not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. --Hebrews 10:25
Even in a smaller church, even with a pastor you mostly agree with, even if your Bible study is just you, continue testing all understanding against the scriptures.
I said the other day that “it took me ten years to get to where I’m at.”
That either means I took ten years of testing to make sure I was heading the right direction, or that I walked off the path very slowly.
I know which one of those options I think is correct.
Giving to my church, both monetarily and time/effort is one of the key ways I continue to grow with and be a part of it. It seems very odd to view that as a burden or negative to me.
100%. They will do illegal things under the guise of "we didn't have a choice! We don't have people that will do it otherwise!" They let family members stay in the parsonage rent free (and illegally) because, well, it just wasn't being used and it's paid off, so what is the harm????
They will control their neighbors in covid, because they are scared and it's easier to control a small group than to control a larger one.
They will use money unwisely because the congregation is their neighbors, and who will say anything?
Small churches suck. I have had experience with two, and both made me realize I will still with the anonymity in a larger church.
I do not trust any church. Would rather find a few people to do Bible study.
^ this
But you don't even need to find a few people if you can study it yourself.
That's how i did it, with 4-5 different translations open in Sword Searcher, and then a dictionary. A whole lot of prayer, and a whole lot of time.
Plus you can use gab.ai for assitance (it's Christian based, and its' good)
not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. --Hebrews 10:25
We can do that on the internet now, anon. Where there's a will, there's a way! It could even be said this is our little congregation, here, right now!
Amen!
Yes! We come together and lift each other up daily!
Fatality...YOU HAVE TYPED A MOUTHFUL ON THAT SENTENCE!!!!!
OUTSTANDING!!!!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
The people that pray together, stay together!!!!!!!
When Two people are discussing God's Word, that is a church, an assembly or a congregation in the Lord's eyes.
Actually some of the threads in this venue have great biblical discussions that personally I get a lot out of the interactions.
Now take that concept with friends meeting at a park, a home or at lunch and that can be a blessing.
Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Cool. Know any good online Bibles with original Greek inline?
There's probably a few if you look. I just use SwordSearcher in a virtual machine
I am in a very small church where the pastors break away from the main church. How about a church of 40 people?
Even in a smaller church, even with a pastor you mostly agree with, even if your Bible study is just you, continue testing all understanding against the scriptures.
I said the other day that “it took me ten years to get to where I’m at.”
That either means I took ten years of testing to make sure I was heading the right direction, or that I walked off the path very slowly.
I know which one of those options I think is correct.
Amen.
My church is also small about 40 to 45 people Max.
Amen
The problem with small churches they'll lean on you.
Ask you to be involved, beg you for money, do this, do that.
No thanks. Been there done that way too many times.
Also if you check out a church never fill out a welcome card.
Even if they say we'll never bother you, but they will.
I found the small church refreshing.
Look at my reply to sipow.
Giving to my church, both monetarily and time/effort is one of the key ways I continue to grow with and be a part of it. It seems very odd to view that as a burden or negative to me.
Does your pastor "tithe" that 10% which they hammer the congregation with the same as with you ? Or do they get off Scott free?
Do they work willingly and not for filthy lucre or receiving a salary (money) like you do? Or do they get off Scott free?
When they ask of you to do a chore or major task of resealing a roof are they up there with you guys working too?
I am quite sure the answer is a resounding NO. If this is the case,
Sorry friend you're a patsy.
100%. They will do illegal things under the guise of "we didn't have a choice! We don't have people that will do it otherwise!" They let family members stay in the parsonage rent free (and illegally) because, well, it just wasn't being used and it's paid off, so what is the harm???? They will control their neighbors in covid, because they are scared and it's easier to control a small group than to control a larger one.
They will use money unwisely because the congregation is their neighbors, and who will say anything? Small churches suck. I have had experience with two, and both made me realize I will still with the anonymity in a larger church.
I grew up in a church similar. Probably 20 people most says. Cant stand a large church.
It's nice to have small church. You get to know people.
I don’t either but God and his son Jesus called me to keep participating, it was in a very unconventional way believe me.
Find a Bible Study Fellowship chapter near you. I am in my 8th year. You will understand the Bible teachings.
That is my sentiment as well.