to be a Christian, but I have 3 kids and my husband has been working this extra job on Saturday nights and ever since I just haven't been able to make myself get up and go!! The bad thing is now when I ask the kids if they want to go to church on Sunday morning, they are starting to say no. This weekend I am determined to get to bed earlier and get my rear up in the morning and go.
It sounds like you're probably not being fed at your primary home church ...
October 24 2006, 5:18 PM
Am I right?
"Trying harder" to go to church on Sundays has rarely worked for me. Personally, I've found that when I'm getting fed spiritually, I have no problems showing up on Sundays. Furthermore, and this might be an equally important question: Are you children being fed at this church?
(Ouch) I think I have had this in the back of my mind...but
October 24 2006, 5:46 PM
I love our pastor! I have to admit we started going there mainly for the kids because it is great for them. It's just such a big church we kind of feel lost in the crowd at times. It does feel like one of those places where everyone is just "playing church," see how big and pretty our building is and what nice clothes we are wearing on Sundays. I'm sure most of me feeling this way is my fault. I have been L A Z Y I've got to stop the guilt! My pastor I had growing up raised us to feel guilty about everything! Like we'd better repent every night or we might go to hell if we die in our sleep. (No, not Catholic! Strict Pentocostal Assemblies of God). Ok, enough confession time for now. Wow I didn't mean to come out with all of that stuff.
there are many times I have a "church slump". ive been to a ton of churches and i definately feel that ive found the right one. i absolutely love the church im on. its the most giving group of people ive ever met in this country. almost every cent we get in, we give back out to the community with free lunch and/or evangelistic material. that said, we dont have the huge fancy building and most of the believers in it are struggling. we are inner city and deal with all that that entails. our worship team isnt professionally trained. we have many people dealing with addictions and real human being problems. the parishioners range from doctors to homeless people. and there are times when i dont feel like going BECAUSE ITS TIREING! its hard to always be serving and helping.when im in those four walls, i am BUSY! BUT, i go on those days because i know im gonna be a blessing to someone else. i might encourage one of the girls in our youth group or bless someone with a piano song i play. and that is a blessing to me!when im not feeling "fed", i feed. the LORD gives me such joy and fulfillment from that because i know i am in HIS will.
there is a philosophy out there now that says: if you arent happy with your church, its because its not doing enough for YOU. but that is in no way Biblical. the Bible NEVER once promises only easy roads for christians. its usually a life filled with struggles and though HE promises to never leave you nor forsake you, He never said it was all golden highways along the way. try telling that doctrine to Paul or John or any of the other disciples that DIED for the Savior. that is what i call chocolate cake doctrine and it is distastrous to the church. it causes tons of new believers to fall away. they go to a new church and everything is happy-go-lucky but as soon as people stop with the niceties they feel "unfed". christians arent perfect human beings. no church is perfect. and even in the best church there is, you arent always going to want to be there.
im not saying your church is the right one for you. you do indeed need to find the one that will help you grow closest to God. and if you're not in it, then find it! but i urge you to consider that just because its not always convenient or easy doesnt necessarily mean its the churches fault.
Once again, the light of Scripture shines through your prose. Indeed, when Jesus said, "Feed my sheep," we was not talking to the reverends, pastors, teachers, and musicians of our church--he was talking to all of us. Thank you for reminding me of this.
My fear is that some of the language that is being used within the church-at-large is more a reflection of contemporary culture and values than it is the life and word of Jesus Christ.
Excellent thoughts Bex:).While I can sympathize with folks trapped in situations where they don't 'get fed' or have a diet of bubblegum Christianity.Most of the time I'm inclined lately to believe that 'I'm not getting fed' line is pretty pedestrian(no offense Steve)or worse,flat out lame,Christianity isn't a smorgasboard or a consumer/what can I get out of this deal.
How many of us come ready to share what God's been doing or speaking to us in our lives or through the word or to pray with someone,or help build up our brothers and sisters and the Body of believers as a whole.
I really like how 1 Cor.14:26 in the Phillips NT puts it 'well then,my brothers,whenever you meet let everyone be ready to contribute a psalm(song),a piece of teaching,a spiritual truth,or a tongue with an interpreter.Everything should be done to make your church strong in the faith.'
Re: (Ouch) I think I have had this in the back of my mind...but
October 25 2006, 9:13 AM
I know what you mean. You describe it well. The pretty building, the nice clothes, the jumbotrons.... all of this is bunk. It's dust in the wind. It's bogus. There is much to decry. I rather despise the facade of the American church.
But here's the deal: There is something wrong with every church you step into. It is, after all, a human body. Go to any church. It doesn't matter where because everywhere you go there will be people to feed and people who need you. This is the point of the Gospel in regard to the church body.
Thank you for bringing this up; I'm really convicted by this. My attitude toward my church has not been as it should be.
(Login convivial7) $$$$$$$ (((((( COLORADOGUY MEMBER ))))))) $$$$$$$ 68.107.160.198
Well said Colorado Guy.....
October 25 2006, 9:50 AM
I agree that there is no perfect church. But Jesus did command us to beware of the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees in Matthew 16; 6-12. The teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees are alive and well in the majority of churches across America. Yes we are to go and be a blessing to others. It is a command but we are to seek Him who knows exactly where those hungry ones are who will receive and hear what you have to say. If we just show up at some random church to be a blessing and sit under some legalistic or relegious teaching it will suck us in and deceive us just as it has countless of others.
This message has been edited by convivial7 from IP address 68.107.160.198 on Oct 25, 2006 10:11 AM
Re: Should I bring up the subject of tithing? I feel like does
October 25 2006, 10:22 PM
This is up to you. It seems to me that tithing does not need to be limited to your particular church. I'm mean there is nothing wrong with attending your church and not tithing to it. Put it were you think it would be most efficacious in serving others.
My wife and I tithe to our church every once-and-a-while, but the bulk of our tithe goes elsewhere.
I dont believe the Bible tells you any specifications of where you need to tithe just that you have to do it. Its not a option, its a command. I would say just look for the place that uses the money as Jesus would have used it. This limits you as not many organizations nor churches are truly "Great Commission" minded. The reason for tithing is to help fulfill Christ's perfect plan: Salvation for a lost and dying world. If your church is more driven by building maintenance and aesthetics then I agree with you. Maybe they dont need your money.
ColoradoGuy :) (Premier Login stevegarufi) Forum Owner 70.56.242.175
Oh really? Can you give me specific references? ...
November 6 2006, 11:33 AM
Hiya Ms. Curly Gurly! (I love your name, by the way.)
"I dont believe the Bible tells you any specifications of where you need to tithe just that you have to do it. Its not a option, its a command."
Um, can you give me a specific reference in the Bible? I do not know of any commands per se. I do believe that tithing is important, but I'm convinced (as of now) that it is much more of a "heart issue" than a commandment. Anyway, I look forward to your response on this one.
Im not kidding when I say I just wrote a 3 page response and then when I went to post it, I got booted.
Ill make this short as I have no time left. Should I have made the blanket statement that it was a commandment? No. Im sorry... Should tithing be disregarded as simply an OT standard? No. I want to elaborate but I have to go now...
My habit is to write out more important postings in Word Pad, and then copy and paste it in here.
Anyway, for what it's worth, I agree with what you stated. I don't see much biblical evidence that tithing is necessarily a command or directive that must be followed by the "letter of the law" - at least not in the new covenant that we claim to live under. Yet, the general principle of giving and being godly stewards of our money is something every Christian must wrestle with.
-Steve
Colorado Guy Trivia Game Champion - July 2006
Highest Cumulative Monthly Score EVER: 384 Points!
This message has been edited by ColoradoGuy from IP address 70.56.242.175 on Nov 9, 2006 10:38 AM
you to put the tithes in the envelope marked "tithes" or something and then anything toward missions or other areas should be considered extra. I'm surprised to find people on here willing to talk about tithes. Usually Christians will talk about almost anything but that.
A few years back I went to a Biblically based financial management course (not a God makes you rich class!) and they said there were over 2,350 verses relating to money and handling possessions in the Bible... almost more than any other subject Jesus discussed while on earth.
Funny, we as His follows are so guarded about discussing it. Hmm... could it be we don't want to talk because in our hearts we don't always want to give. I would have to fall into this category sometimes.
Ahhhhh, lots of guilt. The joy and freedom of God's grace should be liberating! ...
October 25 2006, 3:28 PM
By the way, I am really struggling with church attendance myself.
I'm convinced "being fed" on some kind of regular basis is one of the foundational things needed for a person to feel the freedom to choose to show up on Sundays. (What the term "being fed" means might make another good thread!) Of course, no church will ever be perfect as stated by W.C.S.
One final thought: If this church teaches guilt in words and deeds, man oh man, I would get out of there A.S.A.P.
ColoradoGuy :) (Premier Login stevegarufi) Forum Owner 70.56.242.175
My working definition of "being fed" ...
November 6 2006, 11:38 AM
My working defintion of "being fed" in the context of Christian community:
A place where one is engaged in the "renewing of one's mind" as described in Romans 12:1-2. In simple terms, I've found a place "where I'm fed" is where I can grow via the following, to name a few:
Christ-centered worship
Meaningful fellowship
Quality teaching (Sound doctrine, applicable to the listener's life)
Opportunities to serve others (Especially those outside the church)
What do you think? Comments? What would you add to that or take away from it?
I liked your definitions.Most times what we hear when someone says 'I'm not being fed' is that they're not being catered to or stroked or getting what they want out of church,the pastor doesn't preach or teach like Pastor Z or Pastor X at the church they went to prior to this church,the girls' dresses are too too....,tattoos,not teaching from 'my' favorite translation,didn't recognise God's call for metotake over.......
Let me clarify something, after reading a couple of my posts ...
November 7 2006, 8:27 AM
I realize we're living in a culture that is much more light on commitment, especially when it comes to commitment to a church body. Personally, I have struggled with this matter greatly, and frankly, I felt convicted by two of my replies suggested a person "get out of that church" because of things that aren't the greatest. Let me be clear: Sometimes, I believe, God will call us to stay somewhere simply because that is where God would have us to be.
However, I guess what I was thinking was ... just what a dilemna it would be if I had children attending a church. Then to be frank, I would be very much more invested in making sure my children are "being fed" spiritually and hence, I might be more willing to go to a different church for my kids' sake.
I've been single my whole life, and so I've never had to consider about how significant others may or may not be growing in a church body, and even then, I've had great difficulty with finding a solid church home in the ten years I've lived in Colorado. The last church I really call "my home" would be Beth Israel Messianic Congregation in New Jersey. I attended from 1993-95 before moving to New Hampshire. Man, do I miss that place!
(Login convivial7) $$$$$$$ (((((( COLORADOGUY MEMBER ))))))) $$$$$$$ 68.107.160.198
I agree....
November 7 2006, 10:12 AM
But the Bible charges us to teach our kids. It is good to get them in a church if you can find one that isn't legalistic or relegious but the responsiblity of making sure they learn the truth is on the shoulders of the parents. The Bible is real clear that not only are you to teach them yourselves but you are to do it diligently and daily! No one else is going to be as passionate for your kids as you. So you have to take that stand.
Well, I'm a follower of Yeshua/Jesus, Jesus was Jewish in his earthly life ...
November 9 2006, 8:08 AM
Jesus was the fulfillment of the law, and the entire Bible was written by Jewish authors.
So yeah, I'm a messianic believer alright. I consider myself a piddly gentile living in the mountains of Colorado, but boy, what amazing things can happen when God gets a hold of people like me!
Amazing grace!
-Steve
Colorado Guy Trivia Game Champion - July 2006
Highest Cumulative Monthly Score EVER: 384 Points!
This message has been edited by ColoradoGuy from IP address 70.56.242.175 on Nov 9, 2006 8:08 AM This message has been edited by ColoradoGuy from IP address 70.56.242.175 on Nov 9, 2006 8:08 AM
ColoradoGuy! :) (Premier Login stevegarufi) Forum Owner 70.111.159.196
I'll likely be there this weekend. I can't wait! ...
November 20 2007, 6:40 AM
Man oh man, I love the worship there!
-Steve
"I always wonder what folks in frozen lands will think when they discover that hell is full of grass yards that need mowing every day and heaven is a blazing desert." - Joel Smith
Last week my family and I attended a church plant of our home church. It is down on the University of Texas campus and it was really a breath of fresh air.
Don't get me wrong, we attend a great church but I guess I have been struggling some with my faith recently... wanting to be passionate about things that stir God's heart but not really finding myself there. I don't want to be a "don't do this / boycott that" kind of Christian. If my faith is really real and my God is really real... I want my life to reflect that.
The focus of the UT church is outreach and growth for new believers, or people tottering on the edge of belief. The teaching was refreshing and it was good to go back to the basics of faith and why I believe what I do.
I think we have decided to switch attendance for a while just to freshen things up. I can actually say for the first time in quite a while... I am looking forward to Sunday morning.
beginning late last winter. We had been attending a large mega church which I never liked. It felt lost in the crowd and was disappointed that my husband never wanted to get more involved. No matter how much I proded, we just never could attend any activities there. Keep in mind this church was a good 40 min. drive from our house!
We finally just slowly ground to a halt in our attendance. We just then didn't go anywhere at all and we weren't even talking about it as a couple! It was very strange to me because it was the first time in my life that I hadn't attended church. I felt sad, frustrated and angry at my husband.
I finally got honest about my feelings with several close family members and they offered to pray specifically that we would find a church as a family. I had decided to go out a find a church on my own and not nag my husband about it. On the week that I decided to get up on Sun. morning and head out, he stated that he wanted to find a church together....out of the blue! I was so taken aback and relieved at the same time! That morning we attended a little Baptist church just 1/4 mi. from our house and we loved it! It has become our new church home. We both appreciate the pastor and the people have been so welcoming. It has been such a breath of fresh air in our marriage and in our lives.
Pray about it and ask the Lord to change the situation in your household. Pray that God would change hearts and lead you all as a family to a house of worship. He will be faithful and do this for you!
I've got to stop the guilt! My pastor I had growing up raised us to feel guilty about everything! Like we'd better repent every night or we might go to hell if we die in our sleep. (No, not Catholic! Strict Pentocostal Assemblies of God). Ok, enough confession time for now. 
