Why Join A Local Church

[@evangelinarico7270]

I have attending a church for 8years and for the first time learn why it is important to be a part of a church. thank you .

[@lovelife7145]

What's wrong with people, the man of God has taught a wonderful message and people are here disputing it, really?

[@georgiawessling7987]

I attend a Methodist Church. I have attended there for at least 15 or more years. I would love to go to the church I grew up in, but at 81, I could only attend once or twice a month. I would not be able to take complete part in their work. I am church librarian, a liturgist when needed, help with the local food bank for our community and housed in our church. I was even a asst. treasurer for 3 years. I am accepted as a worker in the church even though I refuse to become a member.

[@gatekeeper96740]

Google :Hegelian Dialectic and Diaprax This is from the Frankfurt School. Diaprax is having someone who has an opinion contrary to the one you want them to have and leading them in small ideological steps in the direction of the opinion you want them to have until they have arrived at that opinion, ideology or way of thought. Basically it is intentionally manipulating someone to change their opinion.

[@RicandLori]

dear gatekeeper96740, as a native of the hawaiian islands i know very well how the churches are there. I strong recommend Waipio Grace Brethern near Mililani, Oahu (if that is where you are from). Pastor Frank serves God's people well and is and excellent shepherd!

[@dianemcginnis6163]

I haven't gone to church for many years. Is Jesus going to punish me ? I seem I can't go ? But I do Love Jesus and believe. I consider my life nothing to me . My husband left me on my 25th wedding anniversary . I've been so sad in tears.

[@annamariepoppa3536]

You've had a great loss; a traumatic life changing event. I'm sure you know it's normal to be sad in such a time as this. Please know this is but a "season" in your life. Seasons change over time. We experience great losses in life. It's good to mourn these losses. In time tho, our heavenly Father desires that we come to Him for comfort and peace. God desires that, in time, we once again embrace the lives He's given us, embrace the beauty around us, and to once again allow joy into our lives. I'm 66. I can't imagine life if my husband just up and left me one day. God will deal with your husband. I truly pray the Holy Spirit ministers to your heart, mind, and all your practical needs. God bless you.

[@adamjohnston85]

Really get a lot out of your sermons. God bless you alistair

[@annamariepoppa3536]

Each true believer in Jesus Christ as Savior is "the church", the "bride of Christ". Scripture does say that we are not to neglect the gathering of ourselves together. We have grown up believing that "the church" means a specific denomination, a building, the established religions, etc. You, as a true believer, and I ARE "the church body(ies). An "organized church" starts out with " two or more" like thinking believers gathering, regularly, to worship our heavenly Father and praise the Lord and study the scriptures. As word gets out that you are doing this, the Holy Spirit will call others to your group to hear God's pure word. Before you know it you've got a "congregation" of more than 2 or 3 people, right? So, little by little "structuring" must occur so that God given gifts, talents, and personally preordained good works can be used to bring glory to our LORD, as per the written scriptures. I believe that pastors like Allister Begg, and many other Bible believing/teaching pastors truly have a heart for the LORD and do the best they can in fulfilling their calling to spread the gospel message. "Corporate" churches grow, naturally, as The Truth and The Way are taught always with the Holy Spirits guidance. I agree with another comment here, if you are dissatisfied with nearby churches, open your home and invite others in to regularly hear, study, God's word. We "gather" so as to be means of encouragement, support, and testimonies of God's word and goodness. May God bless us all with an abundance of mercies and grace. In the name of our Lord we pray. Amen

[@gatekeeper96740]

Dear Alister, If the churches here were teaching the gospel I would go, but they are teaching new age ideas,contemplative prayer,they are part of NAR, Word of Faith and things you would not believe.So I stay home.They love Mark Driscoll,Beth Moore,John Piper and follow an Oprah Winfrey stye of gospel. Hawaii is a very left leaning state and the churches show it.

[@athenaparish72]

What if you are denied membership

[@evaadams4243]

what did he say at 33:07 to 08? "...may actually fit the ____?" thanks

[@evaadams4243]

SonOfThunder very much appreciated. thank you.

[@Chipotleman64]

"metaphors" ?? I, also, had a hard time hearing that word.

[@chrismcmillan9329]

Gatekeeper, it is hard for me to believe that in your area there is not a church you can attend. If you are convinced that all churches in your area are reprobate (which I highly doubt is the case), then start one. The "one another" commands in the New Testament are not conditional. God expects all of His people to be actively engaged in a local church.

[@harveyge1]

Problems: 1) No scripture that says you have to belong to the local church. 2) This whole presentat, with all of its idealizing and moralizing, is a perfect example of obnoxious manipulation by the organized church. 3) Practically every form of the organized denominational church is by nature corporational and insensitive to the individual. 4) Creative worship is not generally acknowledged by the organized church. 5) Artistic, sensitive people are not usually pack oriented and are naturally considered to be a fringe element by the organized church; and attempts to include artistic people always fail. 6) Virtually all forms of the organized church seem obnoxiously pragmatic and moralizing. 7) Proof of all of this is that people who leave the organized church and do not "join a church" are anathematized.

[@normanpelley]

clueless much?

[@bfinn6160]

Dear brother. Your knowledge of scripture is lacking. We are all parts of the same body. That is the church. The bride of Christ. How can you be part of a body you have no contact or knowledge of. Paul started churches. Why? Because in order to edify one another we need to meet. When two or more are present for the worship of God, the Holy Spirit is present. I could go on and on. You don't know what you don't know. Join a solid Gospel church and learn from those with deep knowledge of the word, which is Christ.

[@rahelhorvat1471]

@@bfinn6160 satan infiltrated local churches, ideally where 2-3 are gathered is just a wishful thinking these days.

[@fernandogallardo3458]

Church membership is not biblical...If you are already a member of the body of Christ, you don't need a church membership card...The apostles of Jesus did not make church members of the body of Christ, because they knew better not to...The ministers are making church members of the body of Christ...God did not call you to be a member of any church organization.