What does this statement mean for ex-Upcers?

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by crakjak

If a church is a substitute for "family" and fills the social needs of individuals, of course leaving for whatever reason leaves a huge void.

Our leaving, over twenty-five years ago was because all of the above left a void in our seeking and fulfilling God's calling in our lives. If you have enough services and fellowships you can feel fulfilled without much relationship with Jesus.

The number one calling for a Christian is to "know God" in a personal and intimate relationship, this requires a broad knowledge of the Word of God, and personal and continual fellowship with Him. Services and fellowship is not the same thing as what I have described above.

Then number two calling is "what has He called you to do? And doing it as an outflowing of your relationship with Him.

If you have to have constant input from preachers, in the form of Bible stories with a cute twist, you don't have relationship with Jesus. If you couldn't go to your church would you still walk with God?

I don't miss any of what we left, we still have relationship with those that were our friends for the most part. I don't mean for this to sound as bashing, the UPC was a very important part of growth, it was the path God lead us thru, He is our Lord we only desire to go where He leads.

You have to do what you have to do. I understand.

I've been in some terrible church situations, but God always opened a door - He either moved the man or moved us. It's all about waiting.