Author Topic: Gave Up on Church (Read 1583 times)

Swampman · « **on:** March 20, 2010, 04:27:35 AM »

After over 50 years my wife and I gave up. I don't think I'll ever go back.

victorcharlie · « **Reply #1 on:** March 20, 2010, 04:35:13 AM »

What happened?

Swampman · « **Reply #2 on:** March 20, 2010, 04:39:11 AM »

The piano player treated my wife like crap and nobody cared. 1/2 the doctrine wasn't Biblical anyway but I tried to over look that. I'm just churched out....too much dramma, and not enough preaching the Gospel and saving of souls.

mjbgalt · « **Reply #3 on:** March 20, 2010, 04:48:24 AM »

maybe the piano player doesn't know any better, she wasn't a remington shooter?

Glanceblamm · « **Reply #4 on:** March 20, 2010, 04:54:04 AM »

Try to find a new church. Dont give up on God. Try to forgive the piano player because God forgives us.

Swampman · « **Reply #5 on:** March 20, 2010, 05:05:07 AM »

I haven't given up on God and I don't hold anything against anyone. I just gave up on Church.

mjbgalt · « **Reply #6 on:** March 20, 2010, 05:06:21 AM »

i also gave up on church. it turned me off as well and i don't blame him. the lying and backstabbing and gossiping and such going on supposedly in God's name was too much for me.

Swampman · « **Reply #7 on:** March 20, 2010, 05:08:01 AM »

Quote from: mjbgalt on March 20, 2010, 05:06:21 AM

i also gave up on church. it turned me off as well and i don't blame him. the lying and backstabbing and gossiping and such going on supposedly in God's name was too much for me.

I didn't know we went to the same place

gwhilikerz · « **Reply #8 on:** March 20, 2010, 05:12:31 AM »

Swampman it is ok to give up on a church but don't give up on God. Churches sometimes become more about the money (tithes, plate offerings, love offerings, etc.) than about studying God's Word. The building becomes the important thing in some churches. I grew up amongst a bunch of preacher Uncles and cousins. They almost turned me away from what I saw as "religion" because what they were preaching just made no sense to me. Later I tried several churches, looking for somewhere to fit in. I finally decided that there were no local churches that actually teach God's Word as I think it should be taught: word by word, line by line, verse by verse. So I don't look anymore. I study the Bible daily, talk with God daily, and try to do things HIS way.
I'm not knocking churches too much since most do teach moral values.

gwhilikerz · « **Reply #9 on:** March 20, 2010, 05:29:15 AM »

GB, respectfully, Why was this thread moved? Are we not allowed certain subjects around the stove?

lakota · « **Reply #10 on:** March 20, 2010, 05:36:47 AM »

I am glad to see others that feel the same way I do. I grew sick and tired of the judgemental hypocrites. Back stabbing gossiping etc.

I am to the point that I no longer believe in organised religion. Too many people use religion as an excuse to do terrible things to other people.

bobg · « **Reply #11 on:** March 20, 2010, 05:40:31 AM »

I gave up for the same reason you did mjbgalt. I couldn't believe it. I will probably never go again. I have a couple other reasons but they are better left unsaid.
bobg

williamlayton · « **Reply #12 on:** March 20, 2010, 05:51:58 AM »

There is no perfect church or church go'er.
If there was I would join.
Then it would not be perfect anymore.
Blessings

Swampman · « **Reply #13 on:** March 20, 2010, 06:18:58 AM »

I didn't expect perfect. I din't expect sinister either.

nomosendero · « **Reply #14 on:** March 20, 2010, 06:52:35 AM »

So whether or not you go to any Church hinged on a piano player!

More study could be of benefit.

Swampman · « **Reply #15 on:** March 20, 2010, 06:56:13 AM »

It wasn't about the piano player.......it was about the politics.

Dee · « **Reply #16 on:** March 20, 2010, 07:44:23 AM »

Quote from: williamlayton on March 20, 2010, 05:51:58 AM

There is no perfect church or church go'er.
If there was I would join.
Then it would not be perfect anymore.
Blessings

Plus One on this statement William.

Gentlemen everyone has rationalized this in their minds, and I too have threatened to quit attending because of some transgression against me or someone else, but in the end it is nothing more than a failure on ones part to obey God, and yes, that INCLUDES YOU. Now before you get mad at ME, I assure you I am only repeating what God said.

Now this is what God has to say about it: Hebrews Chapter 10 verse 25. NOT FORSAKING THE ASSEMBLING OF OURSELVES TOGETHER, AS THE MANNER OF SOME IS; BUT EXHORTING ONE ANOTHER: and so much the more, AS YE SEE THE DAY APPROACHING.

A friend once told me: You can spend a couple hours a week with those hypocrites or, you can spend eternity with them.

And once again God says: Hebrews Chapter 12 verse 3. For CONSIDER HIM THAT ENDURED SUCH CONTRADICTION OF SINNERS AGAINST HIMSELF, LEAST YE BE WEARIED AND FAINT IN YOUR MINDS.

CHRIST HIMSELF TOLERATED, AND WAS PERSECUTED BY THE SE SAME HYPOCRITCS AND ENDURED HOURS ON THE CROSS AT THEIR HANDS. CAN YOU NOT SPEND AN HOUR A WEEK WITH THEM.? PERHAPS WE NEED TO LOOK IN OUR OWN CLOSETS. DIDN'T HE SAY IN MATTHEW: LET HE WHO IS WITHOUT SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE?

When you look at a sermon and say: I didn't get anything out of that sermon. WELL! Maybe that sermon wasn't FOR YOU. We are to be WITNESSES TO OTHERS, both saved and lost, and when we FORSAKE THE ATTENDENCE WE ARE COPPING OUT, and failing God IN THAT AREA OF OUR WALK..

EVERYTHING WE SAY AND DO, OTHERS, OUR FAMILY, OUR CHILDREN, GRAND CHILDREN, FRIENDS, AND EVEN FOLKS WE DON'T KNOW ARE WATCHING. SO I WOULD ENCOURAGE EACH OF YOU TO RECONSIDER.

mauser98us · « **Reply #17 on:** March 20, 2010, 08:24:11 AM »

Dee right on the money.We all fall short of the mark.I'm sure I did something in church that torked somebody off and likewise. The great pretender wants us all to fall out of fellowship with other beleivers. That is why he tries to separate us from other beleivers. Easier to pick off one than a group of like minded people. My suggestion to Swampy,is to find a non-denominal church that teaches the word verse by verse and does not use verses with the pastor giving his opinion.Cavalry chapel was one I went to that I really liked. I'm not pushing them,but they are a pretty good model of what to look for. Blessings for you new search Swampy.

gwhilikerz · « **Reply #18 on:** March 20, 2010, 08:48:17 AM »

DEE that would be a good argument IF God had meant we had to associate with so-called christians because they claim to be Christians. Or that we had to nod our heads and be polite to false teachings. But God said not to associate with such and not to follow them. In fact he said not even wish them "God's Speed". Are you telling me that I have to go to church to get to Heaven? If so, sorry you are just wrong.

Dee · « **Reply #19 on:** March 20, 2010, 09:55:04 AM »

Well gwhilikerz, you are telling me that I am wrong, and I have given no such opinions, nor made any such statements. You have read into my post many things that I did not say, nor imply. I simply quoted scripture, and stated that one should obey God concerning the gathering of Christians together to support one another. It would seem that you have just did, OR IMPLIED, what you say you are against.
I am neither wrong, nor argumentative on the subject, I was both BIBLICAL & INFORMATIVE, by supplying the scripture, while you have distorted what I said, into something I did not say, and then laying it on me.
Not all churches are as you and others have described, and the simple solution is to simply say, I DON'T WANT TO GO TO CHURCH. There are no perfect churches, and there are no perfect Christians, and truly some are better than others, but if one goes to church looking for fault, one will find it, as well as blame, and if one is going to church seeking God, one will find HIM.
You do not go to church to be served, or coddled. You go to church to serve.

If doctrine is bad, it is YOUR CHRISTIAN DUTY BY ORDER OF GOD, to challenge that bad doctrine. 1st Timothy Chapter 4 verse 6. If thou put the brethren in REMEMBRANCE of these things,thou shalt be a "good minister" of JESUS CHRIST, nourished up in the WORDS OF FAITH AND OF "GOOD DOCTRINE", whereunto thou has attained.
Even Peter had to be reprimanded by Paul for slipping into false teachings and bad doctrine, and I doubt any of us here was more dedicated than Peter. It's all in how one's heart is turned. Opened or Closed.
I have had the uncomfortable duty of confronting both a Pastor, and a Youth Pastor concerning bad doctrine. It was discouraging for a while but, eventual enlightenment was eventually accepted in one case, and dismissal from the church in the other case, although he did go to yet another church.
I am still at that same church and the Pastor and I are still good friends.
Now also take note and remember that I did not confront you, nor call you by name in my first post, but instead you responded to my post by name, and I am replying.

scootrd · « **Reply #20 on:** March 20, 2010, 10:24:46 AM »

I walked away from church (not God) a long time ago. I had some very very bad experiences with the institution of church.
I have come to the belief Church does it's upmost to divide people. The Baptists think the Presbyterians are wrong , The Presbyterians think the Catholics are wrong , the Catholics think the Methodists are wrong , and on and on cause that waht church tries to tell us ... Church has become political, with somebody having to be wrong so somebody else can feel they are right. I just decided I wanted no part in institutions that divide Christians rather than concentrate on what we as Christians have in common.

There are many paths through the woods and as practicing Christians I don't believe any of them are wrong as long as we ultimately end up in the same place, and take care of each other along the way. I still read my Bible, and still love my God, and still try to be a good man. My "church" is now being outside in the woods exploring all the wonders God Gave us.

williamlayton · « **Reply #21 on:** March 20, 2010, 10:29:39 AM »

There is only one bad doctrine, denying Christ is who He says He is.
Pre-trib, post-trib, mid-trib, Free will, doctrines and covenants, security of the saints, anilationism, churh ages are all wars that have been fought and nobody won.
I can live with aminianism and loss of salvation, listen to it preached and still fellowship. Now, I will admit that I am different and it doesn't bother me what another thinks on these subjects and they seem to get a little defensive when discussing these issues. That said I can live with things that I have studied and come to conclusions about because they do not effect anothers relationship with Christ.
Some folks just got to have it their way or you find the highway. They normally don't really know what they believe or why and just mimic what they have heard.
Blessings

Dee · « **Reply #22 on:** March 20, 2010, 11:09:03 AM »

The most misunderstood concept of the "Church", is believing that it is a structure or denomination. It is neither. The Church is the Christian himself collectively or alone. God instructs us to gather together, to comfort, encourage, and support one other, but a Pastor, and a denominational building do not a Church make.

gwhilikerz · « **Reply #23 on:** March 20, 2010, 12:19:16 PM »

Dee (I called you by name) That is the best job of diverting I have ever seen. You took everything that was said and twisted it so you can claim to be innocent. Then you put in just enough complaining to call it to the attention of the rulers of this site. It is time for me to take a vacation and let you pound on you chest like tarzan. Self righteous religious hypocrits ruin things all the way around. One cannot have a decent discussion when it comes to religion when the know-it-alls are lurking. I'm pretty sure GB will end my participation here but that needed to be said. Bye

Dee · « **Reply #24 on:** March 20, 2010, 12:50:54 PM »

powderman · « **Reply #25 on:** March 20, 2010, 01:07:45 PM »

there are only 2 types of churches. #1 is a gathering place for the saints, you've all seen them. #2 is a hospitol for sinners, I am a member of that one. POWDERMAN.

Swampman · « **Reply #26 on:** March 20, 2010, 01:42:10 PM »

I assemble myself with my wife. The church is of the devil as far as I'm concerned. You can have it.

torpedoman · « **Reply #27 on:** March 20, 2010, 03:55:36 PM »

organized religion is a very good thing for the organizers. I don't recall reading were Jesus ever preached in a church.

hillbill · « **Reply #28 on:** March 20, 2010, 04:11:19 PM »

worship in the woods, god made it, enjoy it.where are yu closer to god than in the woods?

Darrell Davis · « **Reply #29 on:** March 20, 2010, 04:21:23 PM »

If I could find a perfect church, it wouldn't be as soon as I began to attend!

Not one Christian is anything more then a sinner saved by grace.

And no matter how much or how long I "try" to be "good enough" I just won't make it.

Salvation is a gift, bought and paid for by the blood of a sinless Christ and that blood is the only thing able to make me worthy of God's grace and salvation.

Keep em coming!

CDOC