The inconsistent unchurched

Mac claims: “the LORD……summed up his promises to me in one word: WAIT. ”

But then says people who go to churches are ‘wussies’.

Now Mac you cant have it both ways. Is going to church at least potentially a good thing? I would certainly grant you that going to a number of churches whould actually be harmful to your spiritual health. But, assuming the church is a godly one, is it actually possible that going to church might be good for you?

Is it the case then that you are waiting for the right church OR is it the case that you never want to go near church ever again. You cannot have it both ways.

Frankly I do not believe God contradicts the bible. Any modern ‘communications’ from God must be tested by his perfect word. In that sense the bible is his final word.

How many churches are there in town? How many of them have you visited? What is missing from the churches you have seen that would stop you from being a part of them?

I don’t follow the thing about godly women at all…. At the end of the day Mac, if a man is single the only way he is ever going to find a wife is by getting out there and getting to know a few women and asking God to guide him as he goes. Finding a church is similar. Better to go to a couple of dodgy churches on route than sit at home waiting for the right church to hit you between the eyes!

What is your definition of a church ‘on fire for God’? What is the basic minimum you are looking for in a church?

How far away IS the nearest church? If it is that far, how come they are not interested in starting a church in your vicinity?

I always thought America was a relatively Christian nation, in the UK there are hundreds of churches within a two hour drive of my house that I could attend. As it is, I am blessed with a great church that is a ten minute drive away. (You can hear our audio sermons online if you are interested.)

I guess I am suggesting that you try commuting to a church further afield if there really isnt one nearby. Then, if it is too far realistically, moving might be an option. Who knows tho, maybe they will look at a church plant nearby.

Jesus said if you love me you will keep my commands. Being part of the church is a command of Jesus. The vast majority of the new testament is a manual for how to run church (arguably even the gospels are a blueprint for building church with the crouds and the small group of disciples). So in any case, the bible knows nothing of a solitary Christian, only the people of God.

It is interesting isnt it that calvinists (sorry to bring this up!) believe that it is crucial to demonstrate the genuineness of faith by a change of heart (which in my book definitely includes the desire to be with God’s people- birds of a feather flock together and all that!). So the so-called doctrine of ‘Once saved always saved’ actually means that true Christians will persevere to the end. One way we demonstrate perseverance is by committment to the church.

I am not afraid to confront heresies from the pulpit (just listen to my last message on the Grace of God where I certainly call a calvinistic spade a shovel). And yes, if there was a choice between God and my church God would come first. The difference between you and I is that if that happened, I would be in church the following sunday somewhere else.

Now, we hit on the real issue. We live in a rebellious world where true godly servant authority can be seen as ‘overbearing’. I DO NOT support leaders who ‘micro-manage’ lives, but I do value their input. And as the bible says in the full verse I cited before

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you (heb 13:17)

I know that I will not be giving an accounf to God for Mac Swift, even if he listens to every online sermon I have posted (that will take him a while!). He is not one that I am keeping watch over. I am grateful to God for my elders who keep watch over me, and do my bit to help them watch over others in my local church. Like it or not this is in the bible, as is the verse about those who go away from church demonstrating that they were never part of it.

I believe that Mac is backslidden. I hope he will return. I hope I am not wrong in my genuine belief that he is a brother in the Lord. However, if he continues to be out of Church, I will have to ask whether his faith which certainly seems genuine really is the real thing.

It simply isnt good enough to grasp at straws and say ‘I have better verses’ and ignore the vast vast majority of the New Testament which is about the church. (ie letters to churches, the history of the church) and the old testament which sets the scene by telling the story of God’s people.

I look at you Mac, and I cannot judge you as being not of God because of the verse that you speak of. But what work are you doing for God MAc? Jesus spoke of those people who were actively promoting the gospel. If you are not in church, what of your work for God will last after you go? What are other believers missing out on by you not being in a church? If you persist in your rebellion and independence, I would have to seriously question the validity of your salvation. The bible says ‘by their fruit you shall know them’

At the end of the day though, I am glad that it is not for me to ultimately judge. I know though that the church is a means of Gods grace, and by keeping away, you are keeping a distance between you and a major source of God’s blessing on your life. Why ever would you want to do that?