Go to Church or the Devil Will Get You!
July 6, 2009 by churchless
Filed under Sunday Meetings
Those who live in northwest Florida or South Alabama may be familiar with this billboard along Interstate 65 north of Montgomery, Alabama. Evidently it’s been there for years, but I just saw it a few days ago as I was traveling to Birmingham. It speaks volumes about the use of guilt and manipulation, based in fear, to motivate people to attend church.
I was always told that if you don’t go to church that you’re going to hell. I’m glad I learned that’s not true, though; because I stopped enjoying institutional churches ages ago. Before I started on this journey of truth seeking, I thought something was wrong with me. I couldn’t understand why if I’m so interested in GOD; why I didn’t enjoy sitting up in these buildings and going through the same old same old. I was just plain bored. I wasn’t getting anything out of it. My mind wonders when I’m in institutional churches.
lol I live in Alabama…never seen this. I think that God is big enough to protect His sheep. It seems that sometimes the different local churches want to be the answer rather than letting God be the answer. I guess they are a little bit self focused rather than God focused.
I don’t think you can or should force people to go to church. But it amazes me of the excuses we come up with and all the reasons why we should’t go. No one hardly complains about spending hours shopping at the mall. We spend 8 hours or more at work in the same building and tolerate the same folk everyday. We can spend hours at the movie theatre or the mall and it seems not to trouble us, right? After all we have to live and try to enjoy a balanced life, right? What about a bigger billboard that is entitled Hebrews 10:25. Oh I forgot! Even as Christians we have gotten to the point that we can’t discuss the Bible among ourselves. What does the Bible say? Oh! Oh! Let me guess! You are going to tell me what YOU SAY it says. Everyone buy the YOU SAY interpretation Bible for $49.99. It’s the all time best seller. Is the devil real? In your book it’s what and how you see it. I don’t agree he’s pictured on the billboard in comparison to the Bible description of him. Should we attend church? What does the Bible say? Let me guess! We can stay home, watch TV preachers, and listen to radio ministries. What does the Bible say? Please don’t say,” don’t judge me.” What is there to judge when Christians stop going to church and the Bible demands something else.
Steven,
Thanks for sharing your comments here! Evidently we disagree on the meaning of Hebrews 10:24-25 as it applies to gathering with other Christians. In those two verses you will find NO mention of weekly worship, singing, prayer, preaching, Bible study groups. I prefer to let the Bible say what it says, rather than impose my own preconceived ideas upon a passage: for example, these two verses are simply reminding us to get together with other Christians from time to time so that we can stimulate one another to love and good deeds. That’s all it says! To twist its meaning to, “you have to go to church every Sunday at a particular time and place” is simply wrong, even though I used to believe and teach the same thing myself.
Oh! And don’t get me started on TV and radio preachers! If I don’t want to attend the boring services of a 501c3 non-profit religious club each week, then why in the world would I waste my time listening to similar sermons and services on television? No thanks!
Churchless
People should attend church as it: refreshes the spirit; provides a social, support network; protects individuals from evil spirits (hexes, curses and the like); it’s a base of Godly spiritual power – if someone comes in for prayer then the more believers present the more powerful the presence of God’s spirit; tithings are needed to pay for church bills, ministries and literature, etc.; counselling is received at church; reminders of how to life a holy lifestyle are taught; those in need of biblical wisdom can seek out that information or God will impart it to a person via another Christian.
The question’s answer isn’t “for I” it is “for God”, “for my Christian sibling”. Ultimately, the answer is about being selfless and loving others and God, whilst the self benefits.
I’m with Wayne Jacobsen, the writer of “Why I Don’t Go to Church Anymore.” How do you “go” to something you ARE? The definitions of “church” as a building or organization are man’s additions to the word of God, which only applies the term to people.
And I am with you:)
I accepted Christ at 17 years old. It was not because I found a “cool” church or heard “cool” christian rock music, it was because I genuinely reached out at the time God knew I was empty. Today, I see cotton candy churches, competing for souls, and I’m heart sick. Jesus did not change His colors to entice someone to love His Father, He told it like it was, and either they were willing or they were not. We all believe according to the “building” we choose to sit and worship in, we all follow a man-made bible, we all are unable to think for ourselves–for the serious lack of guidance from our most precious gift–the Holy Spirit. I have chosen to stay out of the church as of a year ago, it is a social club, with care groups that gather-simply becuase the pastors are too busy to pastor. The church is no longer a sacred ground, the music is no longer holy-spirit inspired, and praise and worship are a display. If Jesus walked through at any given time , He would turn over the very “pews” we sit in, and grieve for the lack of honor due to His Father. We are changing right along with the world. I was a very “cool” teen—but because I was not drawn to God for what He could make attractive to me, my love for Him has remained genuine. Man has changed the word of God to accomodate “human” thinking, but God changes not—we are in trouble.
It’s like some say on here and more. Theres plenty of places online that expose the wrongs about church. I like that tract somewhere online that speaks of the true temple and explains the true church is not a place we go but helping the poor. The rich and popular real estate individual cons are the problem. Realtors continue to support local church funds. Lots of nepotism runs in the south. Southern churches are condemning individuals for wearing or speaking their minds about Jesus in our bodies. Maybe someday somebody will speak for those of us that are tired of the wealthy church members and pastors controlling politics all over the south!
You can choose to or not to go to church. The one thing God gave us is choice. And yes, we are the church. But remember “we” are not “I” am. Together we make up the body of Christ and His church. You can’t do it alone. That’s why there are other people around you. Yes, there are many churches that are boring and not doing the right thing. Don’t go to that church. Find a church that is rooted in the Word and appeals to you. If I want to lose weight, yes, I can do it at home all by myself. But if I’m serious, I’ll go to a good gym with people and trainers who can help me get the results I want. A good church brings people to your life that can help you grow stronger spiritually. PLUS, there are gifts within you that should be shared with others. There is something that you can share with someone that can change their life for the better. Why stay at home keeping it to yourself?
Don’t let the mistakes of a few churches ruin you from going. Also, sometimes people stop going to church because of an instance or perceived instance with an individual. Talk to the person and have open dialogue. Sometimes you can resolve the situation without resorting to the extreme of banning church all together. I dislike some lawyers, but that doesn’t mean I don’t uphold the law. I dislike some doctors, but that doesn’t mean that medicine can’t help me. Don’t let the actions of people prevent you from church or the services it can provide you. And if push comes to shove, start a church. Meet with friends and grow together. We can do far more together and we can sitting alone at home. I wish you a very blessed Easter and pray that you find a church that will change your mind. Much love from Montgomery.