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Comment List
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I think, if you are that unhappy and do not have the beautiful gift of fellowshipping with other believers, it is time to go.
There are so many wonderful churches out there that teach the Word of Christ and would welcome you with open arms.
I think, and this is purely my own opinion, that this has been weighing heavily on your heart and perhaps God's is saying it is time to move on.
Your church, should be a wonderful place of solace and peace and hope! And when you enter you should feel wanted and loved and 'at home'.
I am still praying for you each day and asking God to show you where you should be and maybe He has answered this prayer.
In truth and friendship, ML
2007-08-16 21:42:42 Posted by Mary Lou ()
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Thanks ML for your concern and prayers.
I honestly don't feel as bad about my church as this sounded. I meant to contrast a functioning church with a non-functioning one. I had to re-read my post to see that it sounded so personal.
I am wondering the final question but I'm not sure which answer it will be. When our "kids" move this month we will be free of commitments and we'll see if the Holy Spirit frees us then to go.
Sorry it sounded so grave.
2007-08-16 22:01:11 Posted by Jon ()
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Hi Jon. Good point. I wonder also. Maybe we need to let the Lord have this one.
In Gods Love.
2007-08-16 23:04:11 Posted by Bro Larry ()
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Jon,
That's ok. Vent it if you need to. I am glad to know that others' frustrations can echo my own.
My take: If Doctrine that opposes the Gospel of Christ itself is part of that 'church' -- Then Leave. Everything else, stick with it as long as God blesses you with the grace and strenth to do so. Some may some call this or that doctrine when it is not. I wouldn't leave even for that, if what they call or act as if is Doctrine is not opposed to Christ. I don't think we always see the purpose he has for us, and because of that are ready to follow our own wisdom too easily.
So how much can you take? Not mine to answer. Pretty simple. Your call. Even if you don't want to make the call. Sorry, Bro.
I am reading right about in the book of 1 Cor right now. I cheated. I read ahead. (but I go back and re-read a past day too here and there -- I can't help it sometimes.)
Saturdays section is this:
1 Cor 11:17-34
And right in the middle of it:
11:19
Read that little scripture by itself. When you figure it out, read it in the bigger context of what is around it. Does the undestanding you are given still make sense? I am not speaking of looking for deep secret meanings, Jon. Just what it says plainly.
God is Glorified even if it is not what we see. It is for us and our benefit that we give him glory. Even our divisions? Yes!
I might be way out there. This is not something to think 'I have the answer' and then just move on. I am with you in this, even if you are doing something I can't understand. Truthfully, I am not even 100% sure that attitude is right, but if it's not, God's gotta have some way to set me staight already figured out...
Your Brother,
Mel
2007-08-16 23:44:59 Posted by Mel ()
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17In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. 18In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. 19No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God's approval...
I suppose the differences would indicate that there were a few there who did understand God's will in these meetings. In other words at least there is someone there speaking out, trying to improve things from the inside. Yes, that is why I'm still there. And I suppose I could stay until it felt like my presence was not having any positive effect.
Right?
2007-08-16 23:54:03 Posted by Jon ()
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17In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. 18In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. 19No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God's approval...
I suppose the differences would indicate that there were a few there who did understand God's will in these meetings. In other words at least there is someone there speaking out, trying to improve things from the inside. Yes, that is why I'm still there. And I suppose I could stay until it felt like my presence was not having any positive effect.
Right?
2007-08-17 00:02:13 Posted by Jon ()
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I would think that is the clear meaning, yes! Our purpose in Christ's Body. Something to think about, I guess.
In Grace,
Mel
2007-08-17 00:18:31 Posted by Mel ()
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I have come to some realizations in this matter as there once was a time when I thought to leave. God's own words to me gave me very stern instructions not to move! Thing is, that even my desire to leave had more to do with me and how I was feeling about things than it had to do with God and His people. I was aggravated with the board, the lack of passion, the hierarchy, and the general unconcern. That was at least 5 yrs. ago. I have grown a wee bit in this time and realize that even if I stand amongst a very small remnant, there is a remnant.(read 1 Kings 19:18) As long as satan sits on the roof and not in the pew, we are doing pretty well.
We truly must seek God's will when we make any sort of big decision. But maybe the question isn't "is there anything here for me?" but rather, "do you need me here?" Many people walk out of churches because they feel they are no longer being served. Few, because they are no longer being used. Just the thought that being used is that important to a person, shows the reality of their walk with God. And that kind of person is not going anywhere without specific instruction from God, right?
We must remember......
Even the most feeble body needs a backbone.
In His Service,
2007-08-17 05:47:58 Posted by Teri ()
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