tried to baptize me as an infant. They were turned away because they weren't members. I left another church because I was told women should not wear pants. I take a brief walk through the woods and call upon God to guide my soul to center. I'm fulfilled. I'm done with another mortal man telling me what my walk with God should be. Each souls walk through this life is their own. Seek it. Skip the middle man and go straight to the source.
So you had a bad experience with a couple of churches and you're assuming all must be bad?
The "source" is scripture and it commands us to be a part of a body of believers and under Biblical leadership.
Iron sharpens iron.
I love my church and the community we have. We NEVER stopped service during lockdowns and NEVER had a mask mandate. It's full of solid God-loving patriots that are fighting the culture and building something while supporting each other.
That being said it took me a hot minute to find a solid church. I kissed alot of frogs before I found a prince of a church.
They're out there and you won't know what you're missing till you find the right one.
I assume nothing. I'm merely sharing the experience I've had. I've felt closer to God outside any church than inside one. For lack of better words I'm still kissing frogs.
I'm with you on that. Haven't been to a church in many years, yet my relationship with God is stronger than ever. I don't think God is judging us on attendance, but on our real beliefs and actions.
Correct. I'm in the same.boat as you.
A church is about an earthly community of hopefully similarly minded spiritual brothers and sisters, and not at all what is necessary to have a relationship with God.
Matthew 6
6 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
I feel closer to God on a walk through nature than I do in any church I've ever been in.
A person can look at the marvels of creation and know there is a God who created it all. God reveals himself through nature, that is called general revelation. In the Bible in the book of Romans chapter 1 verse 18-21 were we read " For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,".
To know about God or to know God and His attributes one must read the only place He has revealed Himself through special revelation, and that is in the Bible. Believers want to be around other believers. Who are believers? Those who obey His word. In John 3:36 we read, Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
So if you are a believer, you are also an obeyer of the word. Hebrews 9:24-25 says "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
In short, there is a God and He has revealed Himself in creation/nature, and in His Word-the Bible. He has commanded believers to meet together in church.
So then if you are a believer, find a Bible believing, Bible preaching and teaching church. Stay away from false churches as there are many, i.e. the Prosperity Gospel. Those are the ones who say "Name it and Claim it" etc.
Is your church 501(c)3?
This is the question!!
Mine is NOT! Closed for 2 weeks in 2020 to assess. Reopened and never closed again except for snow, ice and everyone ill. No mask mandate and my pastor is very well informed--including the laws of our land. He understands the 501(c)3 issue very well.
Your OP is exactly of the same logic.
However, bad experiences can open the mind to what is really going on. Your argument is, never mind bad experiences, how many even may follow, just stick with the program and never doubt the program.
Sorry dude, this dog don' t hunt.
Scripture does not equal God. Worshipping the Bible is idolatry no less than the paganism you feel so superior to.
lol wut?
Scripture is "God breathed" and inspired by God. No one is talking about worshiping scripture. Nice straw-man fallacy.
Correct.
BUT, you should still read the Bible. Nowhere in it does it say you should follow any one denomination. However, it does say to follow Christ and to emulate his life to the best of your abilities.
Anyone who says otherwise, or says you should "belong" to any one denomination, or that you ant have a personal relationship with God and must go thru an intermediary like a priest, pastor, bishop, etc is lying to you. They have been decieived by Lucifer and Satan.
My understanding is, through his sacrifice Jesus Christ gave all humanity the gift of a direct connection with God. So you are correct - there are no gatekeepers for the past 2022 years.
The Church is very important, though. So sad what most modern congregations have become. Those fortunate enough to find a good one, are truly blessed.
If things continue the way they are, maybe home churches are the answer. "Wherever two or more," right?
Decided a long time ago that I didn't need or want anyone in a place of judgement over me. When I talk to spirit of the most high, it's pure communication. Love and gratitude is sent AND received. We talk often and it is always heartfelt.
I second that, go straight to the source.
Maybe Christianity isn’t “under attack”. Maybe the evil that rules the world simply runs so opposite of what Christians stand for, that by being Christian, it feels like they’re under attack. Pro-evil is not necessary intentionally anti-Christian, that’s just how it feels when you’re on the side being affected by the evil, especially when the evil is being publicly promoted. Aka, “the world doesn’t revolve around you”…aka victim mentality.
As far as skipping the middleman…My outlook is that I don’t put faith in what men tell me, I put faith in what my own personal life experiences show me.
“God” has undeniably proven existence in my life, I give absolute praise and gratitude to “him”. (These terms “God” and “him” are small words, but I’ll use them for simplicity)
I figure, I don’t have personal proof of Christ, but I have undeniable proof of God in my life. God is not going to be offended that I’m giving my love directly to him instead of “his son” based on my divine gift of reason. That seems retarded to think that the Almighty would be so petty and childish to cast us down because we prayed to him instead of his son. Or that we prayed directly to him from home instead of some building designated by men as a church.
We each have our own path. Treat others how you want to be treated, with love and kindness. Give gratitude and love to God once you find him and he will continue to prove himself and shine upon you.
I was baptized into the Catholic religion almost 57 years ago - during college and world religion classes - eyes opened. God is everywhere and there is not a "Religious affiliation" requirement to spirituality. I have been to almost every christian church yet looking at the beauty and diversity of God's natural world is more awe inspiring than any man made ceremony I have ever experienced. My belief and faith in God is strong as it is.