Posted on 07/01/2024 5:59:45 PM PDT by Patriot777
After being unchurched for a number of years, I felt that it was very much time that I once again become part of a body of fellow believers in Christ Jesus. I knew The Lord desired this of me, and I felt His urging in my spirit for a long time. I decided to act upon it, and even though the Saturday before I began to encounter feelings of apprehension and fear, I decided and thought to myself, “That I should not fear, for who is it that shall stand against God, and what He wants for me? That I can once again attend church, and enjoy the fellowship of other believers in Christ Jesus.”
I longed for being a part of a church like I had been viewing through YouTube, which was in Hawaii. So much love there, Pastor J.D. Faraq, and such a Presence of The Holy Spirit!
I had looked upon the online site for the church I was to visit a few times in the past, to find out where it was and the attendance times. Sunday school, church, Wednesday night service, it was like when I was a child and then a teenager. I grew excited that I could attend more frequently.
So I went to church that morning. The drive was around 25 minutes, but to be able to attend a church that was looking from all aspect to be as non-judgmental, inviting and loving per the site, such a Blessing it would be. Well-established, seemingly mature in the things of The Lord.
Now begs the question(s), Was this congregation more spiritually mature than me? Are my reactions to what has occurred valid? We are in The Last Days before Christ’s Return, so very very close we cannot imagine. Time is so short! And the need so great, not for just me but for those we love, those Jesus Loves. Which is everyone on this earth.
Three Sundays I attended. Twice greeted, I seated myself. No one spoke to me, except the pastor when I went forward to ask prayer for my beloved husband as he needs surgery but asked also for prayer for his healing. Three times I attended, each time the pastor preached from Acts about how many things Paul went through, at this point where he had been stoned and got back up, went back into town, and the next day on to another city.
No one came and talked to me, sat with me. Has that time past? This congregation is country, boots and jeans, some traditional garb, skirt, blouse. Members busy about excitedly chatting with each other, families to families, kids, etc. I wore boots and jeans and a good shirt. Not fussy. No blingy junk.
Ok, so who am I trying to impress? Who was I there to TALK TO. WHO was I there to worship? Oh my gosh have I made a mistake?!
Here’s the whole point to this. My husband has not attended church since he was a boy, and this man is as meek and gentle and giving any kind and compassionate as John, Jesus’ disciple was.
These people did not look to bother or appear to seem or just whatever, not desire or completely oblivious of my presence. They would do the same to my beloved John. No they won’t.
Take hold of The Scriptures, The Word of God, and hold it against your heart and hold it out to those you teach and preach to and tell them to read it! Follow it! Like the pastor at this church did. Seemed to beg them to. People ARE receiving Christ there. They are making 180s in their lives and getting back on track where they’ve strayed.
I need to pray and ask The Lord whether to keep visiting this church or go elsewhere. Time is short. It is ALWAYS short. No church has it “all together” but seriously they need to be.
Am I wrong to be thinking this? This isn’t pride or anything in that or like it or self-anything. This is, my husband must see Christ in a church body being lived out. Or online worship or TV it shall remain.
You go to church to worship God and hear his word preached.
Many churches have the fellowship part after the service.
It is lonely attending a service alone. Small churches have better fellowships but larger churches often have more small groups where you join others in outreach.
Perhaps try an Orthodox church. I never looked back...
oca.org
“offers them coffee and snacks”
Are you KIDDING me?! Coffee and snacks? At CHURCH?
“It has over two hundred members and is growing at a solid pace.”
You think that’s because it’s a good church? It’s because ... coffee and snacks. It’s called “seeker friendly” which = compromise.
‘Church of the Itching Ear’...
I will have to share your opinion—I am sure they will be fascinated by it.
:-)
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