Quote:
Originally Posted by Esphes45
I think we are talking about two different things. 
But the line I highlighted above - How can you assume he has the wrong attitude? Maybe his feelings are justified and she is just plain blind as to what is going on? Like I said, I am going through a similar thing. My wife knows the church is wrong but refuses to stop going because she does not want the feeling of being "lost". Me on the other hand feels it is a waste of time, effort and gas money to go to a place you feel in your heart is not right. The church is in you, not a building. |
Correct the church is not a building, but incorrect it is not in you. You must be in it. The church is the body of Christ and you may become part of that body, but it is the Holy Spirit which will dwell inside us. The people who make up the assembly are the church. If you neglect the assembling then you are in essence neglecting the church. Which if you profess to be a part of, then how can you feel it is not unnecessary to assemble.
The particularly located assembly in which we attend I believe should be God's will. If a person feels that it is God's will for them to be a part of that assembly then they won't be easily shaken over the trials they will face in any family relationship. The problem is that too many view the church as just religious practice rather than the family of God. The church is your brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, etc.....
You surely wouldn't turn your back on your family. It is a fact that most people never connect to the body. They are independent and never lean on anyone and over time that independence becomes dangerous. Without the iron sharpening iron, are views become one sided and we can easily drift in heresy. Also my church family challenges me to live a good life. When we are isolated it is easier to fall into sin because no one is close enough to see. It is easy to justify things to ourselves, but not so easy to justify to others.
I assume his attitude is wrong by not leading his family spiritually. By this attitude, "I'll quit" he is teaching his children that the body of Christ is not valuable. The building you attend is not the body of Christ, but the people you gather with are. Sure some may be hypocrites and fakes, but you should know them that labor among you. Seek out godly relationships among your local fellowship and then use church service's as an opportunity in which you can minister in the body.
We look to the pastor as the only minister figure in the church.Wrong understanding. We are supposed to minister to one another. Elders (pastors) are there for their wisdom and leadership. I hope that God reveals to you the church as it actually is. These traditional services most have on Sundays and Wednesday are man made, but that doesn't mean that we aren't to utilize them. We aren't to be rebels in the body causing disunity. Instead if we have deeper revelation about something we should help steer others in that right direction.
If it is not God's will for you at a church then find where He would have you be. Labor there until he comes.
