On Leaving Church (L)

[Originalist]

http://billmuehlenberg.com/2014/12/26/on-leaving-church/

This is a powerful article! It reminded me how many of our churches are "Apostolic" in name only thinking that being Apostolic solely centers around Acts 2:38, the Godhead, and outward holiness. Check out these tantalizing quotes from the article......

"The Dones are fatigued with the Sunday routine of plop, pray and pay. They want to play. They want to participate. But they feel spurned at every turn."

“If the Holy Spirit was withdrawn from the church today, 95 percent of what we do would go on and no one would know the difference. If the Holy Spirit had been withdrawn from the New Testament church, 95 percent of what they did would stop, and everybody would know the difference.” A.W. Tozer

[Esphes45]

I agree totally. I was in the routine for a long time.

[thephnxman]

http://billmuehlenberg.com/2014/12/26/on-leaving-church/

This is a powerful article! It reminded me how many of our churches are "Apostolic" in name only thinking that being Apostolic solely centers around Acts 2:38, the Godhead, and outward holiness. Check out these tantalizing quotes from the article......

Powerful? Convincing...maybe. Close the doors to the temple?

The doors should be OPENED WIDE, 24 hours a day, with an invitation to seek God in repentance and prayer.

A huge sign should be over the doors: OPEN FOR REPAIRS: 24 HOURS A DAY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Only the prayer altar should be accessible.

[Originalist]

Powerful? Convincing...maybe. Close the doors to the temple?

The doors should be OPENED WIDE, 24 hours a day, with an invitation to seek God in repentance and prayer.

A huge sign should be over the doors: OPEN FOR REPAIRS: 24 HOURS A DAY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Only the prayer altar should be accessible.


But we have the best music in town!! ;)

[thephnxman]

But we have the best music in town!! ;)

If you can play the harp, as David did, then there would be some
awesome prayer meetings!

[Michael The Disciple]

I was "done" in 1983.

[thephnxman]

I was "done" in 1983.

Beloved, who "done" you in?

[shazeep]

the doctrine of Original Sin. the cure is to become creation centered. Read Original Blessing with an open mind.

[Rudy]

It's an issue that I don't think will go away.

Church seems to be about property, programs for youth, and money.

Plop-pray-pay.

Well folks, I guess it's time to start fasting and praying for a change to come. Or just shut-up and pay up.

[shazeep]

well of course we learn in study that believers are the actual Church; and "church" makes a good nursery, i think.

[Esphes45]

Plop-pray-pay.

.

:heeheehee. That says it all right there.

[The Lemon]

Interesting thread....sadly, I can't stand up and say I don't know where this is coming from - I have been there, more than once I'm afraid.

Having said that, I have seen some awesome ministers who are dedicated to reaching souls...not checkbooks, and they are also not afraid to train and send people out to pastor, minister, etc. They do not try to control every tiny detail, nor do they micro manage - quite simply, in their view, there is no time for such nonsense.

I have not been around as much as some, but it does feel like leaders like I described above are few in number.

[KeptByTheWord]

I have not left the church. Yes, I left organized religion. But I know that I am part of the body of Christ, which is the church. I am a temple where the spirit of the most High dwells. I live my life every moment realizing that wherever I go, I am the church. I pray that when people see me, that they just don't see me, but they see Christ in me, the hope of glory.

[ILG]

I haven't been a church member for years. Sometimes I stop in here and there...if I feel like it.

[Rudy]

Humm -- I'm trying to find one.

[commonsense]

We're thought to be heathens, reprobates etc _______ (maybe :foottap) but>>
"Heresy is another word for freedom of thought." - Graham Greene

[thephnxman]

I have not left the church. Yes, I left organized religion. But I know that I am part of the body of Christ, which is the church. I am a temple where the spirit of the most High dwells. I live my life every moment realizing that wherever I go, I am the church. I pray that when people see me, that they just don't see me, but they see Christ in me, the hope of glory.

I like it.

[n david]

http://youtu.be/GYU5aGQV6j0

[Abiding Now]

I feel sorry for some of you, but I love my church, pastor and worship services.

[BrotherEastman]

http://youtu.be/GYU5aGQV6j0

David, that was beautiful my brother!!!!!!