[stanne]

In the practicing Catholicism to attend Mass every Sunday is a tenet.

[righttackle44]

Because of a physical condition, I have not been able to attend Church for the past several years.

Perhaps the problem is being resolved, and I look forward joyfully to the day I can continue to participate in group worship with the members of my church family.

But what this experience tells me is that it is nonsense to believe that one can adequately worship by oneself if one is constantly without the fellowship of Christians people.

I call lies and foolishness to those who say they can worship God in a fishing boat on Sunday morning every week as well as they can in church.

The New Testament itself admonishes Christians to not forsake assembling together with other Christians (Hebrews 10:25).

I have found out first hand that there are numerous good and practical reason for that admonition.

[Carriage Hill]

Ping.

[HangnJudge]

I converted my church going to serving a hospital and it’s patients. Over 20% care rendered is “tithed” to those who can’t pay, I witness daily, but the task definitely falls into “pulling cow from a ditch” on the sabbath. Awaiting the next call to task as I’m close to retiring, Would like greatly to return to church in service.

[Responsibility2nd]

I find it astonishing, sad but astonishing that she neglected the number one answer.

If you really want to seek God, you will read his Word.

[vetvetdoug]

Since the funeral of my wife I cannot enter a church and sit down without crying. 19 years and it still hurts immeasurably. I read the Bible almost every night and wear a necklace of St. Francis of Assisi and say a prayer each morning when I put it on. I pray for the Lord's forgiveness and lovingkindness for not attending church but I hate to have people look at me crying so I no longer try. I've tried over the years thinking I would be over it but to no avail. I guess its some form of PTSD.

[trebb]

Acknowledge His existence every day... whether it be to thank Him for our blessings, or to ask Him for guidance, or to acknowledge the beauty He has provided us...saying Grace before meals is also a good way to acknowledge Him and Jesus.
Talk of Him with others - believers and non-believers alike...

[Texas Eagle]

Great article. Thanks for posting.

[glennaro]

“let’s state the obvious: “Nature is God and God is Nature.”

Absolutely wrong. The very foundation of Judeo-Christianity is that there is only one God and that God is above nature. In monotheism we don’t worship the multiple gods of the pagans.

So, although God’s presence may be manifested in the wonders of nature, it is essential to know that God and nature are not equivalent.

[Texas Eagle]

Psalm 103:2 ESV

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits

[Cottonpatch]

The vital importance of knowledge is revealed in many places in the Bible. Here is one from the prophet Hosea—
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee” (4:6).

But there is one in the Psalms even stronger—
“Man that is in honor, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish” (49:20).

Coming to the New Testament, we have this from Paul—
“We do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that you might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
“That you might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col 1:9-10)

It is amazing to talk to professed Christians and see how superficial their knowledge is of Jesus. Therefore let us look into the Bible that we may learn of him.

God has said in His Word all we need to know Him.

[MissEdie]

Wow- you have no idea how much I needed this! My family and I are in what I call a “Crisis of Faith”, not because of doubting Him, but because we have stopped going to our church because of the way our daughter was treated (long story in and of itself). We are lost in that we do not have a church home and I really want one. However, for various reasons we have yet to visit other churches in our area. I was just speaking to God about my hurt in not having a church home when I clicked on FR and here your post is!! Thank you!!!!

[missthethunder]

Amazing Grace 40 Treasured Hymns Tennessee Ernie Ford
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDBNGuODNlg

[MomwithHope]

I would hate to see this thread descend into an argument, especially over what church is best. What we should be doing is encouraging each other. There are people who are on a spiritual journey and those who are not, or are on an evil journey. Whatever our free will chooses will be a definite journey, with highs and lows and turns. Once we make that choice God’s will for our lives is a goal worth pursuing and He will lead us. To me that is what is important.

[Truthoverpower]

The church is corrupt. To the core. Only Christ is pure

[ThePatriotsFlag]

Organized religion... God’s rules according to man.