Religious Vent...I'm so confused and need to talk about it.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

Jesus wasn't a church going man.

P.S. This is more a relationship issue than a religious issue. IMHO

[Ta Ta 1]

I agree that love should be the motivator and fear will stifle you.

You believe the Bible to be God's word as do I.

Just read His word and pray for guidance to get to the

church you need to be.......He will lead you.

We are adults now and must 'work out our own soul salvation' without fear

of what others may say.

You have freedom and liberty to serve God, be not bound by fear.

Follow the word and do not follow 'religion'. It is very clear on what steps to take.

You can pm me at any time if you like.

[almaty 19]

i always follow the popular saying....

"what would scooby doo?"

[Fandango 1,440]

P.S. This is more a relationship issue than a religious issue. IMHO

Took the words right outta my mouth.

[Caladan 19]

I think CherryXS's advice is sound, and I suspect LuckyStrike's correct. Find a church that has what you're looking for, and explain to your parents why. Who knows; maybe they'll be moved to find a new church, too.

But if you're not happy worshipping where you are, you'll eventually stop. And that doesn't seem right.

[de_sjiem 0]

Perhaps could you speak with a pastor about it? He/she might be able to provide you with some good feedback on this as well, including helping you calm that niggling fear in the back of your mind that this isn't the way to go...

[rika60607 215]

Michelle,

time to grow up and you even know it yourself.

If it is your parents that must be lulled into belief that you have a chance at going to haven - lie to them and I am sure by any religion (except mine) you would be forgiven, for your intentions were good. Just tell them you found 2x2s in Wisconsin ))

If you are rather concerned about yourself - you know already for yourself that not only 2x2s go to heaven. As a matter of fact, who knows if they do... and if there is heaven. Just do what feels right to YOU. As long as you are a good person that's all that the world can hope of you.

In your heart you already know the answers to your questions, you just have to gather strength and stop ignoring them ))

Good luck,

Rika

[Scott & Lai 12]

Jesus wasn't a church going man.

He wasn't?

[chri'stina 190]

Jesus wasn't a church going man.

He wasn't?

I had the same thought as you but wasn't sure if I should bring it up.

But since you did, I will add that Jesus did go to the temple and the synagogues, the "churches" at the time for Jewish people.

Also when hee gathered together with his disciples and taught, I'd consider that as church.

Edited June 15, 2007 by stina&suj

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

Jesus wasn't a church going man.

He wasn't?

I had the same thought as you but wasn't sure if I should bring it up.

But since you did, I will add that Jesus did go to the temple and the synagogues, the "churches" at the time for Jewish people.

Also when hee gathered together with his disciples and taught, I'd consider that as church.

When my father passed away our minister came over the house. We didn't go to church much and neither did our dad. My sister pointed this out to the minister and he said "Jesus wasn't a church going man". It did cheer us up. I think his point was that you don't have to go to a building with 'church' on the sign to be a Christian. And.... right. He probably went to synagogues growing up. Which aren't technically 'churches'.

[Scott & Lai 12]

Jesus wasn't a church going man.

He wasn't?

I had the same thought as you but wasn't sure if I should bring it up.

But since you did, I will add that Jesus did go to the temple and the synagogues, the "churches" at the time for Jewish people.

Also when hee gathered together with his disciples and taught, I'd consider that as church.

When my father passed away our minister came over the house. We didn't go to church much and neither did our dad. My sister pointed this out to the minister and he said "Jesus wasn't a church going man". It did cheer us up. I think his point was that you don't have to go to a building with 'church' on the sign to be a Christian. And.... right. He probably went to synagogues growing up. Which aren't technically 'churches'.

They're essentially the same thing, just different names (with essentially the same meaning). In fact, the traditional worship forms of Christianity come largely from the synagogues. Also, Jesus, and his followers both during and after his earthly ministry, went regularly to the synagogues even as an adult, not just while he was growing up. The point is gathering together with other believers for common worship, teaching and prayer.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

Jesus wasn't a church going man.

He wasn't?

Jesus was a Jew and not a Christian. In fact, there were no Christians during his life time. If you want to do as Jesus did, you need to go to temple and synagogue, not church, and worship God, not Jesus.

Edited June 15, 2007 by Green-eyed girl

[Cassie 8]

I know you don't want to disappoint your parents, but since you do already read the bible, you can investigate how they came up with the idea that their church is the only saved one. If you cannot find a scripture passage to support it, that is your first step of not feeling guilty. Sometimes things were made by the opinions of a leader and are not written in the bible.

The bible says a true Christian is someone who has asked Jesus to forgive their sins, worship him as Lord, and believes he died and came back to life, and lives a life trying to please Him, and that Jesus is the only connection for us to reach God. It doesn't say, "and goes to only a certain church" or "and has a lot of money" or "beats themselves daily". IMO if a church preaches and believes that Jesus is the truth, etc and is biblically sound (as Cherry mentioned), then they are a good place to go. I know it's something you will have to investigate more so that when you do make the decision, if it's to try a new church, then you won't feel guilty because you will feel that God is happy with your decision. And unfortunately your parents will be disappointed, but I am sure they love you and you love them, but pleasing God is more important than any of our parents I believe.

My opinion on all this is neatly encapsulated in what Christina wrote here. What God wants is a personal relationship between you and Him, independent of your parents, your son, your husband. Going to church -- which I define as a group of believers meeting together, fixed location/building optional -- is part of maintaining that relationship (through encouragement, support, teaching) but not the sole mechanism. You're responsible for your decisions in this matter, not your parents (which I am sure you already know, but just saying it) -- pray hard, do some biblical investigating, and listen to what God tells you.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

Jesus wasn't a church going man.

He wasn't?

Jesus was a Jew and not a Christian. In fact, there were no Christians during his life time. If you want to do as Jesus did, you need to go to temple and synygoge, not church, and worship God, not Jesus.

exactly

"When he's underwater does he get wet? Or does the water get him instead?"

[almaty 19]

Jesus was a Jewish teacher of his time and stated that many times...it was Paul, who changed the thinking on jesus, against the wishes of Peter and others.